CFA exam calculator HP12C or TI BA II
What calculator should I take for the CFA exam?
HP 12C or TI BA II, both are approved by the CFA!
HP 12C vs TI BA II
Studying for the CFA requires a lot of effort and preparation so it's not surprising that you’d want to have the correct tools going into the exam. The TI is the more commonly used calculator for the CFA exam. The HP is considered outdated by many though most of the functions are similar. The best option is to try both and use the calculator you are most comfortable with. Whichever you choose make sure you spend enough time familiarizing yourself with the functions. You want to be able to use it to it’s fullest advantage.
Read More About Prepping For The CFA On WSO
- 7 Reasons For You To Consider The Cfa Charter
- How Much Time Is Needed To Study For Cfa Level 1 Exam?
- What You Need To Do To Earn The Cfa Charter
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This is a joke right? Or are you that big of a nerd?
I used both. First HP12C, then the TI, then back to HP, I prefered the HP obviosly, because once you get all the functions figured out it seems much more convienent, less steps to do the same thing.
But out of my class of 50 or so kids, I think there were only 2 of us with the HP, the rest had the TIs.
So my answer is, get whatever you are comfortable with using.Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet..
Calculators for the CFA (Originally Posted: 11/27/2006)
So you can use either the HP-12c or the TI-II plus. From everything i've read, the HP-12c is a classic and a favorite for bankers for the last 2+ decades, TI-II is a newer model.
Anyone have any thoughts on the pluses and minuses and which would be better for the CFA?
TI BA II. HP is outdated. Your welcome.
I used the TI. I would say 90% of people do. Try both and go with what you are more comfortable with.
to get the CFA designation i thought you need to work for a financial company
destroys the BA II
BA II is good. Easy to use.
I'm a big enough nerd that I have both. Actually, I bought the 12c then thought I had lost it, bought the TI and found the 12c later. I use the 12c more, though..
Ke 18sb, you need to work for four years in a financial position.
I have the TI and i like it so far.
BA II just because thats what im using right now
reverse polar notation on 12c will significantly speed up your calculations once you get used to it
No love for the HP12C? People get thrown off by the reverse polish, but I think once you learn it, it's the best way to go.
Looks cooler too.
12c..outdated maybe, but very useful. Grab the updated version with more memory..translates to quicker calculations.
Learn the HP 12-C. Once you get used to RPN it is much more efficient. My bank handed out 12c's to all the analysts when I started and I've been using it ever since.
what brand of pencil should I use when I take the CFA in June?
Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...
lb banker, dr bombay, don't think you 2 are funny if you can't bother don't react on the topic it was a serious question
dude use the 12c platnium edition. This isn't a joke. It exists. I have it and it is phenomenal.
It is what all the hedge fund guys are using these days.
Yes, it takes time to "think." IRRs take ~15 - 20 seconds.
Admittedly a terrible feature. And for whatever reason, HP didn't improve the calculation time when they rolled out the 12C Platinum a few years ago.
^ agreed. Professional looking and great for NPVs/IRRs.
Are you serious about the reverse polar? I always got worried about having to learn it... ive never even seen it actually.
what am i doing here. im not even taking the CFA this sitting...
Anniversary Edition is 6x faster.
RPN is really easy to learn and you'll love it when you try it...
I can't use normal calculators anymore. Too slow and annoying.
Why is the 10BII outlawed thats such crap I love that calculator
RPN is better for doing IRR, NPV, etc calculations. It takes 2 hours (or less, if you're smarter than I) to flip through the manual, do some practice calcs, and get used to the new method.
ExGS--I'm not convinced that the 12c platinum is so much better than the original (and I have both). Only difference I can tell is the new look, and the ability to do algebraic notation.
The calculations are still as slow as the original (which is perhaps the only glaring weakness of the HP versus TI).
Anybody disagree?
Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...
I heard that hp market research in the early 90's found that people didnt trust the calculations if they came back too quickly, so they didnt improve the speed.
I own both because one professor made me use one and another professor made me use the other. Personally, I like the 12c. I found it to be simpler to use once you get used to RPN.
Realistically, I'd say you only need the calculator on less than 50% of CFA level 1 exam. As a result, it's not like the choice will make or break you.
TI II PLus is easier to use.
kaplan schweser study materials assume you are using the BA II plus so if you are using schweser notes then get the TI. I would get the basic version and get two of them because in the unlikely event one craps out during the exam you have a back up and don't need to fumble with batteries. A silver calculator does not make you a BSD. passing does.
I have both, and brought both to the L2 exam, hp all the way. tvm calcs are a lot quicker, the calculator has more heft (won't get broken if you accidentally step on it), it has a cult following (my dad's been in banking 30+ years and is only on his 2nd 12c), and the metal on the front makes for a nice place to carve your name and personalize it :).
FD: I have the 12c platinum, I never use rpn, and I still find it to be better than the ti baii plus. on the other side of that, I have a buddy of mine who swears by the ba ii, so to each his own I suppose.
HP 12c has both old school and snob apeal.
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