# TI-84 Plus series
The **TI-84 Plus series** is a family of graphing calculators made by [Texas Instruments](https://www.edgepedia.org/texas-instruments) (TI) for middle school, high school, and college mathematics and science courses, descended from the TI-83 Plus and unified by a shared menu structure, TI-Basic programming, and approval on major standardized exams.[1](https://education.ti.com/en/about/timeline)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First model | TI-84 Plus, introduced in 2004 as a progression from the TI-83 Plus, adding a USB port, high-contrast LCD, faster processor, more memory, and an internal clock[1](https://education.ti.com/en/about/timeline) |
| Original memory | 480 KB ROM and 24 KB available RAM on the TI-84 Plus; 1.5 MB of memory on the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition[2](https://education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus) • [3](https://education.ti.com/html/eguides/graphing/84Plus/PDFs/TI-84-Plus-guidebook_EN.pdf) |
| Color-screen models | TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition (2013) and TI-84 Plus CE (2015), both with a 320 x 240 pixel, 2.8" diagonal, 140 DPI, 16-bit color screen[4](https://www.cemetech.net/news/2013/1/557/_/ti-84-plus-c-silver-edition-official-press-release) • [5](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-t) |
| CE design change | 30 percent thinner and 30 percent lighter than the TI-84 Plus, with six times the memory and a TI rechargeable battery[6](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2015/2015-01-27-texas-instruments-unveils-the-new-ti-84-plus-ce.html) |
| Python edition | TI-84 Plus CE Python, presented in 2021; only the Python edition of the CE has Python programming capability[1](https://education.ti.com/en/about/timeline) • [7](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-python/ecosystem) |
| Newest generation | TI-84 Evo, launched April 28, 2026, with a 3x faster processor (156 MHz versus 48 MHz), 50 percent more graphing space, and a USB-C port[8](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2026/2026-04-28-texas-instruments-launches-the-ti-84-evo-graphing-calculator----the-most-advanced-ti-84-ever-built.html) • [9](https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/general-information/40502) |
| Exam use | Permitted on the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams; calculators with built-in computer algebra systems such as the TI-89 and TI-Nspire CAS are prohibited on the ACT[6](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2015/2015-01-27-texas-instruments-unveils-the-new-ti-84-plus-ce.html) • [10](https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day/calculator-policy.html) |
## History
**2004: the TI-84 Plus.** TI introduced the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator in 2004 as a progression from the TI-83 Plus. The main improvement was connectivity: a USB port allowing direct data transfer between computers and calculators. Other enhancements included a high-contrast LCD display, a faster processor, more memory, an internal clock, and an available kickstand.[1](https://education.ti.com/en/about/timeline) The TI-84 Plus Silver Edition variant of the same generation carried 1.5 MB of available memory against 0.5 MB on the TI-84 Plus, with about 24 KB of RAM available for computing and storing functions, programs, and data.[3](https://education.ti.com/html/eguides/graphing/84Plus/PDFs/TI-84-Plus-guidebook_EN.pdf)
**2013: the first color screen.** The TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition, announced in January 2013, kept the standard TI-84 Plus form factor but added a 320 x 240 pixel, 16-bit color screen, 3.5 MB of user-accessible ROM, 21 KB of user-accessible RAM, and a rechargeable battery.[4](https://www.cemetech.net/news/2013/1/557/_/ti-84-plus-c-silver-edition-official-press-release)
**2015: the TI-84 Plus CE.** TI unveiled the TI-84 Plus CE on January 27, 2015, in response to student feedback asking for a slimmer, lighter, more colorful calculator. The CE is 30 percent thinner and 30 percent lighter than the TI-84 Plus and has six times its memory, and it was offered in colors including silver, red, blue, hot pink, plum, and black.[6](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2015/2015-01-27-texas-instruments-unveils-the-new-ti-84-plus-ce.html) TI kept the key placement, navigation, and menus the same as earlier TI-84 Plus models so teachers could continue using existing classroom activities.[6](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2015/2015-01-27-texas-instruments-unveils-the-new-ti-84-plus-ce.html)
**2021: Python.** The TI-84 Plus CE Python graphing calculator, presented in 2021, builds on the CE and adds [Python](https://www.edgepedia.org/python-programming-language) programming, a language TI describes as fast-growing and used across industries.