Printer calculators have been a staple in various fields like accounting, finance, and sales for ages. They are essential tools for those who need to make quick calculations, print receipts, or keep track of financial transactions. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose? We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of 10 best printer calculators, along with their key features and pros and cons.
But first, let’s understand some facts about printer calculators, factors to consider when purchasing, and answer some frequently asked questions.
What are printer calculators?
Printer calculators are specialized calculators that come with a built-in printer, allowing users to print calculations and results for easy record-keeping. They’re commonly used by accountants, financial professionals, and small business owners for tasks like tax preparation, budgeting, and inventory management. These calculators often include advanced features like tax and currency conversion, cost-sell-margin calculations, and item counting, making them invaluable tools for busy professionals.
How printer calculators work?
Printer calculators work by performing mathematical operations and printing the results on a paper tape or thermal paper. The calculator’s keyboard is used to input numbers and perform operations, while the built-in printer records the calculations as they’re made. Some printer calculators also come with additional features like memory functions, time and date stamps, and various rounding modes. Once the calculation is complete, the user can either tear off the paper tape for record-keeping or use the device’s memory functions to store the results.
Factors to consider when choosing a printer calculator
Before purchasing a printer calculator, consider the following factors:
- Printing speed: Look for a calculator with a fast printing speed to ensure efficiency during busy workdays.
- Display size: Choose a calculator with a large, easy-to-read display for better visibility.
- Functionality: Make sure the calculator includes the features you need, such as tax calculations, currency conversion, or cost-sell-margin keys.
- Power source: Some printer calculators are battery-powered, while others require an AC adapter. Consider your power source preferences and portability needs.
FAQs about printer calculators
Q: Can I use a printer calculator without paper?
A: Yes, most printer calculators can function without paper, displaying calculations on the screen. However, you won’t be able to print your calculations for record-keeping purposes.
Q: Are ink ribbons or ink rollers replaceable?
A: Yes, most printer calculators use replaceable ink ribbons or rollers. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific replacement part you need.
Q: How do I clean a printer calculator?
A: Gently clean the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. For the printer mechanism, use a small brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for more specific cleaning guidelines.
Q: Can I connect my printer calculator to a computer?
A: Some advanced printer calculators come with connectivity options that allow you to connect them to a computer for data transfer or further analysis.
Q: What type of paper should I use for my printer calculator?
A: Printer calculators typically use either standard paper rolls or thermal paper rolls. Check your calculator’s specifications to determine the correct paper type.
Q: How long do printer calculators last?
A: The lifespan of a printer calculator depends on factors such as build quality, frequency of use, and maintenance. With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality printer calculator can last for several years.
Top 10 Best Printing Calculators
List updated on April 8, 2023
| Top 3 | Printer Calculator | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor 1240-3A | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Canon MP11DX-2 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Sharp EL-1901 | 8.8/10 |
1. Victor 1240-3A
Rating – 9.2/10
This is an excellent choice for everyday or moderate users, particularly in busy office environments. This calculator has a modern silver design and is made from 45% recycled plastic. It features a large 12-digit fluorescent display and a fast, heavy-duty, 2-color printer that prints 4.5 lines per second.
Key Features:
- 12-digit fluorescent display
- Fast, heavy-duty, 2-color printer (4.5 lines per second)
- Made from 45% recycled plastic
- Cost-Sell-Margin keys for easy profit calculations
- Automatic tax keys
- Time/Date functions
- Uses replaceable Victor ink ribbon 7010
- 4-key independent memory keys
Pros:
- Easy-to-read large fluorescent display
- Fast and reliable printing
- Environmentally friendly, made from recycled plastic
- Useful functions like markup/gross profit margin and automatic tax keys
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty use
- Fixed display angle
The Victor 1240-3A is a great choice for everyday or moderate users who need a reliable and eco-friendly calculator. It offers essential functions like cost-sell-margin calculations and automatic tax keys, along with a large, easy-to-read display.
2. Canon MP11DX-2
Rating – 9.0/10
This compact, two-color printing calculator is designed with busy professionals in mind. It has the perfect combination of useful and sophisticated features to help you calculate profit margins, selling prices, and discounts based on costs and desired profit margins. Plus, it has a built-in clock and calendar, so you can easily view the time and date on the display or print them out.
Key Features:
- Compact design for busy professionals
- Double Check Function for accurate calculations
- Profit margin calculation keys
- High-speed ink ribbon printing system
- Cost/Sell/Margin functions
- Built-in clock and calendar
- Comes with instructions, roll paper, and a back-up battery (CR2032 x 1)
Pros:
- Space-saving design perfect for desktop use
- Convenient profit margin calculation keys for quick price and discount calculations
- Built-in clock and calendar for added functionality
- Fast and efficient printing system
- Useful Cost/Sell/Margin features for easy calculations
Cons:
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty use
- Some users might prefer a larger display
The Canon MP11DX-2 Desktop Printing Calculator is an excellent choice for busy professionals who need a compact yet functional calculator. However, it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, and some users might prefer a larger display. Overall, it’s a solid, feature-packed calculator that should meet the needs of most professionals.
