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When purchasing classroom calculators, the costs can vary based on your specific needs. A class set of calculators typically ranges between $50-$3,000, with the final cost depending on the type of calculator, brand, and how many students in your classroom will be using a calculator.
Finding the sweet spot between budget and functionality is important. With curriculum requirements, durability, and long-term value all playing a role in the decision, it's important to understand exactly what your options are, and the pros and cons of each.
When deciding on a calculator model for your classroom, you'll find that most calculators come packaged in various quantities and include different accessories. For schools, we find that Teacher Packs and Class Packs are the most popular variations:
Teacher Packs - Sets of 10 calculators designed for smaller classes (or supplementing an existing class set.
Class Packs - Sets of 30 calculators, perfect for larger classrooms, or starting a classroom off with calculators for the first time.
Price: $50-$150 for a pack of 10 calculators
Elementary calculators are your most budget-friendly option for classrooms. Models like the TI-108 and TI-10 are perfect for younger students. They handle basic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, without any confusing extra buttons.
Plus, they're durable enough to survive those inevitable desk drops and backpack tosses that come with elementary (and middle) school life.
Price: $120-$400 for a pack of 10 vs 30 calculators
Looking for something a little more advanced? Scientific calculators bridge the gap between basic and graphing models.
Models like the TI-30XIIS, the Ti-30XS MultiView, and the TI-34 MultiView are recommended for middle school and high school students. They've got all the features students need for more complex math problems (like the ones in algebra) - from fractions and exponents to basic trig functions - without overwhelming the students with too many unneeded buttons.
Price: $1,000-$4,500 for a pack of 10 vs 30 calculators
Several factors affect the cost of calculators, and understanding these can help you make the best choice for your budget and teaching needs.
The more advanced the calculator, the higher the price tag. Basic calculators with simple functions generally cost less than more advanced calculators with features like:
3D advanced graphing capabilities
Computer programming options
Advanced statistical analysis
Full-color displays
While there are many calculator brands out there, Texas Instruments leads the educational market. TI calculators are the go-to choice for schools and teachers across the nation. TI Calculators offer:
Proven classroom durability
Familiar interfaces that students already know
Extensive teaching resources and support
Brand-new calculators typically come with a higher price tag since they arrive in perfect condition with no wear and tear. While refurbished, open-box, or used calculators might show minor cosmetic defects like scratches or scuffs, they still function perfectly and offer significant savings for your classroom budget.
Calculator sets often come with additional items that affect the total price, such as:
Storage cases for easy organization
Protective slide covers (for select models)
USB cables for graphing calculators
Charging stations for rechargeable graphing calculators
For example, a TI-84 Plus CE Teacher Pack with a charging station will cost more than just the calculators alone - but these accessories can save you time and extend the life of your calculators.
Teacher packs and class sets are designed with your budget in mind:
Quantity discounts save you money in the long run over individual retail purchases
Pre-packaged sets eliminate the need to unwrap each calculator individually
Volume discounts help reduce overall educational costs for students and schools
These sets are built specifically for classroom use:
Many include storage cases for simple organization
Easy distribution and collection during class time
School property editions with distinct markings
Quick identification of misplaced calculators
Having the same calculators across your classroom creates a more streamlined learning environment:
Every student works with the same model and features
No time is wasted explaining different calculator layouts
Standardized settings for testing and assignments
When it comes to purchasing calculators for your classroom, thinking long-term is key. Investing in calculators from a reputable company means you won't have to think about purchasing new calculators for several years. Cheaper alternatives often lead to more frequent replacements and frustrating malfunctions, which can disrupt your teaching and cost more over time.
To make this investment more manageable, take advantage of these savings opportunities:
Quantity discounts on custom order sizes
Tax-exempt ordering for qualifying educational institutions
State, federal, and private grant opportunities
Rewards programs that offer additional savings on future purchases
With these options, you can stock your classroom with TI calculators that will last for years to come.
From budget considerations and order sizes to specific grade-level requirements, there are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing calculators for your classroom. At Underwood Distributing, we're here to make the process easy for educators, helping them find the exact products they need for the school year.
As your trusted educational dealer for Texas Instruments calculators, we provide:
Expert guidance on selecting the right calculator models
Access to comprehensive educational resources
Competitive pricing and discount opportunities on Teacher Packs
Dedicated support for your calculator needs
Click here to request a quote for a custom order size or purchase one of our Teacher or Class Packs today! We'll help you make the most of your classroom budget.
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