I visited a Casio store in June 2022 to shop for some watches. While I was busy comparing various watches, trying to figure out which one to settle on, my eye caught the calculator section of the store. And because the calculator market in my home country is flooded with fakes, I thought it would be a smart idea to grab the opportunity to buy a genuine one.
Interestingly, that opportunity came at the time I was yearning for a real calculator. Call me crude, but I’m never a fan of smartphone calculator apps. And I prefer the feel of those physical buttons and the dedicated screen of a good old calculator to whatever the best calculator app might have to offer.
So, I moved closer to the shelf displaying various Casio calculator models. And the DJ-120D Plus caught my attention. At first sight, I loved it because of its large size and bold buttons. It looked exactly like what I needed. So, I requested it be added to my shopping cart.
This post details my thoughts and experience with the Casio DJ-120D Plus after 3 years of using it. Keep reading to find out more.
First Impressions
The calculator is quite big and bold. Its screen is large enough for the displayed characters to be visible from a few meters away. And the same applies to the numerical and math sign buttons (the memory function buttons and a few others are slightly smaller).
Aside from the impressively large design, the buttons press down quite easily with a soft, cushioned feel. So, you’ll need only a little effort to press each button.
These features make the calculator a solid option for anyone who places a premium on ease and comfort or elderly people who might be having some issues with sight or finger strength.
Design & Features
The large screen of the Casio DJ-120D Plus can display up to 12 characters at once. Right under the screen — and above the keyboard — lie the two display option switches and the solar cell.
The first display switch, which has the “F”, “CUT”, UP, and “5/4” options, controls how the calculator rounds up numbers, especially in decimal or division results. Here’s what each option does:
- F (float): shows the full number without rounding e.g. 7 ÷ 3 = 2.33333333333
- CUT: cuts off extra decimal points without rounding — just chops them off. For example, if the display is set to 3 decimal places (this can be done using the second display button), 8 ÷ 3 = 2.666
- UP: always rounds up, no matter what the digits are. For example, 7 ÷ 3 = 2.334 (even though it’s originally 2.33333333333)
- 5/4: This does the regular rounding (“round half up”) — it rounds up if the next digit is 5 or more and keeps it the same if it’s less than 5. So, 8 ÷ 3 = 2.667 and 7 ÷ 3 = 2.333
The second display switch helps you set the number of decimals. So, “4” rounds to 4 decimal places(e.g. 2.3333), and “0” rounds to the nearest whole number (e.g., 2). This helps to achieve consistent formatting when handling invoices, receipts, or financial work.
The second switch also has a last option “ADD2”, which automatically inserts a decimal point two digits from the right regardless of what you type. So, if you type 2025 with this option selected, the calculator shows 20.25. And if you type 70, it shows 0.70. This option saves time when you’re entering prices or amounts in dollars and cents.
Aside from the regular buttons (power and clear buttons, numerical buttons, math symbol buttons, and the memory buttons), the calculator also has a few other buttons that perform special functions.
Here’s what these buttons do:
- RECHECK: This lets you go over the steps of your calculation again, so you can double-check each entry without having to re-do the math.
- GO TO: This helps you jump to a specific step in your calculation history, so you can easily review or correct just that step.
- AUTO REVIEW: This automatically scrolls through your previous entries, helping you check the full sequence of what you typed, step-by-step.
- CORRECT: This allows you to fix a wrong entry without having to restart the entire calculation, so you get to correct only the wrong part.
- CHECK BACK: This displays the previous step in your calculation history, so you can review it.
- CHECK FORWARD: This moves one step forward to display the next step in your calculation history
- DISP (Display): This toggles between the dot (.) and comma (,) signs.
- MU (Mark-up): This is used for profit margin calculations. It performs the operation X/(1-P%)
- GT (Grand Total): This shows the total of all the results you have previously confirmed with the “=” key. So, if you press 1+2=3, 6+6=12, and 23-22=3, pressing this button displays 18 (total of 3, 12, and 3).
In addition, the calculator also has “00” and “000” buttons for easier entry of large numbers. Right under the keyboard is the inscription “300 Steps Check & Recheck”. More to come on that.
Performance & Power
Going by its aforementioned features, the Casio DJ-120D Plus can be used for lengthy financial calculations despite its basic looks. And its “300 Steps Check & Recheck” feature means it can store up to 300 of your most recent calculation steps. To me, that’s huge.
When you throw the responsiveness of the buttons into the mix, then you have a calculator that you can comfortably use for hours without winding up with cramping fingers.
The calculator is powered by two sources: solar and battery (1 x LR44). In a room with some lighting, the calculator uses solar power, but when lighting is poor or absent, it resorts to battery power.
While the calculator lacks a “power off” button, it saves power by automatically switching off about six minutes after the last key operation is performed.
According to the instruction manual, the battery lasts approximately 3 years when used for 1 hour per day. It’s almost 3 years now since I bought my calculator and the battery is still in good shape — although, I don’t use the calculator every day.
Things I liked
- Large display
- Soft-press buttons
- Special buttons to review your entry steps
- 300 steps check and recheck feature
What Could Be Better
- No “power off” button.
I know that the calculator makes up for this by switching off automatically to save power. But sometimes, the crude me just prefers doing some things manually to be double-sure.
Just kidding—but I had to say something ‘negative’ to balance things out. Haha. But on a serious note, I couldn’t pick on anything really negative about this calculator.
Casio DJ-120D Plus Review: My Verdict
The Casio DJ-120D Plus is a simple calculator that impresses in every aspect. I’ve used mine for roughly 3 years now, and it’s still in perfect shape despite suffering some occasional knocks and hits.
If you’re looking for a calculator that’s great for simple but lengthy calculations, you won’t go wrong with this. And it’s even a perfect choice for seniors who use calculators often.
PS. It goes without saying—this isn’t a scientific calculator.