3. Sharp EL-1901
Rating – 8.8/10
Sharp EL-1901 is a unique and eco-friendly calculator that offers the functionality of both printing and desktop calculators without the need for paper or ink. It has a 12-digit display, a 5-line LCD, and a 300-step Check & Correct function that allows you to see and edit your calculations. This silent and ecological calculator has a range of features, making it perfect for various calculation needs.
Key Features:
- 12-digit display with 5-line LCD
- 300-step Check & Correct function
- Cost/Sell/Margin, +TAX/-TAX functions
- Rounding up and down, decimal settings
- Grand Total, double zero, and 4 key memory
- AC adapter power supply
Pros:
- Eco-friendly: No paper or ink required
- Quiet operation: Perfect for any environment
- Stores up to 300 entries with Check & Correct functionality
- Adjustable tilt display for easy viewing
- Full-size keyboard with essential calculation functions
Cons:
- No battery backup option
- Lacks some advanced features like percent and root calculations
The Sharp EL-1901 is an innovative and eco-friendly choice for those who want the functionality of a printing calculator without the paper waste.
4. Casio HR-300RC
Rating – 8.5/10
This mini-desktop calculator comes in white and is perfect for those who need a reliable tool for their accounting and financial tasks. It’s battery-powered, with 4 AA batteries required, and has a backlit LCD display, making it easy to read in any lighting condition.
Key Features:
- 12-digit display
- 2-color printing (red and black)
- Re-print and after-print function
- Clock and calendar function
- 150 steps check and correct
- Profit calculation (cost, sell, margin)
- Tax calculation
- Time/date display and stamp
Pros:
- Easy-to-read backlit LCD display
- Two-color printing helps differentiate between positive and negative values
- Re-print and after-print functions are great for double-checking calculations
- Clock and calendar functions make it a versatile tool
- 150 steps check and correct feature provides a way to review calculations
Cons:
- Requires 4 AA batteries, which can be inconvenient if you need to replace them often
- Made of plastic, which may not be as durable as some other materials
- AC adapter is not included, making it less convenient for those who want to use it without batteries
Overall, the Casio HR-300RC is a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable and easy-to-use tool for financial calculations. It has a wide range of features that make it versatile and convenient, although there are a few minor drawbacks.
5. Sharp QS-2770H
Rating – 8.3/10
This printing calculator is designed for commercial use and comes with a large 12-digit blue fluorescent display, 4.8 lines/sec high-speed printing, and tax calculation features. It’s perfect for crunching numbers quickly and efficiently.
Key Features:
- Large 12-digit blue fluorescent display
- High-speed 4.8 lines/sec, 2-color ribbon printing
- Date key for printing date on tape
- Tax calculations from stored tax rate memory
- Two independently accessible 4-key & grand total memories
- Floating (F) or fixed decimal (6,3,2,1,0)
- Item count in display
Pros:
- Fast and quiet printing for efficient work
- Professional keyboard designed for comfort and ease of use
- Easy-to-read blue fluorescent display
- Useful features like grand total, tax calculations, and item count
- Date key for printing date on tape
Cons:
- AC power only, no battery option
- May be larger and heavier than some other printing calculators
The Sharp QS-2770H Commercial Use Printing Calculator is a reliable and efficient tool for those in need of a powerful printing calculator. Keep in mind, though, that this calculator is AC powered and doesn’t offer a battery option, which could be a downside for some users.
6. Victor 1310
Rating – 8.0/10
This unique calculator offers you the choice to work with 10-digit Big Print size, which is 150% larger than other printing calculators, or the normal 12-digit print size. It comes with a 2-color dot matrix display, making it super easy to read, and a fast and quiet thermal printer that delivers crisp and clear print quality.
Key Features:
- 2-color dot matrix display for easy readability
- Option for 10-digit Big Print size or normal 12-digit print size
- Fast and quiet thermal printer (6.0 lines per second)
- Professional functions including cost/sell/margin, tax, and delta percent
- Powered by an AC adaptor (no batteries required)
- Requires thermal paper for printing
Pros:
- Large print size option makes it perfect for those who struggle with small print
- Fast and quiet thermal printer ensures excellent print quality
- Compact design saves desk space
- Professional functions cater to accounting and sales tasks
- No need for ink replacement, as it uses thermal paper
Cons:
- Must purchase thermal paper separately for printing
- No battery option, relies on AC adaptor for power
The Victor 1310 Big Print Commercial Printing Calculator is an excellent choice for professionals who need a calculator with large print size and a variety of professional functions. Its thermal printer ensures fast, quiet, and high-quality printing, while its compact design helps save desk space. Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase thermal paper separately, and it doesn’t have a battery option. Overall, it’s a fantastic calculator that caters to a range of needs and preferences.
