3 Determine the financial calculation you want to perform. Top hand-held financial calculators can perform basic mathematical equations or complex financial computations, like partial-year depreciation and full investment analysis. For example, to find the percentage your stock lost when it fell from $61.25 per share to $57.50, you would in follow these steps:
Type in 61.25 and hit ENTER. ENTER separates the base number from the second number.
Type in 57.5.
Press the percentage key.
The calculation renders a 6.122 percent loss.
4 Consult the calculator's user guide for instructions on specific calculations.For example, the basic keystrokes you would use to calculate simple interest on a $500 loan for 120 days with a 5 percent interest rate are:
Type in 120n, where n stores the value for the term of the loan.
Press f INT to calculate the accrued interest. In this example, it is $8.33.
Press + to calculate the total amount owed (principle plus accrued interest). The total is $508.33.
5 Input data properly. Regardless of the complexity of the equation, you must enter data in the correct sequence to render accurate results. Be aware that calculator set-ups can vary slightly from 1 model to the next.