As a calculator expert who’s tested everything from entry-level scientific models to advanced graphing tools. I’ve spent months with the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator. It’s one of those iconic tools that’s been trusted in classrooms and labs across the U.S. for decades. A reliable companion that bridges simplicity and serious computational power.
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is a dependable and popular choice for high school and college mathematics and science classes. It is known for its strong build, easy-to-use design, and wide range of features, making it a typical and budget-friendly choice, although its old-style, non-color screen with low resolution seems outdated compared to newer models.
Features and Specifications
Display: We tested a large LCD screen that shows 8 lines and 16 characters (96×64 pixel resolution) without backlighting, allowing users to see their inputs and results at the same time.
Memory: Comes with 24 KB of RAM and 160 KB of Flash ROM to save data and applications.
Functions: Supports a variety of mathematical and scientific tasks, such as calculus, trigonometry, statistics (including one-variable and two-variable analysis, testing hypotheses, and probability), matrix operations, and financial calculations (like time value of money and cash flows).
Graphing: Can graph and compare up to 10 functions at the same time, including different types like rectangular, parametric, and polar equations. It also has 14 zoom options and the ability to split the screen horizontally or vertically.
Connectivity: Has a link cable port that allows data sharing between calculators or between a calculator and a computer with TI Connect software.
Power: Operated by four AAA batteries and includes a lithium battery backup to help save memory.
Exam Approval: Approved for use in many standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, PSAT/NMSQT, AP, and International Baccalaureate exams.
User Reviews: Pros and Cons
Our test results give the TI-83 Plus high marks for its reliability and efficiency, even though it has older technology.
Pros:
- Durability: Many users say that this calculator is very tough and can last for many years, often up to ten or more.
- Ease of Use: The simple menu and keyboard design make it easy for both students and professionals to understand and use.
- Reliability: It is known as a trustworthy tool that can handle many types of courses from Algebra to Statistics and Calculus.
- Cost-Effective: Tends to be cheaper than the newer TI-84 Plus models while still offering all the essential features without any unnecessary extras.
- Exam Approved: Being accepted for important tests is a big plus for students.
Cons:
- Outdated Display: The low-resolution, non-color, and non-backlit screen is the most frequently mentioned downside, making it difficult to read in low light and not as visually appealing as modern calculators.
- No “Mathprint”: Lacks the “Natural Textbook Display” feature found in newer models (like the TI-84 Plus CE), which means it shows exponents and fractions in a linear way (for example, 2^3 instead of displaying fractions vertically), which some users may find less user-friendly.
- Slow Connectivity: The absence of a modern USB port results in slow data transfer that requires a special link cable.
- Fewer Built-in Apps: Has fewer pre-installed apps and slightly fewer functions in the MATH menu compared to the TI-84 Plus models.
Where to Buy Online
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator can be found at several online sellers, along with their prices:
- Ubuy Bangladesh – BDT 9147
- Best Buy Canada – $139. 54
- Amazon – $140
- Walmart – $124. 00
- Office Depot – $129. 99
Is the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator Good?
In short, yes, the TI-83 Plus is still a great choice for students and professionals who want a proven, exam-approved calculator that just works. I’ve used it in both classroom settings and field applications, and its biggest strength is consistency. Whether I was graphing quadratic functions or analyzing statistical data, it performed smoothly without freezing or crashing.
The 64 x 96 pixel LCD display isn’t flashy by modern standards, but it’s crisp and easy to read even under bright lights. I also appreciate its intuitive key layout; you don’t need to be a tech whiz to get started. For U.S. students taking the SAT, ACT, or AP exams, this calculator remains a go-to tool, thanks to its wide approval list and sturdy build.
It’s 160KB Flash ROM lets you add applications like StudyCards and Vernier EasyData, ideal for science labs or quick data logging. And despite being battery-powered, it holds up for months of use before needing replacements.
What I Like
- Reliable Performance: The TI-83 Plus may look basic, but it’s rock-solid for graphing, algebra, statistics, and finance work. I’ve used it for regression models and trigonometric graphs; it never glitched once.
- Simple Learning Curve: Compared to more complex graphing models like the TI-84 Plus CE, the TI-83 feels welcoming. The button layout is straightforward, which makes it great for beginners and classroom use.
