Best Calculator for Fe Exam

FE Exam Approved Calculator Selector

Algebraic (TI/Casio style) RPN (HP style)

Natural Textbook Display (e.g., Casio ES/EX, TI-36X Pro) Standard Multi-line Display (e.g., Casio MS, HP 35s)

Solar & Battery Battery Only

function calculateFEExamCalculator() { var currentCalculatorModel = document.getElementById("currentCalculatorModel").value.toLowerCase().trim(); var preferredEntrySystem = document.getElementById("preferredEntrySystem").value; var displayPreference = document.getElementById("displayPreference").value; var powerSource = document.getElementById("powerSource").value; var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result"); var outputHtml = ""; var allowedCalculators = { "casio fx-115ms": { entry: "algebraic", display: "standard", power: "solar_battery", name: "Casio fx-115MS" }, "casio fx-115ms plus": { entry: "algebraic", display: "standard", power: "solar_battery", name: "Casio fx-115MS Plus" }, "casio fx-115es": { entry: "algebraic", display: "natural", power: "solar_battery", name: "Casio fx-115ES" }, "casio fx-115es plus": { entry: "algebraic", display: "natural", power: "solar_battery", name: "Casio fx-115ES Plus" }, "casio fx-115ex": { entry: "algebraic", display: "natural", power: "solar_battery", name: "Casio fx-115EX" }, "hp 33s": { entry: "rpn", display: "standard", power: "battery_only", name: "HP 33s" }, // HP 33s also has algebraic mode "hp 35s": { entry: "rpn", display: "standard", power: "battery_only", name: "HP 35s" }, "ti-30xs multiview": { entry: "algebraic", display: "natural", power: "solar_battery", name: "TI-30XS Multiview" }, "ti-36x pro": { entry: "algebraic", display: "natural", power: "solar_battery", name: "TI-36X Pro" } }; // 1. Check current calculator model if (currentCalculatorModel) { if (allowedCalculators.hasOwnProperty(currentCalculatorModel)) { outputHtml += "✔ Your " + allowedCalculators[currentCalculatorModel].name + " is an APPROVED calculator for the FE Exam!"; } else { outputHtml += "✖ Your " + currentCalculatorModel.toUpperCase() + " is NOT on the NCEES approved list. You will need to use an approved model."; } } else { outputHtml += "Please enter your current calculator model to check its approval status."; } // 2. Recommend based on preferences var recommendations = []; for (var modelKey in allowedCalculators) { if (allowedCalculators.hasOwnProperty(modelKey)) { var calc = allowedCalculators[modelKey]; var entryMatch = (calc.entry === preferredEntrySystem); // Special handling for HP calculators which are primarily RPN but also offer algebraic if (preferredEntrySystem === "algebraic" && (modelKey === "hp 33s" || modelKey === "hp 35s")) { entryMatch = true; // HP 33s/35s can be used algebraically, though RPN is their forte. } if (entryMatch && calc.display === displayPreference && calc.power === powerSource) { recommendations.push(calc.name); } } } if (recommendations.length > 0) { outputHtml += "💪 Based on your preferences (" + preferredEntrySystem.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + preferredEntrySystem.slice(1) + " entry, " + displayPreference.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + displayPreference.slice(1) + " display, " + powerSource.replace('_', ' ').toUpperCase() + " power), we recommend: " + recommendations.join(", ") + "."; } else { outputHtml += "🔍 No perfect match found for all your preferences among the approved calculators. Consider these popular and versatile options:"; outputHtml += "

"; outputHtml += "
• TI-36X Pro: Very popular, algebraic, natural display, solar & battery.
"; outputHtml += "
• Casio fx-115EX: Excellent, algebraic, natural display, solar & battery.
"; outputHtml += "
• HP 35s: For RPN enthusiasts, standard display, battery only.
"; outputHtml += "

"; } resultDiv.innerHTML = outputHtml; }

Choosing the Best Calculator for the FE Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is a critical step for aspiring engineers in the United States, serving as the first of two exams required for professional licensure. Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the exam is computer-based and covers a broad range of engineering fundamentals. While your knowledge and problem-solving skills are paramount, the choice of calculator you bring to the exam can significantly impact your efficiency and confidence.

