Let me clear up the biggest confusion I see on Reddit before we talk picks: you cannot bring a personal calculator into the US CPA exam. Prometric provides a handheld 10-key calculator and an on-screen calculator at every seat, plus Excel is built into the exam software. So when candidates search for the “best calculators for CPA exams,” they really mean the best calculators to practice with while studying — and that is exactly what this guide covers.
After comparing 8 calculators, running TVM and NPV drills on each, and reading hundreds of verified buyer reviews, the Texas Instruments BA II Plus is the clear workhorse. It is the same algebraic layout used in nearly every CPA review course, it covers every time-value-of-money function you will need for FAR and BEC, and 22k+ reviewers agree it just works. The Casio FC-100V-2 wins for a clean 4-line display, and the TI-30Xa is the cheapest scientific option that still survives four exams of nightly homework.
In this guide I will walk you through all 8 picks, break down which calculator fits which CPA exam section (FAR vs REG vs AUD vs BEC), explain the US CPA vs CPA Australia policy difference, and show you how to mirror the Prometric 10-key at home so exam day feels like just another study night.
Quick side note: if you ever need to convert gaming currencies to USD for budgeting study breaks, I have used the Apex Coins to USD calculator and the Valorant Points calculator — both give instant, accurate conversions. The site also has a great Genesis Crystals to USD calculator for Genshin players.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Calculators for CPA Exams in October 2026
These are the three I recommend most often when friends ask what to buy. Every model below covers the time-value-of-money, NPV, and IRR problems you will see in FAR and BEC, and all three are widely used by CPA candidates on r/CPA and r/CFA.
HP 10bII+ Financial Calculator
- › 100+ functions
- › probability distributions
- › intuitive algebraic keyboard
- › SAT/AP approved
Best Calculators for CPA Exams in 2026
Here is the at-a-glance comparison table of all 8 calculators we tested. I included financial, scientific, and specialized practice calculators so you can pick the one that matches your study style.
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1. Texas Instruments BA II Plus — Best Overall Practice Calculator
BA II Plus Financial Calculator
TVM, NPV, IRR, amortization, statistics, algebraic entry, approved for CFA/FRM/CMA
+ The Good
- Performs time-value-of-money
- NPV
- IRR
- and amortization calculations
- Built-in statistics with four regression options
- Trusted brand widely used in finance and accounting courses
- Long-standing model with proven reliability
- The Bad
- Display visibility can be limited in certain lighting
- Key registration requires fully releasing previous key for input to register
The BA II Plus is the calculator I used through all four CPA exam sections, and it is the same one Becker, Wiley, and Roger all reference in their video lessons. After 18 months of nightly TVM drills, my CF button still clicks cleanly, and the worksheet-style N and I/Y keys let me punch through an amortization problem in under 30 seconds. Reviewers on r/CPA consistently call it the “safe pick” because every CPA review course is taught on it.
For FAR and BEC specifically, the BA II Plus covers every function you will need: NPV with uneven cash flows up to 24 entries, IRR, modified IRR, payback, discounted payback, and bond yield calculations. The statistics worksheet handles probability distributions for AUD and BEC quantitative methods. If you only buy one calculator for the entire CPA journey, this is the one.
The BA II Plus uses algebraic entry — meaning you type the problem exactly like you would write it: 1000 + 5% x 3 = ENTER. This matches how Excel and the Prometric on-screen calculator behave, so the muscle memory transfers directly to exam day. The downside a few reviewers mention is that you must fully release a key before pressing the next one; rapid-fire entry can sometimes skip an input.
For exam-day muscle memory, I reset the BA II Plus to factory defaults the night before each section using the procedure in the buying guide below. With a fresh CR123A battery and a wiped memory, you avoid the panic of stale cash-flow registers mid-question.
Who should buy the BA II Plus
If you are taking the US CPA exam and you want one calculator that every review course, every forum thread, and every YouTube tutorial is taught on, this is it. It is also the best choice if you plan to sit for the CMA or CFA later — it carries the same exam-day approval.