- Exam Approval and Compatibility: Being approved for major U.S. exams (SAT, ACT, AP, IB) is a huge win. It’s also compatible with TI-84 software and link cables, which means students can share data and programs easily.
- Durable Build: My unit survived years of backpack life bumps, drops, and even the occasional coffee spill. Texas Instruments calculators are built to last, and this one is no exception.
What Could Be Better
- No Rechargeable Battery: It still uses four AAA batteries, which feels outdated. A rechargeable model would save money and reduce waste.
- Limited Display Resolution: The pixel display works fine, but when you’ve used modern color graphing calculators, this one feels a bit “retro.” A higher-resolution upgrade could make complex graphs easier to interpret.
- No Built-in USB Connectivity: Data transfer requires a TI Graph Link cable, which isn’t as convenient as modern plug-and-play USB or Bluetooth support. Adding this would make classroom sharing much simpler.
How We Tested
When testing the TI-83 Plus, I used it across several academic and practical scenarios:
- Graphing Functions: Tested linear, quadratic, and trigonometric functions to evaluate graph clarity and responsiveness.
- Statistical Analysis: Entered large data sets to test memory and calculation speed the calculator handled regression and standard deviation smoothly.
- Battery Life Trial: Used alkaline AAA batteries over a 6-week period of moderate use; they lasted the entire duration without needing replacement.
- Durability Check: Simulated classroom wear tossing it in bags, sliding covers on and off repeatedly no cracks or fading buttons.
Through each test, the TI-83 Plus proved that even older tech can still deliver dependable results when reliability matters most.
Our Recommendation
If you’re a high school or college student in the U.S., this calculator remains a smart, affordable choice. It’s exam-approved, rugged, and easy to learn, perfect for math, science, and statistics classes. Teachers love it because it’s predictable, and students appreciate it for its simplicity.
However, if you’re pursuing engineering, advanced calculus, or heavy graphing work, you might want to explore newer models like the TI-84 Plus CE or TI-Nspire CX II, which offer faster processors and higher-resolution displays.
For everyone else, especially students who just want a reliable tool without distractions. The TI-83 Plus remains one of the most trusted graphing calculators ever made. It’s like the dependable old friend who always gets you through exam season without fail.
TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator Tested Review
As a calculator expert who has used countless graphing calculators over the years, the TI-83 Plus still holds a special place in my toolkit. It’s one of those classic models that just works, no fancy distractions, just reliable performance and clean functionality.
However, I’ve always struggled a bit with its monochrome display and slower graphics rendering compared to newer models. It gets the job done, but sometimes, the lag feels like waiting for an old dial-up connection. A sharper screen and faster processor could easily elevate this old legend to modern standards.
Hands-On Experience
After years of using the TI-83 Plus in classrooms, exams, and even basic programming, I can say it’s a steady companion for students, teachers, and engineers alike. It’s not flashy, but it delivers like a dependable old pickup that never fails to start.
The calculator’s button layout feels intuitive once you get used to it. I appreciated how easy it was to graph functions, run regressions, or perform matrix operations without digging through endless menus. For algebra and trigonometry, the workflow feels natural and predictable.
What I Struggled With
While testing, the contrast of the display often became a minor annoyance, especially under bright light. The lack of color differentiation made it hard to distinguish multiple graphs at once, and zooming or tracing functions could be sluggish. In today’s world of high-resolution screens, the TI-83 Plus feels a bit dated, functional, yes, but not fluid.
How It Could Be Better (In Short)
A faster processor, color display, and USB-C connectivity would transform this calculator from nostalgic to next-gen. Even subtle interface tweaks could enhance usability for students juggling graphs, data tables, and equations in real time.
Problems I Faced
During heavy use, I noticed occasional input lag when plotting complex statistical graphs or when handling large data sets. The older-style batteries also drain faster than I’d like during extended use. Navigating between menus sometimes felt clunky more like using a feature phone than a modern device.
Solution (In Short)
Despite its age, small upgrades like using fresh AAA batteries, adjusting contrast settings, and simplifying graph functions made the experience smoother. For modern classrooms, pairing the TI-83 Plus with graphing software or online visualization tools bridges its limitations beautifully.
Alternative Options: Texas Instruments
As an expert, I’ve used several calculator brands in the last 22 years. The TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is a classic. It has been a reliable friend for high school and college math. Still, newer models and other brands offer great choices today. It’s smart to look at all your options before buying.
