Calculators in our range cover basic, display, scientific, printing and financial models for students, office staff, accountants and shop counters. Over 100 models come from CASIO, SHARP and CANON, with a few more from ESPERANZA, HP and BRAUN. Both pocket and desktop sizes are available.
How to choose a calculator
Type of calculator. Basic calculators handle everyday sums, percentages and tax. Scientific models add fractions, powers, trigonometry and statistics, which school and college maths and science courses usually require. Printing calculators produce a paper tape for bookkeeping, and financial models cover interest, loan and cash flow calculations.
Desktop or pocket. Desktop calculators have larger keys and a bigger display, which suits long sessions of number entry at a desk or till. Pocket models fit in a bag or pencil case and are the usual choice for lessons and lectures. Our range includes both formats.
Number of digits. A 12 digit display is the most common size in the models we list, and it is enough for most office and accounting work. A 10 digit display is fine for household budgets and schoolwork, while 14 and 16 digit models suit larger totals. Some desktop models also have a tilting display, which makes the figures easier to read on a flat desk.
Power source. Solar-only calculators need decent light, so a model that combines solar power with a battery is the safer choice for a classroom or a dim office. Coin cells such as LR44 and CR2032 are common in smaller models, while AA and AAA batteries appear in some larger ones. Check the battery type before buying so that spares are easy to find. A few desktop models run from mains power with battery backup.
Calculator brands we carry
- CASIO: known for its fx series of scientific calculators, which are widely used in schools, and for solar-powered desktop and pocket models.
- SHARP: known for the EL series of desktop and scientific calculators, with clear displays and a long history in office use.
- CANON: known for desktop and printing calculators made for accounting work and busy counters.
Also in our range: ESPERANZA, HP and BRAUN.
Frequently asked questions about calculators
Which calculator do I need for school or university?
Most students need a scientific calculator, because it handles fractions, powers, roots, trigonometry and statistics. Exam rules differ between schools and countries, and some exams ban programmable or graphing models. Check the approved list from your school or exam board before you buy.
What is the difference between a basic and a scientific calculator?
A basic calculator does arithmetic, percentages and memory functions, while a scientific calculator adds functions such as trigonometry, logarithms, powers and statistical calculations. Scientific models often show several lines or the full expression, so you can check your input. Basic models are quicker for simple daily sums and often have bigger keys.
How many digits should an office calculator have?
A 12 digit display is the usual choice for office and accounting work, as it comfortably shows large totals. A 10 digit model is enough for household budgets and simple invoices. Choose 14 or 16 digits only if you regularly work with very large figures.
Is a solar calculator better than a battery one?
A solar calculator saves you from replacing batteries, but it needs light to work well. A model that combines solar power with a battery keeps working in dim rooms and is the more flexible option for most people. Battery-only models suit places with little light or calculators that are used only occasionally.
