UK A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths have specific calculator requirements that differ from American standardized tests. Two sets of rules apply to the specifications first taught from 2017: the Department for Education's subject content says which features the calculator must have, and the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) says which calculators may be used in the exam room.

Required calculator features

The Department for Education's subject content, which is common to every exam board's specification (Edexcel, AQA, OCR, MEI), says the calculator used for A Level Maths must include:

  • An iterative function. OCR notes that this can be as simple as the "Ans" button.
  • The ability to compute summary statistics and access probabilities from standard statistical distributions.

For A Level Further Maths, the calculator must also be able to perform calculations with matrices up to at least order 3 × 3.

Other features, such as regression, an equation solver, complex-number arithmetic and numerical integration, are useful, but they are not on the required list.

This rules out basic scientific calculators (the kind that only do trig and logs). You need a "scientific with stats" or basic graphing calculator. OCR's guidance notes that a graphical calculator is not necessary.

Top picks for UK A Level

1. Casio fx-991CW / fx-991EX ClassWiz — Best Value

The standard recommendation in UK schools. Has all required statistical distributions, matrix algebra, complex numbers, equation solver. Natural display shows fractions, surds, and integrals in proper mathematical notation.

Neither JCQ nor the exam boards publish a list of approved models, but OCR's 2025 calculator guidance names the fx-991CW as an example of a newer scientific calculator with binomial and normal distribution functions.

2. Casio fx-CG100 Graphing

Graphing calculator, with full graphing for understanding functions and statistical distributions visually. OCR's 2025 guidance names it, the replacement for the older fx-CG50, as a suitable graphical calculator for the exams.

Useful if your sixth-form does extensive graphing work, or you're heading into university maths.

3. TI-84 Plus CE-T (Texas Instruments European edition)

The European version of the U.S. TI-84. Has stats and graphing, but the matrix functionality is more limited than the Casio. Less common in UK classrooms — your teacher may not be familiar with the menus.

4. Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II-T

Powerful, modern. Handles all A Level requirements and more. Color screen. Tutorial videos exist for UK exam techniques. Premium price. Buy the non-CAS version; CAS models are covered below.

Specifically not allowed

JCQ's Instructions for conducting examinations say that during an exam a calculator must not be able to offer:

  • Language translation.
  • Symbolic algebra manipulation (CAS).
  • Symbolic differentiation or integration.
  • Communication with other machines or the internet, so no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

It also must not give access to any information stored before the exam, such as databanks, dictionaries, mathematical formulae or text, so clear any stored notes or formulas before exam day. Candidates are responsible for making sure their calculator meets these rules.

The TI-89 Titanium and most CAS calculators are NOT allowed in UK A Level exams. Some calculators have an "exam mode"; JCQ accepts one only when exam mode is switched on and makes the calculator meet the rules above. If your calculator has CAS, check with your exams officer before relying on its exam mode.

Comparison

CalculatorTypeBest for
Casio fx-991CWScientific+Most UK students
Casio fx-991EX ClassWizScientific+Buying used or borrowing
Casio fx-CG100GraphingVisual learners, Further Maths
TI-84 Plus CE-TGraphingStudents moving to U.S. systems
TI-Nspire CX II-TGraphingPremium, Further Maths

Prices change often, so compare current retail prices before you buy.

fx-991EX vs fx-991CW

Both are Casio scientific calculators, with slightly different menu layouts. The fx-991CW is the model OCR's 2025 guidance names. Either works, as long as it has the features listed above.

If buying new, get the fx-991CW. If buying used or borrowing, the fx-991EX is a sound choice.

Practice tips

UK A Level exams reward speed. Practice the calculator-specific shortcuts during your mock exams:

  • Statistical menu workflows (entering data, getting summaries).
  • Equation solver for numerically-only problems.
  • Matrix operations menu for Further Maths.

The Casio fx-991 series has a "QR code" feature that displays a QR you can scan to see the calculation visualized in a browser — useful for stats distributions where graph reading helps.

What about phone apps?

Phones are banned in UK exams. Don't bother with calculator apps for exam prep beyond casual practice — the muscle memory of the physical calculator buttons is what you need on the day.

Online alternatives

For homework and at-home practice, our free online TI-84 calculator covers standard scientific functions and is fine for verification work. Use the physical calculator for exam practice.

Sources