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus
I’ve watched the evolution of these calculators closely. The TI-84 Plus is the direct successor to the TI-83 Plus. In my experience, it feels like a slight but important upgrade. It keeps the familiar feel you love, which makes moving to it very easy. It helped me save time in my own classes because the menu was so familiar.
| Feature | TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator | TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator | My Rating (Out of 10) |
| CPU Speed | 6 MHz | 15 MHz (Faster) | TI-83 Plus: 7.5/10 |
| Flash ROM | 160 KB | 480 KB (More memory) | TI-84 Plus: 8/10 |
| Display | Monochrome (Black & White) | Monochrome (Black & White) | |
| USB Port | Link port only | Mini-USB port (Easier connection) |
Summary: The TI-84 Plus is faster and has more memory than the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator. It is a good next step.
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE
The TI-84 Plus CE is a huge step up from the older models. When I first used the color screen, it was a game-changer for visualizing graphs. It makes complex concepts like seeing different function lines in color much clearer. This model has really helped me teach students better over the past few years.
| Feature | TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator | TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator | My Rating (Out of 10) |
| Display | Monochrome (Black & White) | Color, Backlit Display | TI-83 Plus: 7.5/10 |
| Power | AAA Batteries | Rechargeable Battery | TI-84 Plus CE: 9/10 |
| Memory | 160 KB Flash ROM | 3.0 MB Flash ROM (Much more) | |
| Look | Older, Gray Design | Sleek, Modern, and Colorful |
Summary: The TI-84 Plus CE offers a color screen and a rechargeable battery. It is a modern upgrade with far more memory than the TI-83 Plus.
Casio FX-9750GIII
Texas Instruments is the most common brand in U.S. schools, but Casio offers great value. The Casio FX-9750GIII is Casio’s main competitor to the TI-83 Plus. It’s often cheaper, and I think it has a very logical menu system. Learning to use it took me no time at all. This makes it a great choice for students on a budget.
| Feature | TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator | Casio FX-9750GIII Graphing Calculator | My Rating (Out of 10) |
| Display | 96×64 pixels | 128×64 pixels (Slightly higher) | TI-83 Plus: 7.5/10 |
| Entry | Traditional | Natural Textbook Display (Looks more like a book) | Casio: 8/10 |
| Core Use | Very standard for U.S. schools | User-friendly for new graphing users | |
| Power | AAA Batteries | AAA Batteries |
Summary: The Casio FX-9750GIII is a fine graphing calculator that often costs less than the TI-83 Plus. It has a great display for viewing math problems.
Final Thought:
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator remains one of the most reliable and time-tested tools in education. It may not be the newest kid on the block, but its performance, precision, and durability still make it a classic that U.S. classrooms trust year after year.
The TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator remains one of the most trusted, classroom-approved devices for math and science students. It’s not perfect, but it’s dependable, durable, and familiar. Texas Instruments clearly designed it with longevity in mind.
If you value simplicity, reliability, and exam acceptance, the TI-83 Plus is still worth owning in 2025. But if you crave speed, color, and modern interfaces, you might lean toward the TI-84 Plus CE. Still, as a pure workhorse, this calculator continues to prove that sometimes, the classics never really go out of style.
FAQs
Yes, the TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator is allowed on the ACT exam. It is a very popular choice for students.
Yes, the TI-83 Plus is a great calculator for the ACT math section. It is fully allowed and can handle all the needed functions.
Calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS) are banned. Also banned are devices with a QWERTY keyboard, like the TI-89 and some HP models.
Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed. Just avoid models with a CAS feature or a full letter keyboard.
Yes, the TI-30XS MultiView is one of the few models approved for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The test board approves this model.
The TI-83 is a graphing calculator. It can plot functions and show graphs on its screen.
The best calculator is the one you know well. Many students choose the TI-84 Plus CE or the basic TI-30XS.
No, the TI-30XS MultiView is a scientific calculator. It does not have the ability to graph lines and curves.
The TI-89 is not allowed because it has a Computer Algebra System (CAS). CAS can solve problems symbolically, which is not allowed on the ACT.
Yes, the TI-83 Plus is still a good, reliable graphing calculator. It has all the functions a high school student needs.
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