When it comes to succeeding in IB Mathematics, having the right calculator is crucial. A calculator isn’t just a tool for crunching numbers - it becomes your partner throughout the IB journey, especially on papers where calculator use is permitted. Choosing the correct one can bake your IB Math life much better.
Which papers allow for calculators to be used?
In IB Mathematics, certain papers permit the use of a GDC (graphic display calculator). The specific papers depend on your course:
- For AA HL: GDC is permitted on papers 2 and 3
- For AA SL: GDC is permitted on paper 2
- For AI HL: GDC is permitted on papers 1, 2 and 3
- For AI SL: GDC is permitted on papers 1 and 2
The official IB document listing all approved calculators for IB examinations (along with exam conditions) can be found here.
The usual suspects
In this article, we’ll explore the four most popular calculator models for IB students:
We’ll cover each calculator's origin, manufacturer, functionalities, advantages, disadvantages, and ultimately help you decide which one fits your needs best.
TI-84 Plus CE
Manufactured by Texas Instruments (TI), an American technology company founded in 1930, the TI-84 series dates back to 2004, evolving from the TI-83 series, which was originally released in 1996.
The TI‑84 Plus series has been a workhorse in classrooms for decades, and the CE model modernizes the line with a backlit color screen, rechargeable battery and thin design. It retains the familiar key layout, so if you’ve used an earlier TI‑83 or TI‑84, you’ll feel at home.
The simplicity of the TI‑84 makes it a good choice for IB students who want a reliable calculator without a steep learning curve. It can handle functions, statistics, regression and matrices—all essential for the IB exams—and it is approved for the SAT, ACT and IB papers.
The trade‑off is that the TI‑84’s interface is text‑based rather than touch‑driven, so exploring multiple representations requires more button presses.
It lacks built‑in 3D graphing or geometry tools, which are available on the TI‑Nspire, and its programming capabilities are limited to TI‑Basic. However, for most IB Math assignments, the TI‑84 Plus CE provides all the tools you need in a compact, user‑friendly package.
Functionalities:
- Full-color screen in the CE model.
- Traditional function-based graphing.
- Statistical analysis tools.
- Probability simulations.
- Basic matrix and calculus tools.
- Python programming added in recent editions.
- Straightforward menus with keystroke-based navigation.
Advantages:
- Easiest to use for most students.
- Shallow learning curve; many IB teachers are familiar with it.
- Very reliable and stable.
- Long battery life (USB rechargeable in the CE version).
- Plenty of online resources, guides, and videos.
- Typically less expensive than the TI-Nspire.
Disadvantages:
- Functionality is limited compared to TI-Nspire or Casio fx-CG50.
- No dynamic linking between graphs, tables, and equations.
- Can feel outdated for students used to modern interfaces.
- Less capable for higher-level explorations, such as parametric modeling or 3D plotting.
TI-Nspire CX II
The TI-Nspire line was introduced in 2007 to replace the aging TI-89 and TI-83/84 families for more advanced education markets. It is often described as the “flagship” graphing calculator. Reviewers note that its crisp 320×240‑pixel color display and built‑in rechargeable battery make it feel like a modern handheld computer.
The operating system, updated to version 5.1, adds animated path plots, dynamic tick‑mark labels and the ability to link graphs, tables and equations so that changes in one representation update others.
An updated menu system emulates a computer desktop with drop‑down menus and multiple tabs, which makes navigating through functions intuitive. The touch button, however, does not respond as well as the scree of a smartphone, that's for sure.
The 2019 hardware revision also introduced faster processing and Python programming support.
Functionalities:
- Feels like a handheld computer
- Full-color display with high resolution.
- Advanced algebraic capabilities.
- Dynamic graphing with multiple representations linked together.
- CAS (Computer Algebra System) model available in some models (the CAS versions). Note: despite the fact you can use the CAS model in IB examinations, during assessments you'll need the CAS feature to be turned off in case you're using such version.
- Spreadsheet functionality.
- Python programming integrated.
- Can graph 3D functions with additional apps.
- Data collection capabilities with sensors (for science subjects).
Advantages:
- Most powerful calculator among the three.
- Excellent for exploration: simultaneous algebra, graphs, and tables.
- Highly intuitive for students comfortable with technology.
- Supports Python programming, which aligns with modern math and science curricula.
- Very strong support community, with a massive library of tutorials and videos online.
Disadvantages:
- Steeper learning curve; not beginner-friendly.
- Interface is more complex and menu-driven.
- Higher price point compared to others.
- Battery drains faster with heavy use of graphical features.
Casio fx-CG50
Casio’s fx‑CG50 offers a middle ground between the intuitive but expensive TI‑Nspire and the straightforward TI‑84.
Building on the earlier Prizm models, the fx‑CG50 features a bright colour display and a redesigned case. Its interface is faster than the previous fx‑CG20 thanks to a quicker processor, and it includes a built‑in (albeit limited) 3D graphing application. One downside noted by reviewers is that navigating it can feel unintuitive and occasionally sluggish (I do agree with that).
