Best Calculator to Use for FE Exam Selector
FE Exam Calculator Selector
Select features you prefer in a calculator allowed for the FE exam. We’ll highlight NCEES-approved models that match.
Natural Textbook Display
Solar Power
Complex Numbers
Matrix/Vector
Equation Solver
RPN Entry
High-Res Display
Matching features will be listed here.
NCEES Approved Calculator Models & Features
| Model | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Casio fx-115 ES Plus | Casio | Natural Display, Solar, Complex, Matrix/Vector (3×3), Solver |
| Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz | Casio | High-Res Natural Display, Solar, Complex, Matrix/Vector (4×4), Solver, QR Code |
| HP 35s | HP | RPN/Algebraic, Complex, Solver, Programmable (limited) |
| TI-36X Pro | TI | Multi-line Display, Solar, Complex, Matrix/Vector (3×3), Solver |
What is the Best Calculator to Use for the FE Exam?
The “best” calculator to use for the FE exam is one that is permitted by NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) and one you are very comfortable using. NCEES has a strict calculator policy to ensure fairness and prevent the use of devices with disallowed communication or extensive memory capabilities. The best calculator to use for the FE exam is ultimately a personal choice among the approved models.
You cannot bring just any calculator; it MUST be one of the models explicitly approved by NCEES. The policy typically allows specific models from Casio, HP, and Texas Instruments. Familiarity is key – choose an approved model well in advance of the exam and practice with it extensively.
Who Should Use This Guide?
This guide and selector are for anyone preparing to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Understanding the FE exam calculator policy and choosing the right, approved calculator is a crucial step in your preparation.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that more expensive or complex calculators are always better. For the FE exam, the best calculator to use for the FE exam is one that is approved and that you know inside and out. Some high-end graphing calculators with communication capabilities are strictly forbidden.
NCEES Calculator Policy Explained
The NCEES calculator policy is designed to maintain the integrity of the exam. The policy specifies the ONLY calculator models allowed during the exam. As of the last update, these include:
- Casio: All fx-115 and fx-991 models (e.g., fx-115 ES Plus, fx-991EX ClassWiz).
- Hewlett Packard: HP 33s and HP 35s models.
- Texas Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models (e.g., TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro).
It is vital to check the official NCEES website for the most current calculator policy before your exam date, as it can change. The “formula” for finding the best calculator to use for the FE exam involves matching your needs with the features of the approved models.
Variables in Choosing:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit/Type | Typical Range/Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allowed Models | Calculators permitted by NCEES | Model Names | fx-115, fx-991, HP 33s, HP 35s, TI-30X, TI-36X series |
| Features | Functionality like complex numbers, matrix math, solvers | Boolean/Text | Available/Not Available |
| Familiarity | Your comfort level with the calculator | Subjective | Low to High |
| Battery/Solar | Power source | Type | Battery-only, Solar-assisted |
| Display | Screen type and lines | Type | Single-line, Multi-line, Natural Display, High-Res |
Practical Examples (Choosing a Calculator)
Example 1: Preference for Natural Display and Solar
An engineer prefers a calculator that shows equations as they appear in textbooks (Natural Display) and is solar-powered. They select “Natural Textbook Display” and “Solar Power” in the selector.
Output: The selector would likely highlight the Casio fx-115 ES Plus, Casio fx-991EX, and TI-36X Pro as good options, as they offer these features among the approved models. The best calculator to use for the FE exam for this person might be the fx-991EX if they also want a high-res screen.
Example 2: Need for RPN and Complex Numbers
Another engineer is very comfortable with RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) entry and needs robust complex number functionality.
Output: Selecting “RPN Entry” and “Complex Numbers” would strongly recommend the HP 35s, as it’s the primary NCEES-approved calculator offering RPN. This would be the best calculator to use for the FE exam for an RPN user.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Selector
- Identify Desired Features: Think about the features you find most helpful (e.g., how it displays fractions, matrix operations, complex number handling).
- Select Features: Check the boxes next to the features you value in the “Desired Features” section.
- View Recommendations: The table below the selector will highlight the calculator models that match your selected features. The “Primary Result” will summarize the best matches.
- Compare Models: Look at the highlighted models in the table and compare their full feature sets.
- Read the Chart: The bar chart visually compares key features across popular models.
- Make Your Choice: Based on the recommendations and your personal preference, choose one of the approved models.
- Practice: Once you have your calculator, practice extensively with it on FE exam-style problems. See our FE exam study guide for practice resources.
Reading the results involves seeing which models are highlighted and reading the summary. The best calculator to use for the FE exam is one you are efficient with.
Key Factors That Affect Your Choice of the Best Calculator to Use for the FE Exam
- NCEES Policy: This is the absolute first filter. Your calculator MUST be on the approved list.
- Familiarity: How comfortable are you with the calculator’s layout and functions? It’s better to use a simpler approved calculator you know well than a more complex one you don’t.
- Required Functions: Do you need matrix operations, complex number calculations, or equation solvers for your specific FE exam discipline? Ensure your chosen model has them. Check the features for your FE exam discipline.
- Display Type: Do you prefer a multi-line display, natural textbook display, or a high-resolution screen?
- Entry Method: Most are algebraic, but the HP 35s offers RPN, which some engineers prefer.
- Power Source: Solar with battery backup is convenient, but battery-only is fine if you bring spares (check exam center rules).
- Build Quality and Key Feel: How does the calculator feel in your hands? Are the keys responsive?
- Price: Approved calculators range in price, but all are relatively affordable. Don’t let price be the only factor in finding the best calculator to use for the FE exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I use a graphing calculator on the FE exam?
- A: No, graphing calculators are generally not allowed because of their extensive memory and communication capabilities. Only the specific models listed in the NCEES calculator policy are permitted.
- Q: What if my calculator is not on the approved list?
- A: You will not be allowed to use it during the exam. You must use one of the NCEES-approved models.
- Q: How often does the NCEES calculator policy change?
- A: It doesn’t change very frequently, but it’s crucial to check the official NCEES website for the latest policy before your exam. Knowing the rules is part of finding the best calculator to use for the FE exam.
- Q: Should I bring a backup calculator?
- A: Yes, it’s highly recommended to bring a second, NCEES-approved calculator with fresh batteries, just in case your primary one fails. Many recommend bringing two of the same model.
- Q: Is the Casio fx-991EX allowed?
- A: Yes, as long as it has “fx-991” in the model name, it falls under the approved Casio series according to the current NCEES policy.
- Q: Is the TI-89 allowed on the FE exam?
- A: No, the TI-89 is a graphing calculator and is not on the NCEES approved list.
- Q: Where can I buy an NCEES-approved calculator?
- A: Approved calculators are widely available online (e.g., Amazon, Staples) and in office supply or electronics stores.
- Q: How important is it to practice with the calculator before the exam?
- A: Extremely important. You don’t want to waste time during the exam figuring out how to use your calculator. Practice is key to efficiently using even the best calculator to use for the FE exam. Learn about FE exam pass rates and how preparation helps.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- FE Exam Study Guide: Our comprehensive guide to preparing for the FE exam.
- What is the FE Exam?: An overview of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
- FE Exam Pass Rates: Information on historical pass rates for the FE exam.
- Engineering Licensure Process: Learn about the steps to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.
- FE Exam Tips: Strategies and tips for exam day success.
- FE Exam Disciplines: Information on the different FE exam disciplines offered.