Best Calculators in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 3, 2024
As mighty and capable as computers are, they're not as portable and convenient as simple calculators when it comes to prolonged everyday use. Plus, the best calculators can handle much more than common math. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Display
Power Source
Extras
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

The "4/5" slider switch allows you to activate the rounding function (the calculator will work in accordance with the rational calculations). The other switch (with numbers) lets you choose how many decimals to display.

CONS

The key markings wear off over time.

OUR VERDICT

The Citizen SDC444S is an ideal bet for professionals and seniors alike. It can perform a wide variety of functions and has fat, well-readable buttons. Yet, the tradeoff for that is a bit too large size and increased weight.

detailed parameters
Display

12-digit tilted LCD-screen

Power Source

Battery powered (1 x "LR54" battery) with solar cell assistance

Extras

Rounding function (switch), Decimal location (switch), Double memory function, Square root

Dimensions

153 x 199 x 31 mm

209 g

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The calculator is powered by 1 x "AA" battery or solar energy. This allows the unit to work for several years without a need to replace the battery. There is also an automatic shut-off function.

CONS

The legs are a bit uneven.

OUR VERDICT

The Helect H1001 has been designed clean and, for the most part, ergonomically sound. Featuring key rollover, the model registers every keystroke even when you press multiple keys simultaneously.

detailed parameters
Display

12-digit tilted LCD-screen

Power Source

Battery powered (1 x "AA" battery) with solar cell assistance

Extras

Memory function

Dimensions

120 x 145 x 40 mm

~100 g

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The tax function will let you easily calculate the interest rate. The currency exchange function enables working with 3 currencies at the same time. The keys are responsive and quiet. 

CONS

The model chews through batteries mercilessly. 

OUR VERDICT

The Casio MS-8B takes up almost no space on an average desk. The model also fits an ordinary briefcase and most desk drawers with ease. Using a large font, this device makes the digits readable even from far away.

detailed parameters
Display

8-digit tilted LCD-screen

Power Source

Battery powered (1 x "LR54" battery) with solar cell assistance

Extras

Tax function, Currency Exchange function, Memory function, Square root

Dimensions

103 x 147 x 30 mm

120 g

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The screen of this calculator is tilted to about 30-degree angle. For even more comfortable operation, the calculator has an anti-skid gasket that prevents sliding during use.

CONS

The display is lacking in contrast.

OUR VERDICT

The RENUS calculator is a good general-purpose model that will be perfect for businessmen, teachers, students and anybody else who need a basic unit for making some sort of math calculations occasionally.

detailed parameters
Display

12-digit tilted LCD-screen

Power Source

Battery powered (1 x "AA" battery) with solar cell assistance

Extras

Memory function

Dimensions

120 x 140 x 45 mm

~150 g

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The large 10-digit LCD display boasts high contrast and is easy to read in bright sunlight. The markings on keys and the body won't fade throughout the entire life of the unit. 

CONS

The keys are rather noisy. 

OUR VERDICT

The Genie 12262 model is ideal for schoolers and students. It has a very eye-catching design and can add fun to your classes. At 80 grammes only and compact size, it's ideal for carrying with you.

detailed parameters
Display

10-digit tilted LCD-screen

Power Source

Battery powered (1 x "LR54" battery) with solar cell assistance

Extras

Memory function, Square root

Dimensions

106 x 138 x 30 mm

80 g

Warranty

2 years

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Citizen (SDC444S)

For Professional Use

If you need a high-quality calculator for professional use, the Citizen SDC444S is surely worth your closer inspection. With over 50 years of experience in calculators and watches, the Citizen company perpetuates accuracy and durability in their product. So, if you need something premium that will last you a lifetime, this calculator will fit the bill perfectly.

To begin with, we would like to note that it's a quite large model at 19.9 x 15.3 cm. Also, it's a bit heavier compared to the majority of other calculators. Yet, the tradeoff for a bit bulky construction is the 12-digit LCD display and a wide variety of functions. That is to say, it can perform 18 functions including automatic rounding (up or down), percentage calculation, square root calculation, profit margin calculation, to name a few. All the calculations are very fast and accurate. Plus, owing to the advanced dual memory function, you'll be able to do quite complex operations using the Citizen SDC444S.

Yet, not only professionals will appreciate this multifunctional calculator. Equipped with a sizeable display and large, fat buttons, this model will be also excellent for seniors who want to see the figures clearly. All the buttons are well-visible and easy to press.

To sum up, it doesn't matter whether you're a professional bookkeeper or just an elderly person craving for a reliable, multifunctional, and convenient-to-use calculator, the Citizen SDC444S ticks all the right boxes.

Review of Citizen (SDC444S) Standard Function Desktop Calculator

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £20.71
Stock In stock
ASIN B00BJJ3CSI

 

Helect (H1001)

Ergonomically Sound

The Helect H1001 is clean, simple, and ergonomic. The keys are large, and there's the generous spacing between them, so you won't be misclicking all the time. The prints on these keys will not start wearing out or fading away anytime soon. The 'ergonomic' remark primarily pertains to the 30-degree raised screen, enabling easy and accurate screen reading staring right at the numbers. For the most part, the model is ergonomically sound, but the legs are a bit uneven, teetering a little when you press the keys. But, even despite this little mishap, the calculator feels comfortable anyway.

