The cmplete BA II plus Guide

To get into the settings, press 2nd + [FORMAT] (it’s the decimal point key).

Use the up/down arrows ↑ ↓ to scroll through the options. Here are the 3 things you need to fix:

a. Fix the Decimals (DEC)

By default, the screen only shows 2 decimal places (like $15.25). This is bad. If you are calculating interest rates, the calculator might round the number and mess up your final answer.

• What you see: DEC = 2.00
• The Fix: Type 4 (or 9 for floating decimals), Press ENTER.
• Pro Tip: Stick to 4 decimal places. It’s the standard for most multiple-choice exams.

b. Chain vs. Algebra (The “PEMDAS” Problem)

This is the most important one!

• CHN (Chain): This is the default. It calculates as you type. If you type 1 + 2 * 3, it does 1+2=3, then 3*3=9. This is wrong in math class.
• AOS (Algebraic): This follows the Order of Operations (PEMDAS). It does multiplication first. 1 + 2 * 3 becomes 7.
• The Fix: Scroll down until you see CHN. Press 2nd + [SET] to toggle it to AOS.
• Why: Unless you want to mentally rearrange every equation, switch to AOS.

c. Dates & Separators

• Dates: You probably want the US format (Month-Day-Year). If it says EUR, switch it.
• The Fix: Scroll to the date section and press 2nd + [SET].