To calculate and store the interest rate with monthly compounding, key in the annual interest rate followed by [g] 12÷. Note that the HP12C automatically converts the interest rate to a decimal. It’s cool. The HP12C is a legendary calculator, so some candidates do like to use and appreciate it beyond its use for the CFA exams. When deciding between the Texas Instruments BA II Plus vs. Professional model, the professional version has a more solid case. The keypad is less flimsy, but there are still some complaints of the keys being too hard to press or too slow to register. Although Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) – the HP12C’s mathematical notation – may initially take some getting used to, it offers some advantages over non-RPN devices.

Enter the annual interest rate, 2, followed by [g] 12÷to convert to the monthly rate and automatically store the value. For example, Goldman Sachs issues HP-12Cs to the members of each new incoming class of its analysts and associates. A final interesting detail is that the horizontal layout and metallic edging came about because the display was found to break when prototype vertical Voyagers were dropped - so the display was placed horizontally - leading to a horizontal layout for the HP-12C - and giving HP their most successful stopgap product ever. There are two specific models of this calculator that are approved for the CFA — the Texas Instruments BA II Plus and Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional. What is the difference between the BA II plus and the professional version?

Enter the number of years, 5, followed by [g] 12xto convert to monthly periods and automatically store the value The HP-11C and HP-12C were designed in a horizontal shape, instead of HP's usual vertical format, and were given a metallic edge around the display area. On the HP-11C this metallic edge is silvery, but on the HP-12C it has a yellow-gold tinge, giving it an air of superiority - even opulence. The horizontal shape makes it look more like a tiny computer than a calculator and makes it an ideal object to be placed on desks of business users such as real estate agents or loan experts. Among financial users it is considered to be an "Industry Standard" - which means that it is the model to buy automatically - and that there is a large pool of experienced users who can easily show a new owner how to handle their new HP-12C. Sales of replacements to previous owners who have lost their HP-12C, or who have worn it out by years of continuous use, are probably as high as sales to new users. The HP-12C wears out not because it is cheaply made but because it is so well designed and made that it is heavily used and eventually just stops working. a b Furr, Richard (2003-01-22). "HP Calculators by Date of Introduction". The Calculator Reference.

In February 2016, SwissMicros introduced the DM12L, a version of the calculator about the same size as the original HP-12C. Easy fix, HP. Make us happy to show off that we have this app, and let us inspire others to buy it from you when they see us use it. Quantitative Analysis For Business: The Time Value of Money and Basic Business Statistics Using a Business Calculator, 3rd Edition by Gene Wright To add subsequent numbers (or use any other arithmetic operator), it is not necessary to use [Enter]. For example, performing the above operation will display 10 on the calculator. To continue adding 5 you would key: Then key [x]. The HP12C will display 77 (which is the first result, 7, multiplied by the second result, 11):Note: Hitting [f] REGwill clear the storage registers. You may also overwrite a single stored register by storing a new value in the register. User-friendly: Most people are generally pleased with the display and the design of this CFA calculator Reverse Polish Notation requires that when performing arithmetic functions, you separate the first two numbers by hitting the [Enter]key. For example, to sum 5 and 5, you would key: later 12c Platinum variants: 7…20 ( R0… R9/ CF0… CF9, R.0… R.9/ CF10… CF19) + 5 ( n, i, PV, PMT, FV) + 61 ( CF20, CF21… CF80) + 5 ( X, Y, Z, T, LAST X) It’s helpful to draw up a cash flow timeline when using your HP12C for Time Value of Money calculations.

The five keys in the top left corner (including their [f]and [g]functions) are all used for these types of problems. To answer those questions, you would only have to spend 30 seconds in Michael’s company. His enthusiasm for the project is infectious. Faster input. Because RPN does not need the user to input parentheses, calculations have been shown to take less time to input with RPN. Less exam-based support. Because the BA II Plus calculator is much more widely-used among CFA candidates, this can mean that you may not, for example, get HP12C-specific calculator examples with your provider. You may also find that there are less candidates to ask and discuss any keystroke-related issues you may have. The HP Voyager series calculator are keystroke programmable, meaning that it can remember and later execute sequences of keystrokes to solve particular problems of interest to the user. These keystroke programs, in addition to performing any operation normally available on the keyboard, can also make use of conditional and unconditional branching and looping instructions, allowing programs to perform repetitive operations and make decisions.a b Hidalgo, Jordi (2004-06-09). "Impressions of the HP 12C Platinum" (PDF). Datafile (2 reviseded.). 22 (3) . Retrieved 2015-11-28. If a TVM problem uses monthly compounding as was the case in the above example, the HP12C has keys which make the calculation more convenient: Your calculator will be inspected prior to the start of the exam. Your calculator must remain on your desk in full view and proctors will continue to inspect calculators throughout the administration of the exam. Failure by the proctors to detect an unauthorized calculator prior to the start of the exam, or your possession and/or use of an unauthorized calculator at any time during the exam, does not imply you are in compliance with the calculator policy.” CFA Calculator Guide 1. Don’t Buy Second-Hand CFA Calculators It may make sense to buy a used calculator to save a few dollars, but in this instance, the calculator may not function properly, and you won’t have a warranty to get it fixed. Even if it works fine, you can’t be certain that the battery will be operational, and this could end up costing you even more. The Aurora FN1000 calculator in clamshell design was closely inspired by the HP-12C in 2003. Capitalizing on the limited availability of the HP12c Platinum 25th Anniversary Edition, Victor Technology released the Victor V12 in 2007 which was a budget priced clone of the HP12c Platinum edition. It is also available as BrtC FC-12 in Brazil. The 2010 Compucessory CCS28956 [24] aka Compucessory 28956, [25] a clamshell design, is another clone of the HP12c Platinum, but with added margin calculation functions (COST, SELL, MGN). It is also available as Procalc FN 1200C in Brazil. The Truly SC123 in 2015 closely resembles the HP12c Platinum as well, but in a vertical case layout.