The calculators we know today were first invented in the 1960s, and the use of smartphones as calculators began in the 1990s. However, that does not mean that mathematical tools weren’t available a century ago.
Several computing machines were made long before the arrival of digital calculators and smartphones. The abacus, for example, was used in the ancient Near East, Europe, Russia, and China — long before the adoption of the written Hindu-Arabic numeral system.
Interesting Facts
1) The first ‘true calculator’ was invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642. It was praised for attempting arithmetic calculations that were previously thought impossible.
2) Mechanical calculators in the 17th century were comparable in size to typewriters and have been rendered obsolete by the advent of portable electronic calculators.
Modern electronic calculators are used to carry out various tasks, ranging from basic arithmetic to complex mathematics. They have not only enhanced our ability to perform basic computations but also provided us with the ability to understand mathematics on a greater scale than ever imagined.
Today, various types of calculators are available in the market that feature different power sources, designs, and functions. One can put them into three categories based on the source of power.
- Electric calculators: the old ones that work on electricity.
- Battery calculators: the current ones that use cells to do calculations.
- Solar calculators are electronic calculators powered by solar cells mounted on the devices.
Modern calculators use both battery and solar energy to perform operations. Below, we have listed all different types of calculators (currently available in the market) as per their usage purpose.
Table of Contents
1. Abacus
Abacus is a simple tool used to perform quick arithmetic calculations. It was invented in ancient times and is now widely used in brain development programs. Studies have proved that Abacus training can induce certain (positive) changes in the brain.
The word ‘abacus’ comes from the Greek word ‘abax,’ which meant ‘counting table.’ The device is usually made of a rectangular wooden frame that holds multiple vertically arranged rods on which beads slide up and down. Each rod represents a unique place value, while each bead represents a number.
The device helps children carry out calculations in mind by visualizing Abacus bead movements. It also improves their concentration levels. It is especially helpful for visually impaired people who cannot use digital calculators.
2. Basic Calculators
Examples: Texas Instruments TI-108, Canon LS-123K
Basic, portable calculators are used in almost every office and home. They are perfect for doing general-purpose calculations and basic math tasks, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, and logarithm.
This type of calculator usually includes an 8- to 12-digit display (LCD seven-segment display) and physical keys for input. They run on both battery and solar energy: the battery is used when light is insufficient and solar energy is used when there is enough light to run the device.
Some basic calculators feature an extra-large display for reading, recheck functions to confirm errors, and an on-display indicator of active constant to reduce the chances of manual error. Some also come with dedicated keys for quickly calculating square roots, taxes, and percentages.
3. Scientific Calculators
A scientific Calculator with a two-tier LCD, in which the upper dot-matrix portion displays input formulas and symbols
Examples: Casio FX-115ES Plus, Sharp EL-W516TBSL
Scientific calculators are specially designed to solve problems in science, engineering, and mathematics. Some of these calculators include statistical and trigonometric calculations, and some even have the ability to perform computer algebra.
The first scientific calculator, named HP-9100A, was manufactured in 1968. Since then, thousands of portable and handheld scientific calculators have been invented by various companies. Currently, Casio is a major player in this market.
They are widely used to solve specific mathematical functions and perform calculations on very small or very large numbers, as in some aspects of chemistry, physics, and astronomy.
While most models consist of a single-line display similar to basic calculators, some have 10 to 12 digits with extra digits assigned for floating-point arithmetic.
Generally, high-end scientific calculators feature Boolean math, hexadecimal calculations, fractions, probability calculations, complex numbers, physical constants, unit conversion, calculus, and matrix calculations.
4. Graphing Calculators
Casio FX-CG50
Examples: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE, Casio ClassPad II FX-CP400
In a few very specific fields, scientific calculators have been replaced by graphing calculators. They can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and carry out tasks with variables. Compared to basic calculators, they have large displays to show several lines of text, figures, and calculations at the same time.
The first commercial graphing calculator, fx-7000G, was released by Casio in 1985. Since then, many advanced calculators have been manufactured with faster processors, more memory, and a USB connection. Today, Texas Instruments and Casio hold the majority of the calculator market.
Most graphing calculators are also programmable, which means users can create customized programs for specific scientific or engineering applications.
A few can be connected to instruments such as electronic accelerometers, pH gauges, electronic thermometers, and weather devices, and thus function as data loggers.
The latest graphing calculators come with high-resolution LCD screens and fast CPUs to perform the most complex graphics and calculations. Users can write and store programs to automate an elaborate procedure. Moreover, users can connect it to a computer to extend its functionality.
