HP 12C Financial Calculator – 120+ Functions: TVM, NPV, IRR, Amortization, Bond Calculations, Programmable Keys (HP)

I picked up the HP 12C after starting my financial analyst coursework, mostly because it’s still recommended (and even required) for some certification exams. I’d heard it was an “industry standard,” and honestly, I get why.🟢 What I Like:Solid build, compact design – This thing feels professional. It’s not flashy, but it’s clearly built to last. I can toss it in my bag and not worry.Powerful functions – Everything I’ve needed so far: TVM, IRR, NPV, amortization, bond yields—it’s all built in and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.Efficient (once you learn RPN) – The Reverse Polish Notation felt weird at first, but now that I’ve gotten used to it, it’s faster and less prone to mistakes than standard calculators.

My last HP12C bit the dust after about 10 years daily use. The new unit I just received is made in the Philippines. It appears to be well made and very similar to the last 3 units I have owned. After using HP12Cs for the past 40+ years, I find it hard to give up RPN and the excellent functionality these calculators pack in such a small footprint!

There are many GBs of web pages devoted to the HP12c. Suffice it to say this is a brilliant financial calculator and I recommend it to anyone working in finance or banking. Yes, the spreadsheet is much more powerful and thanks to our phones, very portable. But this is designed to fit in your short pocket.The level of design is immense. The HP 12c has remained in production since 1981 and the user interface is unchanged. However, this version of the HP12c is super fast (it unofficially referred to as the HP12C+).The original physical technical architecture no longer exists so the software runs on an ARM chip. The batteries may not last as long (we are talking months… not daily recharging!) but I will take the speed any day.These calculators do not come with a manual but you can download the VERY comprehensive manual from the web. There is also an advanced manual called the solutions manual. These books are mini finance courses which introduce you to the HP12c.The calculator uses RPN. If you have used it, you will love it. If not, it is odd… but no one will ever take your calculator at a meeting. You need to learn RPN (there are videos to explain) but if you work through the instructions you will do that in no time… the trouble will be going back (it is faster than conventional calculations).You can write simple keystroke programmes for this calculator. This can be useful but in all of my years of using the HP12C, I have not written any elaborate programmes. These calculators can be “flashed” with a special cable (there is a socket in the battery compartment). I have not done this so I cannot comment on the process.The build quality is very good. These calculators are made in the Philippines. For this price, the HP12C is amazing value.

The highest quality Financial Calculator you can buy...STILL!!!This device just reeks of High-Quality from the precision buttons you can actually feel work, to the perfectly sized areas with which to grasp it, and it fits easily in your pocket! The calculating ability is second-to-none and only limited to your own ingenuity, (and an Operating Manual - Sold Separately).A Great Deal you should NOT pass up.

Best calculator for financial planning

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I "grew-up" on RPN HP calculators, such as the HP- 35. I still have an HP-45 on the desk. Once you get used to RPN, you'll NEVER go back to TI style logistics which has an equal sign (the giveaway) Seems to be a good 2nd generation of this calculator, but the erase function is NOT the same. In the original HP unit, hitting the left arrow, erases the last entry by a single digit, essentially backing up one space. In this one, it erases the whole entry, ALL the digits entered are erased. I like the fact that it uses easier to find AAA batteries instead of those button cells.

Identical to 1980’s original that just died.

Very fun calculator - I look forward to annoying all my friends with amortization! Kinda annoying that it didn't come with a manual (no calculators seem to these days - I've ordered three in the last week), but you can find a couple manuals online and tons of YouTube tutorials. Buttons feel great!