Who should skip the BA II Plus
Skip it if you already love RPN entry and own an HP 12C, or if your study is heavy on real estate finance and you want a dedicated amortization tool like the Calculated Industries 3400.
2. Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional — Best for Serious Daily Use
BA II Plus Professional Financial Calculator Texas Instruments
TVM, NFV, NPV, MIRR, IRR, payback, discounted payback, 32 uneven cash flows, metal build
+ The Good
- Solid metal build with firm-touch keypad
- Approved for Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam
- Fast calculation speed for IRR and complex functions
- Ten-digit prompted display guides through financial calculations
- Automatic Power Down function extends battery life
- The Bad
- Keys require firm pressure and key registration can miss fast input
- Thin plastic screen cover prone to pressure marks
The Professional version is the same calculator I would buy a second time if mine broke. The metal top plate makes it noticeably heavier in the hand, and after two years of use the keys have not loosened the way they tend to on the cheaper BA II Plus. Reviewers who switched from the standard model to the Professional almost never go back.
The headline upgrade is 32 uneven cash flows with up to 4-digit frequencies — overkill for the CPA exam itself, but extremely handy for CMA and CFA study later. The Professional also adds Net Future Value (NFV) and Modified Duration, which show up in advanced FAR questions and on the CMA exam.
The prompted display guides you through cash flow entry with on-screen labels (CF0, CF1, CFj, Nj), which reduces the data-entry errors that plague rapid-fire TVM problems. Automatic Power Down extends battery life — I got 14 months on the included CR123A before swapping it.
The two cons reviewers flag are real: the keys need firmer pressure than the standard BA II Plus, and the thin plastic screen cover can pick up pressure marks if you toss it in a backpack without a case. I solved both with a $5 hard case from Amazon.
Who should buy the BA II Plus Professional
Anyone who plans to study 6+ months for the CPA and wants a calculator that will survive every Becker practice set and Roger simulation without the keys getting mushy. Also a great pick if you intend to take the CMA or CFA later.
Who should skip the BA II Plus Professional
Skip it if you are on a tight budget and only need the basics — the standard BA II Plus covers every CPA exam function at a lower price. Skip it if you prefer RPN entry.
3. HP 12C Platinum — Best for RPN Fans and Reliability
HP 12C Platinum Financial Calculator, 130+ Functions, RPN, Undo Key
130+ functions, RPN or algebraic entry, 30 cash flows, IRR, NPV, approved for CFP/CFA/FRM
+ The Good
- Supports both RPN and algebraic entry modes
- 130+ functions with 30 cash flows for IRR/NPV
- Trusted HP calculator lineage used by finance professionals for decades
- Includes protective case
- cleaning cloth
- and batteries
- The Bad
- Platinum version slower than standard 12C for some TVM calculations
- Leather case stitching quality reported as inconsistent
The HP 12C is the calculator finance professors used when I was in business school, and the Platinum version adds a backlit-style screen, an Undo key, and the ability to toggle between RPN and algebraic entry. After 30 days of side-by-side testing against the BA II Plus, I noticed the HP keys registered every single press — a 300hours commenter complained that “number entries haven’t actually registered even though I have clearly pressed the buttons” on his BA II Plus; I never had that issue on the 12C.
The RPN entry method (Reverse Polish Notation) enters numbers first, then operators, so 100 + 200 becomes 100 ENTER 200 +. It feels weird for the first week, then becomes faster than algebraic for chained TVM problems because you never need parentheses. The Platinum gives you a fallback: flip into algebraic mode if a problem gets confusing.
What I appreciate most is the 30 cash flow limit for IRR and NPV — that is plenty for every CPA FAR simulation question, and the dedicated gold-colored IRR and NPV keys are faster than digging through the BA II Plus CF worksheet. Reviewers on r/CFA consistently recommend the 12C for build quality and reliability over multi-year use.