7. Casio HR-200RC
Rating – 7.8/10
This compact, black calculator is an ideal addition to any office or workspace. It’s battery-powered, requiring 4 AA batteries, but also offers an optional AC adapter for stationary use. The extra-large, 12-digit LCD display ensures easy readability, and the responsive keypad lets you type in calculations quickly.
Key Features:
- 12-digit extra-large display
- 2-color printing (red and black)
- Re-print and after-print function
- Clock and calendar function
- 150 steps check
- Currency exchange function
- 2.0 line-per-second printing
- Tax calculation, professional keyboard layout, and one-touch change calculation
Pros:
- Clear, easy-to-read display
- Quick and responsive keypad
- Dual-power operation (battery or optional AC adapter)
- Versatile features including tax and currency exchange calculations
- Professional keyboard layout for easy use
Cons:
- Requires 4 AA batteries, which may need frequent replacement
- AC adapter not included, must be purchased separately
- Made of plastic, which might not be as durable as other materials
The Casio HR-200RC is a great tool for everyday use, offering a variety of features for both on-the-go and stationary operation. While there are a few minor drawbacks, its versatility and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable printing calculator.
8. Victor 1208-2
Rating – 7.5/10
The Victor Printing Calculator 1208-2 is a compact and reliable adding machine with a 12-digit LCD display. This calculator is perfect for occasional users, particularly in small office or home office settings. With a modern black and white design, it’s sure to complement any desktop decor. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, as it’s manufactured with 20% recycled plastic.
Key Features:
- Extra-large 12-digit LCD display
- Fast and reliable 2.3 lines-per-second ink roller printer
- Manufactured with 20% recycled plastic
- Cost, Sell, and Margin keys for quick profit margin calculations
- Time/Date functions
- Automatic tax keys
- 4-key independent memory
- Can be powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) or included AC adapter
- Uses replaceable Victor ink roller IR40T
Pros:
- Large, easy-to-read display
- Environmentally friendly materials
- Convenient profit margin calculations with Cost, Sell, and Margin keys
- Fast and reliable printing
- Dual power options (battery or AC adapter)
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Might not be suitable for heavy-duty use
The Victor Printing Calculator 1208-2 is an excellent choice for occasional users who need a compact, reliable, and eco-friendly calculator. Just keep in mind that it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, and you’ll need to purchase batteries separately if you prefer to use it without the AC adapter.
9. Sharp EL-1801V Ink Printing Calculator
Rating – 7.2/10
The Sharp EL-1801V calculator is suited for those especially in small office or home office settings. With a large 12-digit blue fluorescent display and a fast 2.5 lines-per-second ink printer, you can count on this reliable machine. The professional keyboard layout and one-touch change calculation make it an excellent choice for general-purpose calculations.
Key Features:
- Large 12-digit blue fluorescent display
- Quick 2.1 LPS, 2-color serial printer
- One-touch change calculation function
- Cost/Sell/Margin keys, Grand Total, and Average
- Built-in tax, mark up, and right-shift keys
- 4-key memory
Pros:
- Easy-to-read fluorescent display
- Fast and reliable 2-color ink printer
- Convenient one-touch change calculation
- Professional keyboard layout for quick calculations
- Useful features like Cost/Sell/Margin calculations and tax keys
Cons:
- AC power only, no battery option
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty use
This is a fantastic choice for those who need a reliable and user-friendly calculator. Its large display, fast printing speed, and professional keyboard layout make it perfect for small office or home office settings.
10. Sharp QS2760H
Rating – 7.0/10
This heavy-duty 12-digit calculator is perfect for advanced users in a busy office environment. It’s reliable and fast, with a 4.8 lines-per-second ribbon printer, and has a professional keyboard designed for comfort and efficiency. Plus, it’s packed with features that make calculations a breeze.
Key Features:
- Large 12-digit blue fluorescent display
- High-speed 4.8 lines/sec., 2-color ribbon printing
- Professional keyboard
- Tax calculations from stored tax rate memory
- Two independently accessible 4-key & grand total memories
- Floating (F) or fixed decimal (6,3,2,1,0)
- MU key for Cost/Sell/Margin calculations
- Automatic add-on/discounts calculations
Pros:
- Fast and reliable performance
- Comfortable and efficient professional keyboard
- Useful features like tax calculations and Cost/Sell/Margin calculations
- Heavy-duty durability for power users
Cons:
- AC power only, no battery option
- May be larger and heavier than some other calculators
The Sharp QS2760H 2-Color Ribbon Printer is an excellent choice for those who need a powerful and reliable calculator in a busy office setting. With its fast printing speed, professional keyboard, and useful features like tax calculations and Cost/Sell/Margin calculations, it’s perfect for advanced users.
Conclusion
Printer calculators are essential tools for professionals who require quick and accurate calculations along with printed records. With various features, functions, and price points to choose from, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the best printer calculator for your home or business use.