Casio fx-82AU Plus II vs 2nd Edition: What is the difference?

If your child has an Australian school math booklist in front of them, you have likely noticed that different schools ask for different versions of the standard scientific calculator. Some specify the classic Casio fx-82AU Plus II, while others explicitly list the 2nd Edition.

When you are looking at buying a refurbished model, it helps to know exactly what changes were made between these two versions. The short answer is that functionally, they are identical, but visually, they got a total makeover.

Here is the exact breakdown of the differences to help you choose the right one for the school year.

1. The Physical Design and Body Shape

The most obvious difference is how they look on a desk.

• The original Plus II has a wider, more squared-off grey plastic body with pronounced edges.

• The 2nd Edition features a modern, slimmed-down black chassis with rounded corners. It feels slightly more compact in a school bag and fits more comfortably in smaller hands.

2. Key Shape and Material

Casio redesigned the physical buttons for the 2nd Edition to make typing out long equations smoother.

• The original model uses traditional, slightly domed rectangular keys.

• The 2nd Edition introduces keys with a slightly indented, curved surface. This subtle dish shape is designed to stop a student's fingers from slipping across onto the wrong number when typing quickly during a timed exam.

3. Screen Text Contrast

Both calculators use Casio's standard high-resolution textbook display, meaning fractions and square roots look exactly the way they are printed in a maths book. However, the 2nd Edition features an updated LCD screen that offers slightly sharper pixel contrast, making the text a bit easier to read under harsh classroom fluorescent lights.

4. Menu Navigation and Functions

This is the most important point for parents: the math has not changed.

• Every single menu layout, formula calculation, statistical mode, and button operation is exactly the same on both machines.

• If a teacher is standing at the front of the classroom explaining step-by-step how to calculate a fraction or a percentage, a student using the original Plus II can follow the exact same button prompts as a student using the 2nd Edition.

5. Exam and Curriculum Approval

Both versions are 100 percent approved by all Australian state curriculum boards. Whether your child is sitting a NAPLAN test in Year 7 or heading into their final senior secondary exams in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, or South Australia, both the original Plus II and the 2nd Edition are completely compliant and allowed in the exam room.

Which one should you buy?

Because the internal software and calculating features are completely identical, choosing between them comes down to budget and personal preference.

If your student prefers a sleeker, darker design with slightly more ergonomic keys, the 2nd Edition is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking to maximize your back-to-school savings, opting for a refurbished original grey Plus II will give your child the exact same mathematical tool and exam compliance for a lower price.