The calculator uses four AAA batteries instead of a rechargeable pack, which makes it thicker than its TI competitors but also allows quick battery swaps during long exams (which might be a great advantage). Despite the fact that batteries can be pricey, you won't be changing them frequently.
Functionalities:
- High-resolution, full-color display.
- Icon-based menu for easy navigation.
- 3D graphing out of the box (TI calculators require apps for this).
- Strong statistical tools, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing functions.
- Spreadsheet mode.
- Programming capabilities (Casio BASIC and Python).
- Supports conic sections, vectors, and sequences visually and numerically.
Advantages:
- Cleanest and most intuitive interface, with a awkward navigation (at least at first).
- 3D graphing is native and simple to use (you won't be using it however).
- Affordable price (generally cheaper than TI-Nspire and sometimes even TI-84).
- Excellent for visual learners due to graphical clarity.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly less widespread in international schools, meaning fewer teachers are familiar with it.
- Smaller online community compared to TI (less explainer YouTube videos as well)
- Some functions require more keystrokes than TI calculators (not a big problem however).
Casio fx-CG100
Casio also offers the fx-CG100, which is very similar to the fx-CG50 but designed for certain international markets. Functionally, it provides the same high-resolution color display, icon-driven menu, and advanced graphing capabilities. Like the fx-CG50, it can handle 3D graphing, statistics, probability distributions, and spreadsheets.
The main differences are cosmetic (slightly different casing) and availability. In many regions the fx-CG100 is easier to find than the fx-CG50, and schools often recommend whichever model is distributed locally.
If you’re in a country where the fx-CG100 is the standard Casio option, you can treat it as essentially the same as the fx-CG50 for IB Math purposes.
Functionalities:
- Full-color, high-resolution screen.
- Icon-based menu with shortcuts.
- Native 3D graphing.
- Strong probability and statistics functions.
- Spreadsheet and programming (Casio BASIC + Python).
Advantages:
- Newer model and fully IB-approved.
- Same strengths as the fx-CG50: clarity, visuals, and affordability.
- Widely available in some regions where the fx-CG50 isn’t.
Disadvantages:
- Much smaller online community compared to TI calculators.
- Navigation can still feel less intuitive at first.
- Limited long-term support outside of regions where it’s sold.
Comparison table
Below is a side-by-side comparison of these calculators:
Feature | TI-Nspire CX II | TI-84 Plus CE | Casio fx-CG50 | Casio fx-CG100 |
Manufacturer | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Casio | Casio |
Launch Year | 2019 (Nspire CX II) | 2015 (84 CE) | 2017 | 2024 |
Display | Color, high-res | Color, high-res | Color, high-res | Color, high-res |
3D Graphing | With app | Not supported | Native | Native |
CAS Available? | Yes (not IB-allowed) | No | No | No |
Python Programming | Yes | Yes (Python edition) | Yes | Yes |
Spreadsheet Function | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
Learning Curve | Steep | Very Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
SAT allowed? | Yes (CAS feature disabled) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ACT allowed? | Yes (CAS feature disabled) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
# of Youtube explainer videos | High | Highest | Moderate | Very low |
Processing speed | Fast | Moderate | Very fast | Very fast |
Price Range (USD) | $140–$170 | $110–$130 | $100–$130 | $120–$150 |
“Ok but, which calculator should I buy?”
The reality is that you can succeed in any IB Math course with any of the approved calculators. What really changes is how fast and comfortably you can perform the commands depending on the model you choose.
My take on it
Here’s the straightforward version, without fluff. Remember: all three calculators will get you through IB Math. But keep these points in mind before deciding:
- Follow your teachers’ lead. If most teachers at your school use a specific model, it’s smarter to get the same one—they’ll guide you through the commands in class.
- Resources matter. The TI calculators have a much larger library of explainer videos and tutorials on YouTube compared to Casio. If you like learning from online content, that’s a big advantage.
- Don’t be fooled by extras. Python programming sounds fancy, but 99% of students will never touch it—you’ll barely have time to sleep during the IB, let alone code on your calculator.
- Ergonomics count. The TI-Nspire’s touchpad doesn’t feel natural for everyone. Some find it smooth, others find it frustrating—it can be like driving a luxury car: one wrong button press and nothing works as expected.
- Ignore the 3D graphing hype. It looks cool, but it’s irrelevant for IB Math.
- Save money if you can. Ask seniors at your school who’ve just finished IB—many will happily sell you their calculator for a fraction of the price instead of leaving it in a drawer.
Conclusion
Select a calculator that balances cost, teacher support, and your personal comfort level (keeping the points from the "My take on it" section in mind). These practical considerations outweigh any flashy "bonus" features. Regardless of which model you choose, becoming proficient with its functions early in your IB studies will give you a significant advantage when exam time comes.