Laynie Hasan.

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School & Office Comparisons · Reviewed September 17, 2026

Casio fx-115ES Plus 2 vs TI-36X Pro: Which Scientific Calculator Fits Your Class?

Both are non-graphing scientific calculators with textbook-style notation, but their screen layouts and problem-solving workflows feel meaningfully different.

Best for

Students and professionals choosing a non-graphing scientific calculator for algebra, trigonometry, statistics, calculus support or engineering coursework.

Probably not for

Graphing, computer algebra, symbolic calculus, guaranteed exam acceptance, or replacing a course-specific calculator requirement.

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Casio fx-115ES Plus 2nd Edition, fx-115ESPLUS2-S

Casio identifies this exact second-edition model as fx-115ESPLUS2-S. It uses Natural Textbook Display and includes more than 280 functions, numerical integration and differentiation, complex-number calculations, matrix and vector work, equation solving, a function table, 40 scientific constants and unit conversions. Solar assistance works with a replaceable battery, and the supplied hard case protects the front while stored.

Pros

  • Natural Textbook Display shows fractions, roots and other expressions in a familiar written format.
  • Matrix, vector, complex-number, equation and table modes cover a wide range of common technical courses.

Cons

  • Mode-based menus can require more navigation and familiarity than a four-line workspace.
  • The display does not graph functions or provide symbolic algebra.

Who it’s for: Choose it if you prefer Casio notation, a broad function set and a slide-on hard case. Skip it if a four-line history and TI key layout are central to your class workflow.

Check Casio fx-115ES Plus 2nd Edition, fx-115ESPLUS2-S on Amazon

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator

The TI-36X Pro uses a four-line display with MathPrint notation, so several entries and answers can remain visible together. Texas Instruments documents numeric equation solvers, polynomial and simultaneous-equation tools, a data and table editor, numeric derivatives and integrals, vectors, matrices, statistics, nine physical constants and 18 metric or English conversions. It also combines solar assistance with a battery and includes a protective cover.

Pros

  • Four-line screen makes recent entries and results easier to review without immediately leaving the calculation.
  • MathPrint, table editing and dedicated solver tools support multi-step classwork without graphing.

Cons

  • Fewer published constants and conversions than the Casio, if those built-in references matter to the course.
  • TI menu names and key sequences still require practice before a timed assignment or exam.

Who it’s for: Choose it for the four-line history, TI-style controls and table workflow. Skip it if your instructor teaches Casio-specific keystrokes or you prefer the Casio mode structure.

Check Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator on Amazon

The display changes how you check multi-step work

Both calculators render fractions, exponents, roots and other expressions in textbook-style notation. The practical difference is how much context stays on screen. The TI-36X Pro uses four lines, which can make it easier to compare a current entry with recent work. The Casio display is organized around its Natural Textbook Display and mode-specific screens. Neither screen is a graphing display, so a plotted curve is outside the purpose of both models.

A familiar layout can be more valuable than a longer feature list. If an instructor demonstrates every step on one brand, matching that layout can reduce translation during class. If the course materials are brand neutral, look at sample key maps and manuals before choosing. A calculator that technically includes a solver is less useful if its menus remain unfamiliar when time is limited.

Solvers, tables and advanced functions overlap

Each exact model handles common scientific work including fractions, trigonometry, logarithms, statistics and numeric calculus. Both also provide matrix, vector, complex-number and equation features. The Casio publishes more than 280 functions along with 40 constants and unit conversions. The TI emphasizes its equation tools, four-line workspace and data or table editor. Function counts are not a performance score because manufacturers group and count capabilities differently.

Neither calculator is a computer algebra system. Numeric integration and differentiation use entered values and bounds; they do not produce a symbolic antiderivative or algebraic proof. Likewise, equation solvers require an appropriate setup and do not replace showing work when a teacher asks for the method. Confirm which modes the course actually permits before relying on any advanced feature.

Power and protective covers are similar, but habits matter

Both models use solar assistance with battery power, an arrangement designed to keep the calculator usable across changing classroom light. Solar assistance does not mean the calculator works forever without a battery. Follow the manufacturer instructions for replacement, storage and disposal, and do not wait until an important exam to discover a dim display or unfamiliar reset procedure.

Each includes a protective cover. Slide it on before dropping the calculator into a backpack with books, chargers and pens. Labels, color variants and bundles can change, so verify the exact model on the listing rather than buying by the front-panel appearance alone. This comparison covers Casio fx-115ESPLUS2-S ASIN B086Z79HXS and TI-36X Pro ASIN B004NBZB2Y.

Check the current exam policy before buying

Calculator rules differ by class, school, testing program and exam version, and those policies can change. A model accepted in one setting may be restricted in another. Use the official exam or instructor policy for the date you will sit the test, and make sure the model name appears exactly where a list is provided. This guide does not promise acceptance for any exam.

Choose the Casio for its Natural Textbook Display, extensive published function set and Casio workflow. Choose the TI for a four-line history, MathPrint and TI-style table or solver navigation. Whichever you choose, practice ordinary entry, editing, mode changes and resets before a timed setting. The related label-maker comparison can help organize binders and supplies without turning a calculator choice into a bigger shopping list.

Official sources and further reading

Sources reviewed on September 17, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.

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