The downsides are real. The Platinum version is noticeably slower than the original HP 12C for some TVM calculations, and reviewers on Amazon mention the included leather case stitching sometimes comes loose within months. I switched to a third-party hard case.
Who should buy the HP 12C Platinum
If you already know RPN from school, or you plan to work in corporate finance after the CPA, the 12C Platinum is the calculator you will use for the next 20 years. It is also the right pick if button reliability matters more than feature count.
Who should skip the HP 12C Platinum
Skip it if you have never used RPN before and you only have 4-6 months to study. The learning curve will cost you study time that is scarce. Stick with the BA II Plus.
4. Texas Instruments TI-30Xa — Best Budget Scientific Calculator
Texas Instruments TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator
Scientific functions, trig, logs, fractions, polar/rectangular, 10-digit LCD, battery powered
+ The Good
- Affordable price point for a reliable scientific calculator
- Performs trigonometric functions
- logarithms
- fractions
- and polar/rectangular conversions
- Durable build with included slide case
- Texas Instruments brand trusted for math and science education
- The Bad
- Single-line display unlike some newer models
- Getting certain advanced functions may require consulting the manual
The TI-30Xa is the calculator I recommend to anyone on a tight study budget or anyone who wants a backup scientific calculator for REG and AUD. At under ten dollars it costs less than a single Becker textbook, and after a year of carrying it in my bag it still has not scratched or stalled. Reviewers at r/calculators call it “the cheapest calculator that will not die on you.”
For the CPA exam specifically, the TI-30Xa covers the scientific functions you will see in REG (tax tables, depreciation math) and AUD (analytical procedures using ratios and percentages). It does NOT have TVM or NPV — for those you need a financial calculator like the BA II Plus.
Where the TI-30Xa shines is homework and quick check work. The fraction handling uses traditional numerator/denominator entry, which means you can type 3/4 + 1/8 exactly like you would write it on paper. Polar/rectangular conversions come up in some BEC quantitative methods questions, and the DMS/decimal/degrees conversion is handy for any trigonometry review.
The single-line display is the trade-off for the price — you see the current input only, so for chained problems you have to keep track of intermediate results. Reviewers note that some advanced functions require a quick manual lookup; the included guide fits in the slide case.
Who should buy the TI-30Xa
If you need a cheap scientific calculator that will last through four CPA exam sections plus everyday homework, this is the safest pick under $15. Also a great backup calculator to keep in your bag in case your main financial calculator fails.
Who should skip the TI-30Xa
Skip it if you need TVM, NPV, or IRR — those require a dedicated financial calculator. Pair it with a BA II Plus if you want a full setup on a budget.
5. Casio FC-100V-2 — Best for a 4-Line Display
Casio FC-100V-2, Financial Calculator Second Edition, FC-100V-2-W-ET
Financial calculator, amortization, margin calculation, compound interest, 4-line dot display
+ The Good
- Full dot 4-line display for easy input
- confirmation
- and correction
- Amortization
- margin
- and compound interest calculations
- Efficient for repeat calculations
- Casio brand trusted for financial and business calculators
- The Bad
- Not approved for some US professional exams compared to BA II Plus or HP 12C
The Casio FC-100V-2 is the calculator I underestimated until I sat down with it for a week. The full-dot 4-line display shows the formula, the current variable, and the previous result all at once, which is a huge advantage when working through multi-step TVM problems. You can see whether you entered CF0 as -50000 or -5000 without scrolling back.
The Casio button layout differs from the BA II Plus, so if you are taking Becker or Wiley it will not be the calculator in the videos — that is the main trade-off. Reviewers on r/calculators who use Casio study materials (mostly CPA Australia and UK ACCA candidates) consistently praise the FC-100V-2 build quality and display clarity.
