Texas Instruments makes calculators for every stage of school, from fractions in sixth grade to statistics tests in AP classes. With so many model numbers, it is easy to buy the wrong one. This guide compares six of the most common TI calculators, explains what each one is best at and shows how to try any of them first with a free online calculator before you spend money.

The quick answer

• Algebra 2, precalculus, calculus or AP Statistics: TI-84 Plus CE
• Your class already uses older graphing calculators: TI-83 Plus
• Engineering-style calculus and equation solving: TI-85
• Middle school through Algebra 1, or the GED: TI-30XS MultiView
• Basic science and math on a tight budget: TI-30XA
• Grades 5 to 8 and fraction-heavy math: TI-34 MultiView

1. TI-84 Plus CE: the all-round graphing calculator

The TI-84 Plus CE is the calculator most high school teachers use in class. It has a full-color screen, a rechargeable battery and the same menus students learn from Algebra 2 to AP Calculus.

Best for: graphing functions, finding zeros and intersections, regressions, normal and binomial distributions, t-tests and confidence intervals.
Good to know: it is allowed on the SAT, ACT and AP exams that permit calculators, so one calculator covers all of high school.

2. TI-83 Plus: the classic graphing calculator

The TI-83 Plus first appeared in the 1990s and is still found in many classrooms. Its menus are almost the same as the TI-84, so anything you learn on one carries over to the other.

Best for: students whose school provides TI-83s, or anyone who wants the core graphing and statistics tools without a color screen.
Good to know: the screen is black and white and the processor is slower, but for everyday algebra and statistics it does the job.

3. TI-85: graphing with built-in solvers

The TI-85 was designed with engineering and calculus students in mind. It has dedicated solvers for polynomials and systems of equations, which saves time when a problem asks for every root at once.

Best for: calculus, physics and engineering problems with many equations to solve.
Good to know: it uses a different menu system from the TI-83 and TI-84, so switching between them takes some practice.

4. TI-30XS MultiView: the most popular scientific calculator

The TI-30XS MultiView has a four-line display that shows several calculations at once. Its MultiView mode writes fractions and expressions the way they appear in a textbook, which makes checking work much easier.

Best for: middle school, pre-algebra, Algebra 1, chemistry and physics.
Good to know: it is the handheld calculator approved for the GED test, and it runs on solar power with a battery backup.

5. TI-30XA: the simple, low-cost scientific calculator

The TI-30XA shows one line at a time and keeps things simple: fractions, percentages, powers, roots, trigonometry and basic statistics. It is one of the most affordable TI calculators.

Best for: students who need a reliable scientific calculator for basic math and science classes.
Good to know: with only one line on screen, you cannot scroll back through earlier answers the way you can on the TI-30XS.

6. TI-34 MultiView: built for younger students

The TI-34 MultiView is aimed at upper elementary and middle school. It handles fractions, mixed numbers, percentages and integer division with remainders, and its four-line display shows each step clearly.

Best for: grades 5 to 8, fraction practice and pre-algebra.
Good to know: it has fewer advanced functions than the TI-30XS, which makes it easier for younger students to learn.

Side-by-side comparison

Model	Type	Display	Graphs	Best for
TI-84 Plus CE	Graphing	Color	Yes	Algebra 2 to AP courses
TI-83 Plus	Graphing	Black and white	Yes	Schools with TI-83 class sets
TI-85	Graphing	Black and white	Yes	Calculus and engineering
TI-30XS MultiView	Scientific	4 lines	No	Middle school, Algebra 1, GED
TI-30XA	Scientific	1 line	No	Basic math and science
TI-34 MultiView	Scientific	4 lines	No	Grades 5 to 8

How to choose

1. Start with the syllabus. If your teacher names a model, buy that one so you can follow along in class.
2. Think about the next three years. A student starting Algebra 2 will need a graphing calculator through graduation.
3. Check your exam. The SAT, ACT and AP exams each publish a list of approved calculators. Check the current list before test day.
4. Do not overbuy for younger students. A TI-34 or TI-30XS is easier to learn than a graphing calculator, and much cheaper.

Try all six calculators for free

You do not have to guess which calculator suits you. All six models in this guide, the TI-84, TI-83, TI-85, TI-30XS, TI-30XA and TI-34, are available to use for free online at ti84calchub.com, with the same key layout as the handheld versions. Try each one with your own homework, then buy the model that fits your class.