Calculators are portable electronic devices designed to accurately perform simple to multiple complex mathematical calculations. They are widely used in various fields and everyday life for tasks that involve arithmetic, scientific computations, financial calculations, and more. Apart from simple calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, a typical calculator can perform sophisticated calculations efficiently and accurately. Most calculator designs are built to get power from rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, while others are electrically charged.
Various calculators are available depending on the specific applications and environments, providing precise calculations, such as school calculators and office calculators. Moreover, calculators are available from leading brands, including Casio calculators, Omni calculators, Texas Instruments calculators, Toshiba calculators, and more. In addition, the latest models' calculators are incorporated with inbuilt solar panels or touchscreen functions for convenient and long-term functionality with ease.
Most Popular Types of Calculators
Calculators come in different types, each tailored to specific purposes and user needs. Some of the latest and most common calculator types include:
- Basic Calculators – These are the most standard calculators, performing basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They are commonly used for general calculations in schools, offices, shops, and homes.
- Electronic Calculators – These devices perform mathematical computations electronically, typically using integrated circuits (ICs) and electronic components. They are portable, compact, and can handle multiple mathematical tasks, making them indispensable tools for students and professionals.
- Scientific Calculators – Scientific calculators are more advanced than basic calculators and include features like trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponents, square roots, etc. These calculators are designed to provide scientific calculations for students, engineers, scientists, and professionals requiring functions beyond simple arithmetic.
- Graphing Calculators – Graphing calculators are programmed calculators used mainly in mathematics and science courses. They can graph and plot functions and equations, making them valuable tools for visualising mathematical concepts and analysing data.
- Financial Calculators – These calculators are tailored for financial and business calculations. They allow users to compute interest rates, amortisation schedules, investment returns, loan payments, and other financial functions.
- Programmable Calculators – Programmable calculators allow users to write and store their custom programs. These calculators are commonly used in computer science and engineering to perform repetitive calculations or solve specific problems.
- CAS (Computer Algebra System) Calculators – These calculators come equipped with advanced algebraic capabilities, including symbolic manipulation, equation solving, and calculus functions. They are typically employed in higher-level mathematics and engineering fields.
- Printing Calculators – Printing calculators have a built-in printer that prints the entered calculations and results on paper. They are often used in businesses and accounting settings.
- Online Calculators – Online calculators are popular gadgets due to their easy accessibility. They are web-based applications that perform various calculations and are accessible from any internet-connected device.
- Mobile Phone Calculators – Virtually all modern smartphones come with a built-in calculator app that can handle basic and sometimes scientific calculations.
- Desktop Calculator – As the name suggests, desktop calculators are larger and designed to sit on a desk or work surface. They typically incorporate a larger display, have larger memory capacities, support for more complex functions, bigger buttons, and are powered by electricity. They are well-suited for engineers, accountants, scientists, and other professionals requiring more extensive mathematical tools.
- Pocket Calculator – Pocket calculators, as the name implies, are much smaller and lightweight calculating tools specifically designed to fit in a pocket or a bag. They are usually battery-powered and focus on basic arithmetic operations.
- Solar Calculators – Solar-powered or solar calculators are powered by solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells. These calculators use solar cells on the calculator's surface that capture sunlight or artificial light and convert it into electrical energy-powering the calculator's functions. They often have a small built-in battery to store energy in low-light conditions.
- Touchscreen Calculators – These calculators feature a touchscreen interface, allowing users to input calculations by tapping directly on the screen. They operate similarly to smartphones or tablets and often have bigger screens than traditional calculators.
- Novelty Calculators – Novelty calculators are designed to be unique or fun in appearance, often resembling objects, characters, or themes from popular culture. They often come in unusual shapes, colours, or sound effects to function as regular calculators but are primarily marketed for their novelty appeal. These novel calculators aim to add fun or personalisation to the common boring task of basic arithmetic.
Where are Calculators Used?
Calculators are indispensable in almost everyday life offering unparalleled benefits and applications in multiple settings. Here are some common areas where calculators are used:
- Personal Use
- Offices
- Education
- Finance
- Business
- Engineering
- Science
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Statistical Analysis.