[1](https://education.ti.com/en/about/timeline) Only the Python edition of the TI-84 Plus CE has Python programming capability.[7](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-python/ecosystem)
**2026: the TI-84 Evo.** TI launched the TI-84 Evo on April 28, 2026, calling it the newest generation of the TI-84 series. It features a processor three times faster than the CE's, 50 percent more graphing space, a redesigned keypad, and a single-purpose design without Wi-Fi.[8](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2026/2026-04-28-texas-instruments-launches-the-ti-84-evo-graphing-calculator----the-most-advanced-ti-84-ever-built.html)
## Hardware
The original TI-84 Plus has an 8-line by 16-character monochrome display, 480 KB of ROM for data archive and app storage, 24 KB of available RAM, and runs on four AAA batteries with a lithium battery backup that protects RAM during battery changes.[2](https://education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus) It graphs up to 10 rectangular functions, six parametric expressions, six polar expressions, and three recursively-defined sequences at one time, and calculates real and complex numbers to 14-digit accuracy, displaying 10 digits plus a two-digit exponent.[2](https://education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus)
The color-screen CE models share a 320 x 240 pixel screen, 2.8 inches on the diagonal, at 140 DPI and 16-bit color.[5](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-t) The TI-84 Plus CE carries 3.5 MB of FLASH ROM for data archive and app storage and 154 KB of available RAM memory, is powered by the TI Rechargeable Battery, and includes a USB port for computer connectivity and unit-to-unit communication with the TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, and TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition.[5](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-t) • [6](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2015/2015-01-27-texas-instruments-unveils-the-new-ti-84-plus-ce.html) The rechargeable battery recharges using a USB cable, wall charger, or TI Charging Station CE.[5](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-t)
Under the hood the generations differ in processor family. The TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, and TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition use a [Zilog Z80](https://www.edgepedia.org/zilog-z80) processor, while the CE uses an eZ80.[11](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/zilog-z80-turns-50-as-open-source-replacement-heads-for-drop-in-dip40-silicon) TI's own comparison lists the CE processor at 48 MHz and the Evo's at 156 MHz.[9](https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/general-information/40502)
## Programming and software
The series supports TI-Basic programming, with the number of programs limited only by available memory, and the original TI-84 Plus also supports assembly (ASM) programming with an app SDK available.[2](https://education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus) On the CE, TI removed the system-level ASM programming capability beginning with the 5.6 operating system update in fall 2020, citing product security and classroom focus; after updating, the operating system cannot be downgraded.[12](https://education.ti.com/en/software/details/en/4505D98069044C2099171B3BEC63E5B3/TI-84_Plus_CE_Python_OS)
Compatibility across the family is partial. According to TI, some TI-Basic programs written for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus run on the TI-84 Plus CE, but many must be modified because the CE's screen resolution is higher; TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition programs should work on the CE since the resolution is the same; and assembly programs will not work on the CE because of changes in how assembly programs are run.[13](https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/product-usage/39518)
TI supplies free connectivity software, TI Connect CE, for sending files to multiple connected calculators at once, capturing screens, updating the operating system, and editing TI-Basic programs in a program editor.[14](https://education.ti.com/en/products/computer-software/ti-connect-ce-sw) A companion emulator, TI-SmartView CE, lets an educator project a representation of the calculator's display to the class.[2](https://education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus)
## Exams and classroom use
The TI-84 Plus CE is permitted on high-stakes exams including the [PSAT/NMSQT](https://www.edgepedia.org/psat-nmsqt), SAT, ACT college entrance exam, and [Advanced Placement](https://www.edgepedia.org/advanced-placement) exams that allow or require a graphing calculator.[6](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2015/2015-01-27-texas-instruments-unveils-the-new-ti-84-plus-ce.html) The ACT prohibits calculators with built-in or downloaded computer algebra system (CAS) functionality, including all [TI-89](https://www.edgepedia.org/ti-89-series) and TI-92 models and the TI-Nspire CAS, while the non-CAS TI-84 series is permitted.[10](https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day/calculator-policy.html)
