What is a Curta Calculator?

A Curta Calculator is a hand-cranked mechanical calculator that fits in the palm of your hand. It was originally sold in 1948 and performs addition, subtraction, multiplication & division operations, With some skill, it is even possible to compute advanced mathematics such as square roots and other operations.

What's amazing about a Curta Calculator is that the entire device operates completely on mechanical power without any electricity to accurately compute an equation. The Curta Calculator utilizes a symphony of gears, sliders & drums to find the solution. Considering it predated most computers, the Curta Calculator is an amazing piece of collectible period engineering.

For a demonstration of the operation of a Curta Calculator, we suggest you check out this video.

Curta Calculators were made in two distinct models: Type 1 and Type 2.

• Type 1 Curta Calculators are the smaller of the two models and are made of either plastic or metal. Type 1 Curta Calculator models have 8 input registers, a 6 digit crank turn register, and an 11 digit result register. They weigh approximately 8 ounces and were originally sold with a plastic or metal carrying case.
• Type 2 Curta Calculators are the larger of the two models and are made of either plastic or metal. Type 2 Curta Calculator models have 11 input registers, a 8 digit crank turn register, and an 15 digit result register. They weigh approximately 12 ounces and were originally sold with a plastic or metal carrying case.

Generally, earlier models featured more metal parts than their later counterparts.

Since their introduction, an estimated 140,000 Curta Calculators were made and sold until the early 1970s, when electronic calculators became available. Fortunately, it's still possible to purchase a vintage Curta calculator today. Where? Why the internet of course!

Here are current Curta Calculator listings on eBay:

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