The 5 Life-Saving BA II Plus Shortcuts

1. Switch to AOS Mode (Algebraic Operating System)

By default, your calculator uses the "Chn" (Chain) method, which solves problems strictly from left to right. This is a disaster for complex formulas!

• The Problem: In "Chn" mode, 2 + 3 x 4 equals 20. But in finance, we follow BODMAS/PEMDAS rules.
• The Fix: Press [2nd] [FORMAT], scroll down to "Chn," and press [2nd] [SET] to change it to AOS.
• The Benefit: Now, 2 + 3 x 4 correctly equals 14. Your calculator now "understands" order of operations!

2. Set P/Y to 1 (And Leave It There)

Many students get "Sign Errors" or wrong TVM results because their calculator assumes 12 payments per year (monthly) by default.

• The Fix: Press [2nd] [P/Y], type 1, and press [ENTER].
• Why? It is much safer to adjust your N (periods) and I/Y (rate) manually for semi-annual or monthly problems. This prevents the calculator from doing "hidden" math that leads to mistakes.

3. Master the "2nd CLR TVM" Habit

The TVM registers (N, I/Y, PV, PMT, FV) "remember" your last calculation even if you turn the calculator off. This is the #1 cause of wrong answers.

• The Shortcut: Always press [2nd] [CLR TVM] before every new Time Value of Money problem.
• Pro-Tip: Merely pressing [CE/C] does not clear these registers!

4. Use the Bond Worksheet for Quick Yields

Don't solve complex bond pricing formulas manually. The BA II Plus has a dedicated worksheet for this.

• The Shortcut: Press [2nd] [BOND]. Enter the settlement date (SDT), coupon rate (CPN), and redemption price (RDV).
• The Benefit: You can calculate the Price (PRI) or Yield (YLD) in seconds, accounting for exact day counts (30/360 or Actual/Actual).

5. Use STO and RCL for Multi-Step Problems

Stop writing down intermediate numbers on your scratch paper. It's slow and leads to rounding errors.

• The Shortcut: Press [STO] [1] to save a number to slot 1. Press [RCL] [1] to bring it back.
• The Benefit: You can store up to 10 numbers (0–9). This is essential for calculating the components of the Dupont Analysis or complex Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) problems.