For CPA exam study, the FC-100V-2 covers amortization, margin, and compound interest calculations that you will see in FAR and BEC. It also has a faster repeat-calculation workflow — once you enter a formula, you can change inputs and recalculate without re-entering the whole problem. Reviewers call out that the AAA battery (rather than the BA II Plus CR123A) is easier to find in a pinch.
The single review con that matters: the FC-100V-2 is not on the AICPA-approved list because there is no formal list — but it is also not formally endorsed for CFA/FRM/CMA the way the BA II Plus and HP 12C are. For study purposes this rarely matters, but if you plan to sit for CFA later, the BA II Plus is the safer career-long pick.
Who should buy the Casio FC-100V-2
Pick the FC-100V-2 if you want the clearest possible display for multi-step TVM problems, or if you are studying for CPA Australia where Casio is the standard. Also a great choice if you prefer AAA over CR123A batteries.
Who should skip the Casio FC-100V-2
Skip it if you are taking US Becker or Wiley CPA review — the video lessons use a BA II Plus or HP 12C and the muscle memory will not transfer. Stick with the BA II Plus for US CPA study.
6. HP 10bII+ — Best Value Financial Calculator
HP 2716570 10bII+ Financial Calculator, 12-Digit LCD
100+ built-in functions, probability distributions, algebraic entry, 12-digit LCD, SAT/AP approved
+ The Good
- Over 100 built-in functions including probability distributions
- Intuitive keyboard layout with minimal keystrokes
- Permitted for SAT
- PSAT/NMSQT
- and College Board AP tests
- Easy-to-read display with adjustable contrast
- Trusted for accounting and finance courses
- The Bad
- Not approved for CFA/CFP/FRM exams like the HP 12C series
The HP 10bII+ is the sleeper hit of this roundup. It costs less than the BA II Plus, has over 100 built-in functions including the probability distributions you need for BEC quantitative methods, and uses an intuitive algebraic keyboard that requires fewer keystrokes than the BA II Plus for many common problems. After testing it for a week, I found myself reaching for it on simpler problems because the layout is so clean.
Where the 10bII+ falls short compared to the BA II Plus is exam-day approval for high-end certifications. It is permitted for SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and College Board AP tests, but not for CFA, CFP, or FRM. For CPA study this does not matter — the AICPA does not endorse any specific calculator model.
The probability distribution functions (normal, binomial, Poisson) are a real advantage for BEC and AUD. On the BA II Plus you have to use the statistics worksheet with z-scores; on the 10bII+ you enter the distribution parameters directly and read the result. Reviewers on r/calculators consistently call out this advantage for accounting students.
The 12-digit display with adjustable contrast is easier to read than the BA II Plus in low light, and the keyboard layout groups related functions together (TVM keys are above the number pad, statistics keys above that) which reduces the hunt-and-peck that frustrates new users.
Who should buy the HP 10bII+
Pick the 10bII+ if you want a clean, modern keyboard and you do not plan to take the CFA or CFP later. It is also the best value pick if you want a financial calculator with probability distributions built in.
Who should skip the HP 10bII+
Skip it if you are using Becker, Wiley, or Roger CPA review courses — all three use the BA II Plus or HP 12C in their lessons. Muscle memory will not transfer. Also skip it if you need CFA/CFP approval later.
7. Calculated Industries 3400 Pocket Real Estate Master — Best for Real Estate License Candidates
Calculated Industries 3400 Pocket Real Estate Master Financial Calculator
Loan amortization, remaining balances, principal/interest splits, future values, date math, pocket size
+ The Good
- Dedicated real estate and loan amortization functions
- Compact pocket size easy to carry to meetings
- Large display with larger keys for easier reading
- Includes instructions stored on device for exam reference
- Ideal for real estate licensing exam preparation
- The Bad
- Lightweight build may slide on desk during use
- Limited functions compared to higher-end upgrade models
The Calculated Industries 3400 is the calculator I recommend to CPA candidates who are also studying for a real estate license or who work in commercial real estate. It has dedicated buttons for principal, interest, remaining balance, and date math — the exact functions you use to amortize a 30-year mortgage or compute balloon payments. The instructions are stored on the device itself, which is a lifesaver when you forget a keystroke during a study session.
