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Step 1
Decide what you need the calculator for. If you need to do just simple addition and subtraction, just about any calculator will work for you. If you need to do complex algebra, calculus or financial calculations, a normal calculator is probably not going to suit your needs.
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Step 2
Figure out how accurate your calculator needs to be. A simple calculator can usually handle eight decimal points, but a scientific or graphing calculator can often support many more, giving you a more accurate calculation. A graphing calculator will give you a large display that can show you very accurate figures or multiple calculations at the same time.
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Step 3
Consider how much information you need. You want to make sure you get a calculator that gives you the information you need, but be careful not to get a calculator that is more complex that what you demand. For example, you may need a scientific calculator to do simple statistical calculations, but having a graphing calculator that can do more complex statistics can hinder you more than help.
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Step 4
Think about financial calculators for businesses. You may not be as familiar with financial calculators, but they can often offer simpler ways to do functions than normal calculators. Financial calculators often do interest rate conversions, amortization, cash flow analysis and more.
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Step 5
Watch the price. A feature-rich graphing calculator may seem like an attractive choice, but you have to pay for the added features. If you need graphing capabilities or non-typical functionality, expect to pay significantly more.
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Step 6
Try the calculator out. If you are purchasing a calculator at a high price, it is a good idea to do a test run before you buy. This way you can know exactly what you are getting. Be prepared to test the calculator by having some examples ready of what you will use the calculator for.