Read: 3 Different Types Of Monitors
5. Printing Calculators
Casio HR-150RC
Examples: Sharp EL-1750V, Victor 1240-3A
Printing calculators were pretty popular before personal computers were present in every home. They are basic calculators that print the result onto paper along with displaying it on an LCD screen.
Printing calculators are available in both desktop and portable models running on batteries and/or AC power. They are mostly used by shopkeepers and accountants to print bill receipts, calculate profit margins, and track time for payroll.
They come with a roll of paper inside the printer, on which all records are printed. Some calculators can print in two colors for easy readability: black (shows positive values) and red (shows negative values).
6. Online Calculators
Examples: Online currency converters, Mortgage calculators
Nowadays, various types of calculators can be accessed on the Internet. They are designed to perform specific tasks. BMI calculator, for example, takes weight and height as input and measures body mass index.
Similarly, pregnancy calculators are designed to predict a woman’s due age based on key pregnancy information. Other online calculators, such as calorie calculators, can help people figure out how many calories they should eat per day to lose or maintain weight.
Several types of financial calculators are also available online for free, which makes it easy for you to calculate mortgages, auto loans, income tax, investment, inflation, and much more.
7. Formula Calculator
Examples: Wolfram Alpha, Mathway
Formula calculators, also known as formula evaluators or software calculators, determine all the intermediate values before computing the final result.
They require the user to enter an expression via the keyboard. This expression may involve infix notation for binary operators like addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. It may also include symbols and non-commutative operators that must be applied in an appropriate order.
The calculator analyzes the formula and splits it into small parts, such as parentheses, numbers, and operators. It evaluates every part individually and then calculates the final value.
Many software programs, including Databases and Spreadsheets, come with formula-calculation capability. This means users can simply write formulas specifying what to do (without having to perform step-by-step calculations).
More to Know
Difference between basic calculators and scientific calculators
| Basic Calculator | Scientific Calculator |
| Performs basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division | Performs advanced functions like trigonometry, exponentiation, logarithms, calculus, complex numbers, and more. |
| Has limited memory capacity | Has more extensive memory capabilities |
| Compact design with minimal buttons | Has specialized buttons and functions for various mathematical operations |
| Numeric display with limited characters | Has a larger, multi-line display to show results in a more comprehensive format |
| More affordable and widely available | Tends to be more expensive due to advanced features |
| Suited for basic math calculations | Widely used in higher education for mathematics, science, and engineering courses |
How advanced are modern scientific calculators?
Modern scientific calculators can perform operations on complex numbers and constants like e and pi, and calculate trigonometric functions, logarithmic functions, exponential functions, and roots beyond the square root.
High-end scientific calculators support Boolean mathematics, calculus, statistics and probability calculations, matrix calculations, the conversation of units, and much more.
Give examples of specialized calculators and their applications
Various specialized calculators are designed for particular fields and often integrated with unique functions tailored to those applications. For example,
- Aviation calculators have functions for altitude, airspeed, wind correction, fuel consumption, and conversions between different aviation units.
- Construction calculators are used for project estimation, material calculations, and measurement conversions.
- Surveying calculators include functions for traversing, triangulation, and handling coordinates in multiple coordinate systems.
- Engineering calculators are designed to solve equations, work with units, and perform engineering-specific calculations like voltage drop and stress analysis.
Graphing Calculator Market Size
According to the research published on ReportLinker, the global calculators market size will increase by $374.2 million from 2022 to 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4.15% during the forecast period.
The development of tech-enabled calculators (for disabled students) and next-generation scientific calculators (for solving specific complex problems) will lead to significant demand in the market.
Popular Calculator Brands
Whoo’s ready for some OWL-gebra? This little freebie activity will be a hoot for students!
✅ Print now or pin for later – so it doesn’t fly away! https://t.co/vWB9bEhHWp#mathteacher #iteachmath pic.twitter.com/yhxHs8msgy
— Texas Instruments Education (@TICalculators) September 27, 2023
The following brands are known for developing high-quality calculators for various purposes:
- Texas Instruments calculators are widely used in education and professional settings. The company has an annual revenue of over 18.8 billion.
- Casio calculators are known for their durability and functionality. The company sells more than 13 million scientific calculators every year.
- HP (Hewlett-Packard) focuses on high-end scientific and engineering calculators. Their models are favored by engineers and finance professionals.
- Canon has a range of calculators, from basic and scientific to printing calculators. Their most notable creation is the Canon Green series, which includes calculators made of recycled or environmentally friendly materials.
Read More
