We have made a list of some of the best calculators for linear algebra because there is an overwhelming number of calculators available at the moment. And with more and more advanced graphical calculators becoming available each year, the right calculator for your class is only going to become harder to find.
Like we just said advanced graphical calculators are becoming far more normal to see at every grade of mathematics and there’s a good reason for this phenomenon. They make your life easier, like a lot easier. Even if the exams you do require you to write down your work (or even don’t allow your calculator!), the extra understanding gained from the visual representations these calculators generate helps cultivate a far deeper understanding of linear algebra. Plus if you can use the calculator in your exam you can check almost the entirety of your answers in any linear algebra test, not too bad right?
Although some are slightly more expensive than a generic calculator the return on investment is great and in our experience, you wont regret your purchase when you realize the service it provides to you as a student.
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Best Overall Calculator for Linear Algebra - TI-84 Plus CE
Best Calculator for 3D Graphing - CASIO PRIZM fx-CG50
Comparison Table
| Best Overall | Best Alternative | Best Budget | Best for 3D graphing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Product |
TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator |
TI-Nspire CX II CAS |
TI-84 Plus |
CASIO fx-CG50 |
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Graphing Calculator? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Exams Valid for |
PSAT/NMSQT, SAT,
AP, IB, ACT |
PSAT/NMSQT, SAT,
AP, IB |
PSAT/NMSQT, SAT,
AP, IB, ACT |
GCSE, A Levels, IB, SAT, AP |
|
Additional Features |
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Best Overall Calculator for Linear Algebra
The high-resolution, backlit color display allows the calculator helps you visualize graphs and other concepts faster and more clearly than any non-color display.
Aesthetically it offers an unrivaled choice in colors for the frame of the calculator, as well as being surprisingly slim for a color graphing calculator. It comes with loads of useful preloaded apps and images, and best of all it is rechargeable – no battery changes or ugly solar panels.
Like many of these higher-end advanced graphical calculators, you can also upload your own programs to the calculator to open up a new world of possibilities. If you are interested in finding out more about this process we recommend this guide from TI84CalcWiz on Downloading Apps/Programs on TI-84 Plus Calculators.
If you’re looking for a TI calculator that can do anything and everything you will need for linear algebra, this is your best bet. It’s also likely your teacher will be very familiar with this device as it has become the standard over the last few years.
Best Alternative Calculator for Linear Algebra
The TI-Nspire CX II CAS has advantages in other areas though, like calculus and statistics. For calculus, it has the incredibly useful CAS (Computer Algebra System) that allows the calculator to produce symbolic results to indefinite derivatives and integrals, much like when you do a derivative or integral by hand.
Since this is a guide to the best calculator for linear algebra, not the best all-around or best for calculus, the TI-84 plus has to take our top spot because it offers the same linear algebra capabilities at a lower price. However, if you intend to take any classes in calculus in the future, then this is likely the calculator for you.
Best Budget Calculator for Linear Algebra
However, before you jump to save a little bit of money buying this pick. I would recommend if at all possible that you think about the trade-off because color adds a level of clarity to any graphing you do on a calculator.
As you deal with more and more complex graphs it can become harder to distinguish between the graphs on a black and white calculator display. We have found that this slightly added difficulty in interpreting these graphs can lead to a slightly shallow and less clear understanding of what is in front of you.
Having said that the TI-84 Plus is a superb option if you can’t afford the color edition of this calculator.
Best 3D Graphing Calculator
It is a great alternative to the TI calculators and is still accepted in most US exams, it has an extra-large screen and even better it can graph both planes and 3D shapes. Features that are incredibly useful as the algebra you work on becomes more complex and enters 3 dimensions. While 3D graphing is possible on the TI-84 Plus CE, you have to download the program and it is less than perfect, whereas it is a built-in feature on the CG50.
If you want to switch it up a bit but not lose and even maybe gain some advantages over the TI options then look no further than the CASIO fx-CG50.
In Summary
Every selection in the above list will more than suffice for linear algebra, so you really can’t go wrong. A lot of calculator choosing comes down to personal preference but our final piece of advice would be to, if you are unsure, go for the calculator most commonly used at your school or college. Using this method alongside the list above is a safe way to be sure you are getting a great calculator for linear algebra.
Due to the complex nature of some topics in linear algebra, the calculators you use for linear algebra can be quite complex. If you also do modules like physics or other modules that only require simple arithmetic, then it can be easier also to have a smaller, cheaper, and simpler calculator for easier calculations. That’s why I recommend you also get your hands on one of these calculators for simple math.
We strongly recommend getting a case for any calculator over $50 as an added protection against potential damage.
Click on the calculator you have purchased using the links below for the recommended case for your calculator.
Are you taking classes in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, or Business? If so we recommend adding a whiteboard into your workspace to help you freely explore ideas in your subjects and help revise for exams. If you want to know more about why we recommend every student taking these classes could benefit from a whiteboard check out 5 Best Dry Erase Boards for Students.