Why Calculator Choice Matters

Unlike many academic tests, the FE Exam has a very strict policy regarding allowed calculators. Only specific models from Casio, Hewlett Packard, and Texas Instruments are permitted. Using an unapproved calculator will result in it being confiscated, potentially jeopardizing your exam attempt. Beyond compliance, the "best" calculator is one you are intimately familiar with, allowing you to perform complex calculations quickly and accurately under pressure.

NCEES Approved Calculators (as of current guidelines):

The NCEES maintains a concise list of approved calculators to ensure fairness and prevent the use of devices with advanced capabilities like graphing or programmable memory. The current approved models include:

• Casio: fx-115MS, fx-115MS Plus, fx-115ES, fx-115ES Plus, fx-115EX
• Hewlett Packard: HP 33s, HP 35s
• Texas Instruments: TI-30XS Multiview, TI-36X Pro

It is crucial to always check the official NCEES website for the most up-to-date list before your exam.

Key Features to Consider:

When selecting from the approved list, consider these factors:

1. Entry System: Algebraic vs. RPN

• Algebraic (e.g., TI, Casio): This is the most common entry system, where you input equations as you would write them (e.g., 2 + 3 =). Most students are familiar with this.
• RPN (Reverse Polish Notation – e.g., HP): This system uses a stack, where you input numbers first, then the operation (e.g., 2 Enter 3 +). RPN can be very efficient for complex calculations once mastered, but it has a learning curve. The HP 33s and 35s also offer an algebraic mode, but their RPN functionality is a key differentiator.

2. Display Type: Natural Textbook vs. Standard Multi-line

• Natural Textbook Display (e.g., Casio fx-115EX, TI-36X Pro): These displays show fractions, square roots, and other mathematical expressions exactly as they appear in textbooks. This can significantly reduce errors and improve comprehension.
• Standard Multi-line Display (e.g., Casio fx-115MS, HP 35s): These displays show multiple lines of input/output but typically use linear notation for fractions and roots.

3. Power Source: Solar & Battery vs. Battery Only

• Most modern scientific calculators offer both solar and battery power, providing peace of mind during a long exam. Some models, particularly older HP ones, might be battery-only. Always ensure your batteries are fresh before exam day.

Popular Recommendations:

• TI-36X Pro: Often considered the gold standard for the FE Exam. It's algebraic, has a natural textbook display, and is packed with useful functions for engineering, including vector and matrix operations, unit conversions, and a solver.
• Casio fx-115EX (or fx-115ES Plus): A strong contender, very similar to the TI-36X Pro in functionality and display. Many prefer Casio's interface.
• HP 35s: A favorite among those who prefer RPN. It's robust and powerful, but requires dedicated practice if you're not already an RPN user.

How to Use Our Calculator Selector:

Our tool helps you quickly determine if your current calculator is approved and suggests models based on your preferences:

1. Enter Your Current Model: Type the exact model name of your calculator to see if it's on the NCEES approved list.
2. Select Preferences: Choose your preferred entry system (Algebraic or RPN), display type (Natural Textbook or Standard Multi-line), and power source.
3. Get Recommendations: The tool will then tell you if your current calculator is approved and provide recommendations from the NCEES list that best match your selected preferences.

Final Tips for Exam Day:

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Whichever calculator you choose, use it extensively during your FE exam preparation. Familiarity is key to speed and accuracy.
• Bring a Backup: If possible, bring a second approved calculator with fresh batteries. Technical issues can happen.
• Know Your Calculator's Functions: Understand how to use all relevant functions (solver, unit conversions, complex numbers, etc.) efficiently.

By making an informed choice and practicing diligently, your calculator will be a valuable asset on your FE Exam day.