For GCSE Maths, you will need a scientific calculator, but just about any model will do; see AQA’s guidance below for a list of the functions you need.

It’s also worth considering an A-level model, especially if you’re doing the Higher Tier and there’s a possibility that you might continue to study Maths in some form beyond GCSE. Nice large clear display, a sliding case that you can slide on and use the calculator, so doesn't get lost. If you require any further information relating to the Delivery service used, please call us at +44 (0)20 8208 9567. functions; new functions on the ‘GTX’ model include Ratio, Digit Separator, Advanced Statistics, Advanced Tables and Variables List

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The Casio fx-991EX is Casio’s most advanced scientific calculator, providing 552 functions and is suitable for Key Stages 3,4 and 5, to include A /AS level. Until the current GCSE and A-level specifications came in (2015 and 2017 respectively), the standard calculator in most English schools for both GCSE and A-level for a good few years had been the Casio fx-83GT Plus – or the fx-85GT Plus, which was exactly the same except that it had a solar panel as well as battery power.

Texas Instruments also produces a range of scientific calculators. Any of these – most of which start with TX-30 – are suitable for GCSE, though if you like to be able to enter your fractions as fractions then you’ll need one of the Multiview models. However, Casio pretty much has a stranglehold on the UK market and not many institutions promote the use of TI models.If you have the older GT Plus then it will still do everything you need for GCSE, so don’t worry about that! That’s EIGHT key presses instead of two – not to mention having to remember which menus to go into.

The A-level model now has the generic equation solver function in the same place as the quadratic and simultaneous equation solvers, rather than in an apparently random position above the CALC button.thereshoulfbeabuttononyourcalculatorwhichlookssomethinglikeS<->D.sowhenyougetanansweranditsinfractionspressthatbuttonanditconvertsittodecimalsandnormalnumbers.Hopethathelps In short, the new CW calculators are a lot more complicated to use than the older X models, and don’t offer any significant improvements that I can see. fx-85GTX contains additional features such as clearer display, clearer menus, faster processor and 14 additional functions. Allowed in every UK exam where a calculator can be used. Recommended and approved for Key Stages 3 & 4 (including GCSE, National and Higher, Junior and Leaving). The large Natural Textbook Display (Natural-V.P.A.M.) shows mathematical expressions like roots and fractions as they appear in your textbooks which increases comprehension because results are easier to understand.

Teachers can request a free licence for use in classrooms, remote and blended learning (available in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Ireland).

If you’re outside of England, Scotland and Wales, your delivery prices may change a little. See our complete Delivery Policy here for more information. Schools should be telling you to get the CW now since that’s the current model, but some haven’t caught up yet and are still telling students to buy the GTX – which is now hard to get hold of new at a reasonable price. The same thing happened when the GTX replaced the GT Plus. Casio describes the fx-83GT CW as “the new upgraded version of the Casio fx-83GT X” and the fx-991CW as “the new upgraded version of the Casio fx-991 EX”. That seems misleading to me, when the models are so completely different. It would be far more honest to call them “the replacement for” their predecessors. The fx-85GTX takes the UK's Number One Scientific Calculator a step further, by offering Solar Power to ensure no loss of battery during those crucial exams. For more information on what calculators are permissible in exams, take a look at my Clueless about Calculators blog post. Finally, a colour warning