CFA Calculator Finder
Not sure which calculator is best for your CFA journey? Enter your preferences and get a recommendation based on budget, study time, and usage style.
Quick answer: what is the best calculator for CFA candidates?
For most candidates, the Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional is the best calculator for CFA prep. It is fast, exam-friendly, and uses a familiar algebraic input style. If you want to spend less, the standard BA II Plus is still a strong choice and is extremely common among candidates.
If you already use Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) or want premium durability, the HP 12C Platinum can be excellent. But if you are brand new to financial calculators, many students find the TI line easier to learn quickly.
Which calculators are allowed on the CFA exam?
As of recent guidance, candidates typically use one of the two approved families:
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including Professional)
- Hewlett Packard 12C series (including Platinum)
Policies can change. Always check the current CFA Institute calculator policy before exam day so you do not bring a non-compliant device.
Comparison: BA II Plus vs BA II Plus Professional vs HP 12C Platinum
1) Texas Instruments BA II Plus (Standard)
- Usually the lowest price
- Algebraic entry (familiar for most people)
- Widely used in CFA prep materials and tutorials
- Great value for budget-focused candidates
2) Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional
- Faster key response and cleaner build quality
- Often considered the “best overall” for serious CFA prep
- Same broad function family as the standard BA II Plus
- Costs more, but many candidates find it worth it
3) HP 12C Platinum
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Supports RPN workflows and can be very fast once mastered
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Good choice for candidates who already think in RPN
How to choose the best calculator for your CFA study plan
Don’t pick based on specs alone. Pick based on how you will actually study for the next several months.
- If you are new: choose BA II Plus or BA II Plus Professional.
- If you already use RPN: HP 12C Platinum may feel natural and efficient.
- If your budget is tight: standard BA II Plus is usually enough.
- If you want one calculator for years: BA II Plus Professional or HP 12C Platinum are both solid long-term options.
Why many candidates bring two calculators
A backup unit can reduce stress if your primary calculator fails, resets unexpectedly, or has battery issues. This is especially useful for candidates taking high-stakes exams after long prep cycles.
If you bring a second one, keep both configured identically so muscle memory remains consistent under exam pressure.
Setup checklist before exam day
- Install fresh batteries 1–2 weeks before the exam.
- Clear memory and verify key financial settings.
- Confirm P/Y and C/Y settings match your study assumptions.
- Practice NPV, IRR, TVM, bond, and cash flow keys repeatedly.
- Use the exact same calculator model during all mock exams.
Functions you should master early
The “best calculator for CFA” is the one you can use accurately under time pressure. Master these areas first:
- Time Value of Money (N, I/Y, PV, PMT, FV)
- Cash flow worksheet (CF0, C01, F01)
- NPV and IRR workflows
- Bond pricing and yield functions
- Amortization and quick percentage operations
Final recommendation
If you want the simplest path with strong performance, start with the BA II Plus Professional. If price matters most, use the BA II Plus standard. If you are already fluent in RPN and want a durable classic, choose the HP 12C Platinum.
No matter which model you pick, the real edge comes from repetition: same calculator, same workflow, same key sequence discipline from day one of prep.