How to Do the Simplex Method on a Calculator (Step by Step)

There are two practical ways to do the simplex method on a calculator: enter the tableau as a matrix on a graphing calculator such as a TI-84, or use an online solver that performs every pivot for you. This guide covers both.

Method 1: TI-84 / Graphing Calculator (Matrix Approach)

1. Set up the tableau. Write your problem in standard form by adding slack variables to each less-than constraint.
2. Store the tableau as a matrix. Press MATRIX to EDIT, choose matrix [A], and set the dimensions to the number of constraint rows by the number of columns (variables, slacks, and the RHS).
3. Enter the values exactly as they appear in the initial tableau.
4. Pivot with row operations. Use rowSwap, multiply-row (*row), and multiply-row-add (*row+) from the MATRIX to MATH menu to make the pivot element 1 and clear the rest of the pivot column.
5. Repeat until no Cj minus Zj value can improve the objective.

Casio calculators have no dedicated simplex function, but their Matrix mode can perform the same row operations.

Method 2: Online Simplex Calculator (Instant)

The fastest way is to let a solver do the pivots. Enter your objective like 3x1 + 5x2, add one constraint per line such as x1 + 2x2 <= 14, choose maximize or minimize, and solve. The simplex method calculator with steps shows every tableau, the pivot column and row, and the final optimal values so you can check your own work.

For method-specific problems, use the Big M calculator, the two-phase calculator, the dual simplex calculator, or the graphing/TI-84 calculator.

Which Should You Use?

Use the TI-84 matrix method when a calculator is required (exams) and you must show manual row operations. Use the online solver to learn the process quickly, verify a hand solution, or solve large problems that would be tedious by hand.