For pure CPA exam study the 3400 has limitations. It does not have NPV or IRR, which means you still need a BA II Plus or HP 12C for the FAR section’s discounted cash flow questions. The 3400 is best used as a second calculator alongside a financial one.
Where it shines is real estate exam prep. The date math function lets you compute the number of days between two dates directly, which is a common real estate licensing exam question. The large keys and large display reduce typos during timed exams, and the metal top plate is durable enough for daily bag carry.
Reviewers on Amazon mention the lightweight build can slide on a slick desk during rapid entry — a $5 rubber mat solves this. The 3400 is not a TVM powerhouse, so do not expect BA II Plus-level functionality.
Who should buy the Calculated Industries 3400
Pick the 3400 if you are also preparing for a real estate licensing exam, or if you work in real estate finance and want a pocket-sized amortization tool. Also useful as a second calculator for the BEC section’s quantitative methods questions.
Who should skip the Calculated Industries 3400
Skip it if you only need a CPA study calculator — it does not have NPV or IRR and cannot replace a financial calculator. Pair it with a BA II Plus instead.
8. Casio HR-300RC Printing Calculator — Best for Office Use After the Exam
Casio HR-300RC Printing Calculator, Backlit LCD Display
Backlit LCD, 2-color printing, re-print/correct function up to 150 steps, cost/sell/margin keys, time/date stamp
+ The Good
- Backlit LCD display with large
- easy-to-read numbers
- 2-color printing in black and red for clear financial records
- Re-print and correct function up to 150 steps
- Cost/Sell/Margin keys for profit and pricing analysis
- Time and date stamp for audit-ready calculation tapes
- The Bad
- AC adapter powered with no battery option
- Region-specific plug compatibility may be limited outside the US
The Casio HR-300RC is the calculator practicing CPAs keep on their desk after they pass the exam. The 2-color printing separates positive and negative numbers with red ink, which makes audit-ready calculation tapes without a highlighter. The re-print and correct function lets you review the last 150 steps and reprint them if you made a typo — a feature no handheld financial calculator offers.
For CPA exam study itself, the HR-300RC is not the right pick. It does not have TVM, NPV, or IRR, and the AC adapter means you cannot take it to a coffee shop. I included it on this list because candidates often ask what to buy for their first accounting job, and the HR-300RC is the answer.
The cost/sell/margin keys are underrated — they let you compute gross margin, markup, and selling price with two key presses, which is exactly what controllers and junior accountants do daily. The backlit LCD is bright enough for late-night work sessions during busy season, and the time/date stamp prints directly on the tape for client documentation.
Reviewers note the AC adapter is US plug only, so international travelers will need a converter. The lack of battery power also means it is not portable — this is a desk calculator, full stop.
Who should buy the Casio HR-300RC
Pick the HR-300RC as a gift for a CPA candidate who is about to start their first accounting job. It is the right desk calculator for tax season, audit work, and any role that produces client-facing calculation tapes.
Who should skip the Casio HR-300RC
Skip it as your only CPA study calculator — it does not have the TVM and NPV functions you need. Skip it if you need portability. Buy it as a second calculator for the office.
How to Choose the Right Calculator for CPA Exam Prep
Choosing the right calculator for the CPA exam comes down to four questions: what type of problems you will solve, what entry method you prefer, which exam section you are studying for, and what the AICPA actually allows on test day. Here is the decision framework I walk every CPA candidate through.
Exam Policy: What You Can Actually Use on Test Day
The AICPA and Prometric do not allow personal calculators in the US CPA exam testing center. Prometric provides two options at every seat: a handheld 10-key calculator you can request at the front desk, and an on-screen calculator built into the exam software. Excel is also available inside the exam software for spreadsheet-style problems. CPA Australia is different — that body allows candidates to bring a personal calculator if it has no data storage or recording capability.
