Calculators

Keep all workings accurate with a handy calculator from Cromwell. We stock a wide range of calculators with various size and display options to suit your needs. Choose from well-known brands like Casio®, Aurora®, Edison® and Q-Connect® for outstanding quality and performance.

What are calculators?

Calculators are a handheld device designed to make quick mathematical calculations. They typically feature a display screen and a keyboard which features numbers from 0 to 9 along with buttons for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as well as an equals button.

Why buy a calculator?

Calculators make quick work of complicated arithmetic and make simple maths quick and accurate to improve productivity.

Where are calculators used?

Calculators are a handy device used in a wide range of settings, including the education sector, administration, construction, engineering, and the medical profession.

Calculator types

• Basic calculators   -   This type will perform the basic mathematical functions for quick-time working out.

• Graphing calculators   -   These calculators are capable of calculating multiple, complex equations, and feature a large screen which allows for plotted graphs to be displayed. They are the next step from scientific calculators.

• Printing calculators   -   These models are available with or without a display screen and will create a printed record of multiple equations on an integrated paper roll.

• Scientific calculators   -   This type of calculator is capable of complex equations and features a range of function buttons beyond the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division functions. Some of the additional buttons featured on a scientific calculator are inverses, PI, parentheses and more.

Considerations when choosing calculators

• Type - choose based on the tasks you do most regularly. However, if a scientific calculator is needed even occasionally, it's best to ensure you have one on hand.

• Power - most calculators are battery-powered, while others run on solar or mains power.

• Memory - for a scientific or graphing calculator, memory is an important aspect as these types can save a number of calculations for later use.

FAQs

Is a calculator a computer?

Yes, calculators are classed as purpose-built computers specific to calculations. They feature programming for limited operations, however, so they don't have the ability to be upgraded in the same way a PC does.

What is a '5-function' calculator?

This is a standard calculator with the basic five functions of power, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What's the difference between a scientific calculator and a graphing calculator?

While both of these types of calculators are capable of performing complicated arithmetic, including trigonometry, PI and more, a graphing calculator has the function of a scientific calculator and then some. It's typically equipped with more memory and features a hi-res screen suitable for displaying the graph function and coordinate plotting it's known for.