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The 10 best calculators to buy in the UK

Picture of a calculator

A calculator is necessary for solving various mathematic problems, being used by both professionals and students. However, with a wide selection of products offering different functions, knowing what the best calculator is for your needs can be rather difficult.

Check out this handy buying guide for all the info you need:

What are calculators?

A calculator is a small electronic device used to make calculations. This can vary from basic arithmetic to complex mathematics, resulting in a wide range of devices designed for specific functions.

Why should you buy a good calculator?

The best calculators make it much easier to perform both basic and complex calculations, making them an incredible useful device for many. For instance, students studying maths at any level with need a suitable calculator, while others use them for making quick and accurate calculations to help with work, budgeting, etc.

How to choose the right calculator in 2024?

Another picture of a calculator

Choosing the right calculator isn’t always easy, so it helps to know what you need from the device. Here are some things to consider:

  • Purpose: One of the easiest ways to find a suitable calculator is to consider why you need it. For instance, if you have an exam or coursework to study, then you will likely need a scientific or graphing calculator. Those that need one for doing arithmetic should be fine with a more basic handheld calculator, while anyone that needs a calculator for their business may benefit from financial calculators that print off documents.
  • Budget: Advanced calculators that offer a range of functions tend to cost a lot more than a basic pocket calculator, so it may help to set yourself a budget. Graphing calculators in particular are rather expensive but may be necessary, so it’s often a good idea to shop around for the best deal possible. Consider buying second hand if you are on a tight budget.
  • Power Source: Many great calculators don’t come with batteries, rather using solar power to operate. While this is environmentally friendly and much cheaper, it can be unreliable in some cases. This isn’t much of a problem for most users, but anyone buying a calculator for an exam should consider a device with a backup battery to ensure it doesn’t die when they need it most!

What is the best kind of calculator in the UK?

There are many types of calculators to choose from, all of which serve various purposes. Some of the most widely used calculators include:

  • Handheld Calculator: The standard calculator that most are familiar with, they come with basic functions that allow the user to add, multiply, subtract, and divide. They can vary in size while some include additional functions such as calculating square roots.
  • Scientific Calculator: Scientific calculators can do a variety of calculations, including statistics, algebra, conversions, and many other mathematical equations. This type of calculator is the most widely used type among students and professionals working in various fields that need to solve complex calculations.
  • Graph Calculator: The most advanced type of calculator, graph calculators come with an incredible range of functions. They include lager screens for displaying graphs, formulas and equations, and are designed for use in advanced maths and science courses, along with professionals working in engineering and science fields. Because of their advanced technology, graph calculators aren’t the cheapest to buy.
  • Financial Calculator: The best calculators for running small businesses, they are designed to quickly process data and provide results that are easy to understand. Their functions are based around calculating finances, such as net spend, cost sell margins, etc. Both students and professionals working/studying in financial fields require this type of calculator.

Top 10 list of calculators in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their calculators. Which calculator is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Casio MX-12B-WE-W-EC calculator
Casio MX-12 Desk Calculator 12-digit Display
  • 3 Digit Comma markers
  • 3-Key Memory
  • Percentage Calculation
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of Bimormat BB-1122-CB calculator
Bimormat Desktop Calculators Solar & Battery Power 12 Digit Large…
  • MULTIPOPULATION APPLICABILITYThis basic desktop calculator is designed for a wide…
  • FOUR-POINT NON-SLIP BASEThe bottom of this basic calculator adopts four-point silicone…
  • COMFORTABLE ANGLE & LARGE DISPLAY:The Calculator is designed with a raised head,…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Casio FX-83GTCW-W-UT calculator
Casio FX-83GTCW Black Scientific Calculator
  • Clip-on on protective hard cover included
  • Recommended and approved for use within Key Stages 3 and 4, to include GCSE, National…
  • Allowed in every UK exam where a calculator can be used
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of HIHUHEN Calculator-C calculator
Calculators HIHUHEN Large Calculator Solar & Battery Power 12…
  • Big ABS plastic button, offer accurate positioning and comfortable texture, support…
  • Auto shut-down in 8min if no further operation.
  • Support +/-(negative)%√ calculation; Rounding off & decimal place setting;…
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TOP 5
Image of Casio MX-12B calculator
Casio mx-12b-bk – Desktop Calculator – 12 Digit Solar…
  • Lightening: simultaneously pressing the keys
  • Margin functions (Mu) and percentage (%)
  • Extra-large easy-to-read display
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of Citizen SDC810NR calculator
Citizen Calculator SDC810NR 10 Digit Black Office Desktop Calculator…
  • Colour: black
  • Water and dust repellent
  • Energy-saving work thanks to automatic shut-off and combined solar and battery o…
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of AURORA DB453B calculator
Aurora DB453B Semi Desktop Calculator (With Tax Function), Silver
  • Mark Up key – for Gross Profit
  • Tax function – ideal for VAT
  • Extra large commonly used keys
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TOP 8
Image of Rebell RE-PANTHER 8 BX calculator
Rebell Panther 8 Desktop Calculator, Black
  • Quality product
  • basic math functions
  • 4 key memory
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TOP 9
Image of EMPIRE TRADING & COMMERCE EMP-DC-001 calculator
Empire Desk Calculator with Large Key Buttons, 12 Digits, Large Eye-Angled…
  • QUALITY ASSURED + 1-YEAR WARRANTY: We strive to create products that stand out from…
  • LARGE KEYS: The large keys make typing comfortable with high sensitivity for a smooth…
  • DUAL POWERED: Battery and solar. The competitive advantage of uninterruptible power…
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of CATIGA CD-2786-12 calculator
12 Digit Desktop Calculator with Large LCD Display and Sensitive Button,…
  • [FUNCTIONALITIES] - Add, subtract, multiply, divide, backspace, grand total, CE,…
  • [VERSATILE PURPOSES] -This calculator is designed for many occasions: business, office,…
  • [DUAL POWER DESIGN] - This calculator utilizes both the solar power and battery power…
BUY NOW
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/11/21.