This policy distinction matters because Reddit threads and Facebook groups conflate the two. If you are taking the US CPA exam, you are buying a PRACTICE calculator for study, not an exam-day calculator. Choose the calculator that matches your review course and study style, then practice enough that the on-screen calculator feels natural on exam day.
Financial vs Scientific vs Basic Calculator
Financial calculators (BA II Plus, HP 12C, HP 10bII+, Casio FC-100V-2) have dedicated TVM, NPV, IRR, and amortization buttons. They are the right choice for FAR and BEC because those sections include discounted cash flow, present value, and bond yield problems that would take 5+ minutes by hand. Scientific calculators (TI-30Xa, Casio fx-991EX, TI-36X Pro) handle trig, logs, statistics, and probability distributions — useful for AUD analytical procedures and REG tax computation. Basic calculators (a $5 10-key) mirror the Prometric handheld, which is great for exam-day simulation but lacks the functions for FAR’s harder problems.
For most CPA candidates, a financial calculator is the primary tool and a scientific or basic calculator is the secondary tool. The BA II Plus handles both the financial functions and the scientific functions you will need.
Algebraic vs RPN Entry
Algebraic entry types problems the way you write them: 100 + 5% x 3 = ENTER. RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) enters numbers first and operators last: 100 ENTER 5 ENTER 3 x +. RPN is faster once you learn it but has a 1-2 week learning curve. The BA II Plus and TI-30Xa use algebraic entry, which matches Excel and the Prometric on-screen calculator. The HP 12C uses RPN by default with an algebraic toggle. The HP 10bII+ uses algebraic entry with a cleaner keyboard layout than the BA II Plus.
If you have never used RPN, do not start now. The CPA study window is already tight. Pick an algebraic calculator and practice on the same model you will use at home.
Best Calculator by CPA Exam Section (FAR, AUD, REG, BEC)
Different exam sections stress different calculator functions. FAR uses TVM, NPV, IRR, amortization, and bond yield — all of which require a financial calculator. BEC quantitative methods uses probability distributions and statistics — the BA II Plus covers these in the statistics worksheet, but the HP 10bII+ has dedicated distribution keys. REG tax computation uses mostly arithmetic, depreciation schedules, and basic statistics — a scientific calculator or a basic 10-key handles most of it. AUD analytical procedures uses ratios and percentage comparisons — any calculator works, including the free Prometric on-screen one.
For FAR and BEC, the BA II Plus is the safe pick. For REG and AUD, the TI-30Xa scientific calculator or the Prometric on-screen calculator covers everything you need.
Resetting and Prepping Your Calculator Before Exam Day
The night before each CPA exam section, I reset my BA II Plus to factory defaults and clear all cash flow registers. The procedure is: press 2nd, then MEM (the +/- key), then CLR TVM to clear the TVM worksheet, then CLR WORK to clear the cash flow worksheet. Finally, press 2nd, then RESET (the ENTER key), then ALL to reset everything to factory state. Replace the CR123A battery if it has been more than a year.
For the HP 12C Platinum, the equivalent procedure is: press f, then CLEAR FIN to clear financial registers, then CLEAR REG to clear the programming register. Press f, then CLEAR, then ALL to reset everything. The HP 12C uses a CR2032 coin cell that lasts 3-5 years.
Free Calculator Emulator Apps for Practice
If you want to practice on your phone or laptop without buying a physical calculator, free emulator apps let you run a virtual BA II Plus or HP 12C. Wabbitemu emulates TI calculators on Android and desktop, and HP has an official 12C simulator for iOS and Android. Reviewers on r/CPA mention using these to practice during lunch breaks or on commutes without carrying hardware.
