Classroom and teaching supplies

Math tools for grades 6-12: calculators, graph paper and what is allowed

Which calculator you need depends on the course and the tests. These are the models teachers recommend most, with a plain note on use. Always check the school's and the test's current calculator policy before you buy.

Chosen from Lakeshore Learning's own category navigation and the makers' sites, checked Oct 2026. Prices are about, Oct 2026, and move with sales. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.

TI-108 basic calculator
Texas Instruments · Ages 6-10
A simple four-function solar calculator for checking arithmetic; many elementary and middle schools allow it.
Watch for: About $8-12.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
TI-34 MultiView
Texas Instruments · Ages 11-15
A scientific calculator that shows fractions and expressions as written; popular in grades 6-8.
Watch for: About $15-25. Allowed on many state tests; check yours.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
TI-30XS MultiView
Texas Instruments · Ages 12-18
A scientific calculator with a four-line display; widely used in algebra, geometry and science.
Watch for: About $18-28. Accepted on many standardized tests; check the test site.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
TI-30X IIS
Texas Instruments · Ages 12-18
The older two-line scientific calculator that many schools still allow; solar with battery backup.
Watch for: About $13-20. Lower cost; fine for most pre-algebra and algebra 1.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
TI-84 Plus CE
Texas Instruments · Ages 14-18
The most common graphing calculator in US high schools; used for algebra 2, precalculus and statistics.
Watch for: About $120-160. Allowed on many tests; confirm per test. A phone app does not replace it where phones are banned.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Graph paper pads
Pacon · Ages 8-18
Coordinates, functions and scale drawings.
Watch for: About $4-10.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Geometry set
Staedtler · Ages 11-18
Protractor, compass and rulers for constructions.
Watch for: About $3-12.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Mechanical pencils and erasers
Staedtler · Ages 11-18
Neat math work and easy corrections.
Watch for: About $3-8.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Fraction and decimal manipulatives
hand2mind · Ages 8-13
For students still building fraction sense before algebra.
Watch for: About $10-30.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Dry-erase boards for practice
Expo · Ages 8-18
Try problems without wasting paper.
Watch for: About $15-40.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Algebra tiles
hand2mind · Ages 11-15
Show equations and factoring with tiles.
Watch for: About $10-30.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Posters and reference charts
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-15
Formulas, number properties and unit conversions.
Watch for: About $8-20.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart

More lists

Middle school classroom must-haves: 16 supplies for grades 6-8
Middle schoolers move between classes, so they need a portable kit and a few teacher-side basics.
High school basics for ages 14-16: 14 supplies students use daily
By 9th and 10th grade, students need dependable, plain tools more than novelty.
Book bins, supply caddies and tubs for the classroom: 12 options
Bins and caddies are the cheapest way to turn a pile of books and markers into something kids can find and put back.
Classroom cubbies, bookcases and storage units: 10 picks
Furniture is the big-ticket part of a room, so buy it slowly.
Classroom library furniture and reading-nook pieces: 10 picks
A reading corner needs three things: book display, a place to sit, and something soft underfoot.
Labels and organization tools for a classroom: 10 picks
Labels cost little and save a lot of daily nagging.
Bulletin board sets, paper and trim: 12 picks
A bulletin board has three costs: paper, trim and the letters or pieces.
Bulletin board borders and trim: 10 picks
Borders frame a board and hide ragged edges.

All 348 lists →