HP 10bII Financial Calculator

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this calculator in action

The HP 10BII business calculator has an algebraic entry system and a logical and intuitive keyboard layout with easy-to-read labels. The LCD screen features up to 12 characters on one line of text. Small and sturdy, this calculator is easy to slip into your backpack or briefcase and bring to class or your workplace.

HP offers a one-year warranty on the 10BII.

What's in the Box
Calculator, user's manual, installed batteries, and carrying case

I have used (and own) many of the available financial calculators on the market. I "recommend" the HP-10B to my university finance students, both graduate and undergraduate.

The HP 10B-II is a directly positioned competitor to the TI-BA-II+, but HP's entry is superior. The keys feel more solid, the machine itself "seems" better made. Having worn out more than one of each, my experience has been that the HP has more staying power. And, the TI-BA-II+ often requires more keystrokes to accomplish the same tasks (i.e., NPV calculations). ...

The HP 10BII has a well written manual, including examples on using the function. HP has the manual available on-line on their website for the inevitable time that the user needs it and has lost the original.

While there are cheaper financial calculators, it seems that this particular level is the minimum I would recommend to professionals or students. Less expensive versions, while saving a few dollars, miss important features. As a general rule of thumb, if the calculator can perform the "IRR" function, as this can, it will be able to handle pretty much any calculation into which the finance student, professonal, or banker will run. Lesser machines do not have this function.

Ironically, even larger fancier calculators, such as the venerable HP-12C, are in my estimation inferior as well. The 12C uses RPN logic which, while saving even more keystrokes, is simply foreign to most students. More importantly, some functions, such as the Time Value of Money functions, on the 12C require interpretation. On the 12C, for example, solving for the number of periods in an annuity, the value gets rounded UP to the next integer.

Strongly recommended as the best value in inexpensive financial calculators.


If N is not a whole number, you need the 10IIB   April 8, 2006
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

It is hard to believe, but the HP 12C calculator does not compute partial year payments; therefore it is not possible to obtain accurate results with the 12C when N is not a whole number. For example, if you are calculating qualified plan distribution amounts, the life expectancy table at age 50 is 34.2 years. The HP 10IIB works with partial years, the 12C does not.So, if you do a lot of calculations with N as a partial year, you will never get the correct answer with the 12C. As for the quality of the calculator, I have had no problems with mine. I do like the the shift/off. I can't tell you how many times I have it the on key on my 12C and turned it off. While the number on the display remains in memory, it still is a pain to have to keep hitting the on key to turn it back on. Granted, the 12C feels heavier, but when you carry a calculator in a computer case along with the laptop,and other papers, the less everything weighs the better.
I gave it five stars because the calculator does what it is supposed to do. Give me the correct answer quickly.



Great value at a minimal price!   August 26, 2005
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

As a financial advisor I have been using my HP 10bII heavily for years and have never had a problem. I liked it so much I bought one for each of the other planners in our office, and they won't go anywhere without them.

It's functions are easy to learn, keys are well labeled, the construction is sturdy (and durable), and has a much more pleasing appearance than its predecessor, the 10b. Nothing says "70's insurance salesman" quite like the outdated styling of the 10b. Even though it is a fine calculator, I admit a little embarrassment in bringing the 10b out in front of clients.

I have personally found the 10bII to be my favorite calculator at any price. You could pay a lot more (for additional features), but most people (outside of the heaviest number crunchers) will not need to.


HP 10bII Financial Calculator review   September 7, 2005
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

After 20 years my HP 17B died and this calculator does just about everything that the 17 B did except for Bond Amortizations and I don't do them anymore. Full function, low cost.


Do your own financial calculations at home like a pro!   July 27, 2006
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I just got this HP 10B2 financial calculator and within 5 minutes, I was calculating car loan payments while sitting in a truck dealer lot. It was nice to figure my own payments rather than mess with pushy salesman behind their desk and stuffy office. This is a very user friendly calculator and is nicely laid out. I can figure payments in less than 10-20 seconds, how much easier does it get? It comes with a soft cover case, I do wish it was a hard cover case though, with easy reference codes inside instead, but it doesn't come with that DARN. It's a nice calculator though, I like it enough to keep it over getting others with the hard case. I'd buy this again if needed, I recommend it highly!

RECOMMENDED!