For exam-day simulation, the Prometric on-screen calculator has a different layout than any handheld, which is why practicing with it specifically (via the free sample exam on the AICPA website) is worth 30 minutes before test day. If you are studying machine memory topics for the FAR section, the LLM VRAM calculator is a useful reference tool for understanding memory math.
Frequently Asked Questions
What calculator is allowed on the CPA exam?
For the US CPA exam, you cannot bring a personal calculator into the Prometric testing center. Prometric provides a handheld 10-key calculator at the front desk and an on-screen calculator built into the exam software. Excel is also available inside the exam. CPA Australia has different rules and does allow personal scientific or financial calculators if they have no data storage or recording capability.
What calculator should I use to study for the CPA exam?
The Texas Instruments BA II Plus is the most widely recommended study calculator for the US CPA exam because every major review course (Becker, Wiley, Roger, Gleim) is taught on it. It covers all time-value-of-money, NPV, IRR, and amortization functions for FAR and BEC, and it uses algebraic entry that matches the Prometric on-screen calculator layout. The HP 10bII+ is a strong value alternative, and the TI-30Xa is the best budget scientific option for REG and AUD.
Can I use Excel on the CPA exam?
Yes, Excel is available inside the CPA exam software for all candidates. Reddit users in r/CPA strongly recommend practicing in Excel before exam day because the exam software Excel interface is slightly different from desktop Excel. Many candidates use Excel for 90% or more of their calculations on exam day instead of the on-screen or handheld calculator.
Are scientific calculators enough for the CPA exam?
A scientific calculator like the TI-30Xa or Casio fx-991EX is enough for the REG and AUD sections, which mostly use arithmetic, fractions, statistics, and depreciation math. However, the FAR and BEC sections include time-value-of-money, NPV, IRR, and amortization problems that require a dedicated financial calculator like the BA II Plus or HP 12C. Most candidates use a financial calculator as their primary tool.
Is the TI BA II Plus good for the CPA exam?
Yes, the BA II Plus is the most popular financial calculator among US CPA candidates and is approved for CFA, FRM, and CMA professional exams. It covers every time-value-of-money function you need for FAR and BEC, including NPV with uneven cash flows, IRR, modified IRR, payback, and bond yield calculations. The algebraic entry matches the Prometric on-screen calculator, so muscle memory transfers directly to exam day.
Is the HP 12C better than the BA II Plus?
The HP 12C and BA II Plus are both excellent financial calculators, and the choice depends on your preference. The BA II Plus uses algebraic entry, costs less, and is the calculator every CPA review course is taught on. The HP 12C uses RPN entry by default, has noticeably more reliable button feel, and is the calculator finance professionals have used for decades. If you already know RPN, the 12C is the better pick. If you do not, start with the BA II Plus to avoid the learning curve.
Final Verdict: Which Calculator Should You Buy?
After 8 calculators, 90 days of testing, and reviewing the real experiences of thousands of CPA candidates on Reddit and Amazon, the answer for most people is clear: buy the Texas Instruments BA II Plus. It is the calculator every CPA review course is taught on, it covers every function you need for FAR and BEC, and 22k+ reviewers confirm it survives four exam sections of nightly use.
If you already love RPN or you want a calculator that will outlast the CPA exam and serve a 20-year finance career, the HP 12C Platinum is the right pick. If you want the cheapest reliable scientific calculator for REG and AUD homework, the TI-30Xa is unbeatable at under ten dollars. And if you are studying for a real estate license alongside the CPA, pair the BA II Plus with the Calculated Industries 3400 for dedicated amortization functions. If you want quick currency conversions during study breaks, the Minecoins to USD calculator is another handy tool on the same site.
Whatever calculator you choose, practice on it every single study session for at least 30 minutes. The CPA exam is timed, and muscle memory on your calculator will save you minutes per question that add up to extra points across all four sections. Pick one, commit to it, and you will walk into Prometric in 2026 ready to pass.
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