For exam security TI provides two preparation methods for the TI-84 series: resetting all memory, which permanently removes all programs and apps, and Press-to-Test mode, which clears memory and temporarily blocks access to existing data, programs, and apps until it is unblocked after the exam.[15](https://education.ti.com/en/resources/test-preparation/education-test-prep-guides/ti-84-plus-series)
The calculators also anchor a classroom ecosystem. The TI-Innovator Hub, a palm-sized microcontroller box introduced in 2016, plugs into a TI-84 Plus CE or TI-Nspire CX calculator so students can code and control engineering projects, and the TI-Innovator Rover robotic vehicle followed in 2017.[1](https://education.ti.com/en/about/timeline)
## The TI-84 Evo
The TI-84 Evo, launched April 28, 2026, is TI's newest generation of the series. Compared with the TI-84 Plus CE it has a 156 MHz processor against the CE's 48 MHz, a 50 percent larger graphing area, a USB-C port in place of the CE's USB Mini port, and an apps menu with graphical icons.[9](https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/general-information/40502) TI describes it as a single-purpose graphing calculator without Wi-Fi, approved for the ACT, SAT, IB, and AP exams, and available in white, mint, pink, purple, teal, raspberry, and silver.[8](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2026/2026-04-28-texas-instruments-launches-the-ti-84-evo-graphing-calculator----the-most-advanced-ti-84-ever-built.html) TI also states that TI-84 Plus CE units manufactured after 2026 do not support Python programming.[9](https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/general-information/40502)
## References
1. [Timeline, Texas Instruments Education Technology](https://education.ti.com/en/about/timeline)
2. [TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator, Texas Instruments](https://education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus)
3. [TI-84 Plus Guidebook (OS 2.55MP), Texas Instruments](https://education.ti.com/html/eguides/graphing/84Plus/PDFs/TI-84-Plus-guidebook_EN.pdf)
4. [TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition: Official Press Release, Cemetech (January 18, 2013)](https://www.cemetech.net/news/2013/1/557/_/ti-84-plus-c-silver-edition-official-press-release)
5. [TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator, Texas Instruments](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-t)
6. [Texas Instruments unveils the new TI-84 Plus CE, TI press release (January 27, 2015)](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2015/2015-01-27-texas-instruments-unveils-the-new-ti-84-plus-ce.html)
7. [TI-84 Plus CE Python, Seamless Ecosystem, Texas Instruments](https://education.ti.com/en-ph/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus-ce-python/ecosystem)
8. [Texas Instruments launches the TI-84 Evo Graphing Calculator, TI press release (April 28, 2026)](https://www.ti.com/about-ti/newsroom/news-releases/2026/2026-04-28-texas-instruments-launches-the-ti-84-evo-graphing-calculator----the-most-advanced-ti-84-ever-built.html)
9. [Solution 40502: TI-84 Evo Features and Changes in comparison to the TI-84 Plus CE, TI Knowledge Base](https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/general-information/40502)
10. [ACT Calculator Policy, ACT](https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day/calculator-policy.html)
11. [Zilog Z80 turns 50 as an open-source replacement heads to drop-in DIP40 silicon, Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/zilog-z80-turns-50-as-open-source-replacement-heads-for-drop-in-dip40-silicon)
12. [TI-84 Plus CE Python Operating System, Texas Instruments](https://education.ti.com/en/software/details/en/4505D98069044C2099171B3BEC63E5B3/TI-84_Plus_CE_Python_OS)
13. [Solution 39518: Compatibility of Programs Written for the TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition Running on the TI-84 Plus CE, TI Knowledge Base](https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/product-usage/39518)
14. [TI Connect CE Software Application, Texas Instruments](https://education.ti.com/en/products/computer-software/ti-connect-ce-sw)
15. [TI-84 Plus CE Exam Prep Guide: Reset Memory & Press-to-Test, Texas Instruments](https://education.ti.com/en/resources/test-preparation/education-test-prep-guides/ti-84-plus-series)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Computing and digital systems › Computer hardware › Embedded & soft processors › Embedded systems › Embedded hardware design and system-on-chip*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license