Abacus vs The Calculator: Can Ancient Wisdom Stump Modern Tech.
April 18, 2024
In the battle of the Titans, on one side you have the calculator- weighing around 0.2 lb, compatible, convenient, and a public favorite. On the other hand, you have the Abacus, around 5000 years old, precise, and a reigning counting champion. Who will emerge as the winner? Who will reign supreme in this clash of the titans? We’ll spare you the mystery and declare the undisputed winner – the Abacus! This is not a biased opinion, but merely based on facts and figures, literally! Of course, the calculator comes with many benefits, so why are we saying that the abacus is better? And why do we always recommend it to children and adults alike? This blog is an attempt to convince you to see from our POV and understand the many benefits of abacus math over the calculator.

Calculator: A Beacon of Efficiency

Calculators have come a long way, evolving over time from heavy desktop machines to small portable devices. Today, calculators are more than just handy gadgets; they are essential tools that help us navigate numbers easily. Calculators have become indispensable for calculations ranging from basic arithmetic to complex concepts.

Calculators are preferred mainly for their speed, accuracy, and ability to perform large calculations. Can you imagine a life without the ease of using calculators? Managing family budgets, calculating expenses, even scaling recipes, and calculating cooking times will be so much more difficult, right? Calculators are a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding pesky errors during calculations.

Another benefit of using calculators is that you can focus on more important things rather than getting lost in calculations. Just pick up the calculator, and crunch in the numbers; there’s your answer, and you’re good to move on to the next task.

Apart from the household, calculators are crucial in fields like science and technology, engineering, finance, business, and more. They are indispensable tools for solving complex problems and analyzing data efficiently.

So, if calculators present the ease and convenience of swift, accurate calculations, why did we say that the abacus is better? To prove our point, let’s get a brief understanding of the abacus first.

The Legacy of the Abacus

Did you know, the abacus is often referred to as the ‘first calculator’? The abacus has a rich history and dates back to ancient civilization. It originated in Mesopotamia and evolved to be a game changer for math students. One of the most important benefits of the abacus is that it eliminates reliance on digital tools. You may wonder why that is relevant, but think of it like this: You don’t have to pull up the calculator on your phone every time you’re faced with a calculation. Abacus math fosters mental strength to perform calculations mentally by visualizing the abacus. Here are some of the reasons the abacus continues to shine in the contemporary world.
Hands-on Learning
While using the abacus, you are not reliant on the pen and paper; you use your tactile senses, which foster active participation. This approach enables a better understanding of mathematical concepts. Rather than simply punching numbers on a calculator, you learn how numbers interact with each other and gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. This tactile approach is especially beneficial for young learners who may struggle with abstract mathematical concepts.
Mental Math Mastery
One of the most significant advantages of the abacus is its ability to help children and adults develop strong mental math abilities. Unlike calculators, which provide instant answers without much thought, the abacus requires you to visualize and manipulate numbers mentally. This process strengthens their calculation skills, improves memory, and enhances problem-solving abilities.
Enhanced Concentration and Focus
This benefit is great for young learners. Abacus math requires focus at each step of the calculation, from moving beads to visualizing numbers. Unlike the calculator, this process demands sustained attention, helping to train and enhance concentration skills. Through regular practice with the abacus, children develop the ability to concentrate over extended periods, a skill that they can benefit from throughout their lives.
Promoting Confidence and Self-Esteem

Independence from calculators is no small achievement; it is definitely something that you can be proud of and show off at every opportunity you get. Children who master abacus math develop a sense of accomplishment, and this boost in self-esteem motivates them to approach learning with newfound confidence.

We can safely say that the calculator does not come with all these benefits, and that’s why we declared the abacus the undisputed winner. Although the calculator can assist with quick calculations, utilizing abacus math enables you to execute precise computations confidently, and master mathematics along the way.

The Way Forward

Gift your child independence from calculators and a new outlook toward math. The abacus math program at UCMAS takes your child on a fruitful journey from the basics of abacus math to the superpower of mental arithmetic. Your search for ‘ abacus classes near me’ ends here with UCMAS.

UCMAS is renowned for its commitment to fostering cognitive development and mathematical proficiency among children. With a rich legacy spanning three decades, UCMAS has established itself as a global leader in providing innovative and effective abacus-based education. Through a structured curriculum, experienced course instructors, and proven teaching methodologies, UCMAS empowers students to excel in mental arithmetic, enhance concentration, and build critical thinking skills. Contact us now to unlock the math genius within your child.