What also contributes to the comfort cause is the calculator's size. At 4.5 x 12 x 4 cm, the model has one of the smallest footprints among the calculators gathered on this list, making this device very space-friendly. Also, this device weighs just 100 grammes, meaning that it is also more lightweight than its direct competition.

Looking at its functions, the model incorporates command sings and can tackle tax and currency conversion and rounding. Add the key rollover to the mix, enabling this device to register every keystroke no matter how many keys are pressed at the same time, and you have yourself a pretty good overall calculator.

Review of Helect (H1001) Standard Function Desktop Calculator
Last updated price £6.79
Stock In stock
ASIN B01B5MU6JG

 

Casio (MS-8B)

Packed with Currency Exchange Function

The Casio MS-8B is an elegant solution that takes up very little space on the desk, easily fitting briefcases and desk drawers. On the one hand, the LCD screen cannot accommodate more than 8 digits, which is a little unfortunate. On the other hand, the screen is pretty large and the font it uses is large as well, making these digits easy to read even from a few feet away. What's also large is the keys. Even people with fat fingers will not feel uncomfortable working with these keys. They're snappy and responsive but also quiet, so you can use this device without worrying about distracting the colleagues around you.

The jury is still out on the calculator's attitude towards batteries though. As good as Casio calculators usually are in this regard, this particular model chews through LR54 batteries like nobody's business, so you'll be replacing them every few months.

But, to some extent, we get it. While its predecessors were more merciful towards batteries, they also weren't offering a tax function, currency exchange function, memory function, and square root computing. In closing, assuming you don't mind buying new batteries every ~6 months, the Casio MS-80B will give you excellent value for your money.

Review of Casio (MS-8B) Standard Function Desktop Calculator

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £7.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00OD9PQZ8

 

RENUS (BJSQ01)

Basic Option

If you're a businessman, teacher, student or anybody else who makes some sort of calculations from time to time, more likely than not, you're searching for a general-purpose desktop calculator that won't be too complex or fancy but will do its main job flawlessly. If that sounds like you, the RENUS Calculator is worth your consideration.

First off, the calculator is really easy to use. Although it has some advanced calculations like M+, M-, GT & MU, the basic calculations are extremely straightforward. All the buttons are big and clearly marked, so even those with larger hands will be able to easily avoid double keying. All the buttons are made from ABS plastic material, so they have a good sense of touch and fast rebound. The configuration is reasonable and the LCD display is well-readable, with no squinting. The screen is tilted to about 30-degree angle for comfortable operation. What's more, the calculator has an anti-skid gasket, so there will be no sliding during use.

By default, the calculator is powered by an AA battery (included with the purchase), but it can alternatively use solar power. In all, the RENUS calculator is a good choice for both home and office use. It's a reliable unit that can perform common math as well as financial functions.

Review of RENUS (BJSQ01) Standard Function Desktop Calculator
Last updated price £6.59
Stock In stock
ASIN B07TKY8GS5

 

Genie (12262)

Simple and Stylish

If you're looking for a good calculator for your school child, you probably want it to be straightforward to use, compact to carry in a backpack, and stylish to display on the desk. The Genie 12262 Desktop Calculator meets all these requirements like no other. It stands out from the competition with its bright, cute design. Rather than plain Black, it's available in vibrant Silver, Blue, Pink, and Green colours. So, just anybody will be able to find a perfect match for their school outfit.

As mentioned, the Genie 840S calculator has a compact size and fits pretty much anywhere. It also weighs just 60 grams, meaning it won't add heft to your bag or pencil case. Yet, despite its portable design, it's fitted with large buttons and a clear display. All the keys are fairly easy to push, but some users note that they can make a squeaking noise sometimes.

Other than that, we found no flaws with this calculator. Intended for making simple calculations, it performs its basic function very well. As nice extras, it also has a percentage function and a square root key. The calculator comes ready to use straight out-of-the-box and can be powered either by batteries or solar power. So, if you're after an easy-to-operate unit that would be stylish and fun, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Genie 12262. Owing to its bright design, it's ideal for kids and teenagers alike.

Review of Genie (12262) Standard Function Desktop Calculator
Last updated price £9.30
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IKHYFJM

 

What Are Calculators?

Laptops and computers can do everything that calculators can do. Can you bring them with you to a lecture? Computers - no, laptops - sometimes, but not always, and seldom with as much comfort as you have with calculators. No, as outdated as they can look, calculators are still necessary. They're necessary at home, in the office, at school, and more. Unlike laptops, these devices cost almost nothing, they take up practically no space on the desk, and can fit even the busiest, most stuffed backpacks and briefcases.

While they're not quite as capable as scientific calculators or as versatile as graphing calculators, these devices have no problems solving common math problems. The more expensive models can even handle various financial functions, including rounding function, decimal location, tax function, currency exchange, and more. Plus, most models these days come equipped with a memory function, so you can recall previous calculations. Finally, the screens on the calculators that we've listed here are pretty large and so are the fonts they use, making long-term use less taxing.

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Publish Date: 2020-10-23 13:57:06