Scientific and Graphical Calculators
For maths AS / A2 courses you will require a scientific calculator. The use of calculators is restricted in some AS and A2 mathematics papers. You should check with your teacher or examinations officer that the calculator you intend to purchase is allowed for use with your maths syllabus.
The QCA website contains a list of calculators that may be used along with other useful information.
We recommend either the Casio FX 83 ES or the Texas TI-36XIIB calculators for your A-level maths course.
We also recommend the Texas TI-82 or the HP 49G+ calculators if you intend taking maths at higher levels or require further functions. Please note, these are not allowed in the current A-level exams.
Casio FX 83 ES Calculator
The FX83ES is a redesigned classic, described by its makers Casio as the "new kid on the block". With 249 functions and the revolutionary Natural Textbook Display you are able to enter expressions as seen in your text books. The FX83ES is designed for Key Stage 3 and above.
Texas TI-36XIIB Maximum Function Scientific calculator
2-Line advanced calculator for professionals and students who require a wide-range of calculating functions.
- 11-digit scrollable entry line, with 10-digit answer and 2-digit exponent.
- Memory retention feature retains previous entries, memory values, and individual statistics elements.
- 5 memories, 20 English/metric conversions, and 11 physical constants.
- Octal, Decimal, and hexadecimal number bases.
- Boolean logic operations.
- Complex number calculations.
- Two-variable statistics with regression.
Texas TI-82 Graphical Schools Calculator
- 8-line by 16-character display.
- Advanced functions accessed through pull-down display menus.
- Graphs rectangular functions, parametric expressions, polar expressions, and recursively-defined sequences.
- Simultaneous graphing of more than one function.
- Interactive analysis of function values, roots, maximums, minimums, integrals, and derivatives.
- Matrix operations including inverse, determinant, transpose, augment, and elementary-row operations.
- Box-and-whisker plots, histograms, scatter diagrams, and regression equation graphs.
- Programming capability with the number of programs limited only by available memory.
HP 49G+ Graphical Calculator
- 2.5 MB of total memory - 512KB of RAM and 2MB of flash ROM
- RPN, algebraic and textbook data-entry modes
- HP Reverse Polish Notation (RPN)
- Customize - inputs and outputs
- Large screen - high-contrast, 131 x 80 pixels
- Fonts - four different font sizes and styles
- 3-D graphics - calculate advanced expressions and view solutions in 2-or 3-D graphical representation
- Flash Memory - allows for future electronic upgrades via USB