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A talking calculator is a calculator that speaks each key you press and the answer out loud, so people who are blind or have low vision can check their math without reading a screen.
Part of our Adaptive Daily Living series, which covers tools that make everyday tasks easier to do independently.
Adding up a grocery bill, checking a bank statement or splitting a restaurant check is easy with a standard calculator, unless you can’t read the display. A talking calculator reads everything back to you. The basic models are inexpensive, usually $15 to $30, but they differ in digit size, voice options, whether they have a repeat key, whether you can plug in earphones, and whether they double as a clock. I went through retailer listings and sorted them on those points, and I picked five.
Here’s what I’m covering below:
- What to look for in a talking calculator
- A quick comparison of the five picks
- Full reviews with who each is best for
- Other options, including scientific models
- How to choose
- Answers to common questions
I haven’t tested these myself. The details below come from retailer listings, and none of the ones I used showed customer ratings, so check the current listing before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Digits | Standout Feature | Price (listed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reizen 12-Digit Jumbo Talking Calculator | 12, 7/8 in tall | Largest display, clock and alarm | About $25 |
| Reizen Talking Calculator with Repeat Key | 8, 5/8 in tall | Repeat key, headphones included | About $30 |
| 10-Digit Talking Calculator with Talking Alarm | 10 | Earphone jack, talking alarm | About $30 |
| Desk-Top Talking Calculator | 8, 1/2 in tall | Lowest price, speaks by unit or digit | About $16 |
| Big Number Pocket Talking Calculator with Clock | 10 | Pocket size, clock and alarm | About $19 |
What Actually Matters
- Digit size. If you still see some numbers, a large display is a useful backup to the voice. The picks here run from 1/2 inch to 7/8 inch tall.
- Repeat key. A repeat key replays the last key or result, which is handy in a noisy room.
- Privacy. A talking calculator speaks out loud, so people nearby can hear your numbers. An earphone jack or included headphones help with bills and bank figures.
- Voice settings. Look for adjustable volume and, if you prefer, the choice to hear two-digit numbers as a whole number or as single digits.
- Extras. Some models also speak the time and have an alarm. Others add memory and percentage keys.
- Power. The picks run on AA or AAA batteries, and several listings say batteries are not included.
- Key feel. Large, well-spaced keys help. For a calculator you read rather than hear, see our guide to large button calculators for low vision.
The 5 Best Talking Calculators
1. Reizen 12-Digit Jumbo Talking Calculator
Price: About $25 | Display: 12 digits, 7/8 inch tall | Power: 2 AAA batteries
The biggest of the five, at 8 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches. It speaks key presses and results, has adjustable volume (low, high, off), a hinged display that tilts up, a time display and an alarm. A library equipment guide lists the same model among the calculators it lends out. The listing says both “ships in 1 to 2 days” and “backordered until 12/15/2026,” so confirm availability.
Why it’s a top pick: The largest display and keys, with a clock and alarm built in.
Best for: A desk at home, and anyone who wants big numbers as well as voice.
2. Reizen Talking Calculator with Repeat Key
Price: About $30 | Display: 8 digits, 5/8 inch tall | Power: 2 AA batteries
It announces keys and results, and the repeat key says the last key or answer again. You can set the volume to loud, medium, soft or off, and headphones are included for private listening. Two-digit numbers can be spoken as a whole number or as single digits. It shuts off after about 3 minutes and weighs about 12.7 ounces. The listing says “backordered until 11/3/2026” and also “ships in 1 to 2 days,” so confirm stock.
Why it’s a top pick: The repeat key, plus headphones in the box.
Best for: Checking figures twice without redoing the math.
3. 10-Digit Talking Calculator with Talking Alarm
Price: About $30 | Display: 10 digits | Power: AA batteries (not included)
A Reizen model that announces entries and results and speaks the time at the touch of a button. It has a talking alarm, adjustable volume (high, low or off) and an earphone jack for privacy, though earphones are sold separately. The date appears on the screen and isn’t spoken. It comes with a 90-day warranty and was in stock.
Why it’s a top pick: An earphone jack and a talking clock at the same price as pick 2.
Best for: People who want privacy and a clock in one device.
4. Desk-Top Talking Calculator
Price: About $16 | Display: 8 digits, 1/2 inch tall | Power: 2 AA batteries
A full-function talking calculator with a clear female voice that can speak results by unit or by digit. It has adjustable volume, repeat, memory and auto power-off, with a 90-day warranty. A version with a single earbud is listed at about $30. It was in stock.
Why it’s a top pick: The lowest price, with repeat and memory included.
Best for: A first talking calculator, or a spare.
5. Big Number Pocket Talking Calculator with Clock
Price: About $19 | Display: 10 digits | Power: 2 AA batteries (not included)
A pocket-size calculator with a female voice that speaks keys and results, plus the time. It has an alarm, a date display, memory and percentage keys, and keys about 1/2 inch with black numbers on a light gray background. The listing doesn’t mention an earphone jack. It carries a 90-day warranty and was in stock.
Why it’s a top pick: It fits in a pocket or purse and also tells the time.
Best for: Shopping, errands and anywhere you carry a calculator.
Other Options, Including Scientific Models
- Desk-Top Talking Calculator with Single Earbud (about $30) adds one earbud for private listening.
- 10-Digit Talking Calculator with Earphone and Alarm, Spanish (about $35) speaks Spanish and includes headphones.
- Commercial and financial talking calculators (about $170 to $190) are aimed at business use.
- Scientific talking calculators (about $380 to $695) are a different category. AccessComputing advises students to assess which features they need before choosing one.
Who Else Benefits
- People with macular degeneration, glaucoma or other vision loss
- Older adults who can’t read a small display
- People who do math better when they hear each step
- Caregivers who help someone manage everyday bills and shopping
How to Choose
- Biggest numbers: pick 1.
- Repeat key and headphones included: pick 2.
- Earphone jack and talking clock: pick 3.
- Lowest price: pick 4.
- Pocket size: pick 5.
If you also write checks or sign forms, see our guide to signature guides for blind and low vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a talking calculator?
A talking calculator is a calculator that speaks each key you press and the result out loud. It is made for people who are blind or have low vision.
How much does a talking calculator cost?
Basic models listed in this guide cost about $15 to $30. Scientific and commercial models cost much more, from about $170 to $695.
Do talking calculators have headphone jacks?
Some do. One model in this guide has an earphone jack, and another includes headphones. Check each listing if privacy matters to you.
What is the difference between a talking calculator and a large button calculator?
A talking calculator speaks the numbers and answers aloud. A large button calculator has big keys and a big display but no voice. Some talking calculators also have a large display.
Are there talking scientific calculators?
Yes. Several are sold, but they cost far more than basic models, and students should check which features they need before choosing one.
Final Thoughts
A talking calculator is an inexpensive tool that lets you check numbers on your own. Choose the display size and privacy features that match how you will use it. For more on managing money with vision loss, see the National Council on Aging’s guide to financial independence when living with vision loss.