Best Calculus Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 10, 2023

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Calculus books are essential resources for students and professionals who want to understand the principles of calculus. These books cover a wide range of topics, including derivatives, integrals, limits, and differential equations. They provide clear explanations, step-by-step examples, and practice problems that help readers master the subject. Some of the most popular calculus books include "Calculus: Early Transcendentals" by James Stewart, "Calculus" by Michael Spivak, and "Calculus: A Complete Course" by Robert A. Adams. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, there is a calculus book that will suit your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 2023: 5 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation) Cover #TOP 1
Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 2023: 5 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AP Calculus Premium, 2022-2023: 12 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP) Cover #TOP 2
AP Calculus Premium, 2022-2023: 12 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions Cover #TOP 3
Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Calculus Books

Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 2023: 5 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

The Princeton Review
Khan, David
Aug 2, 2022
Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 2023: 5 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation) Cover
Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 2023: 5 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

The Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 2023 is a comprehensive study guide that includes 5 full-length practice tests, content reviews, targeted strategies, and access to online extras. This book is perfect for students who want to score a perfect 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam. It provides tried-and-true strategies, tips for pacing, and essential tactics to help students work smarter. The book is fully aligned with the latest College Board standards and includes engaging activities to help students assess their progress. The Princeton Review has been helping students achieve the best results since 1981 and this book is no exception. It is an excellent resource for students, parents, and educators alike.

#TOP 2

AP Calculus Premium, 2022-2023: 12 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP)

Bock M.S., David
Donovan M.S., Dennis
Hockett Ph.D., Shirley O.
Jan 4, 2022
AP Calculus Premium, 2022-2023: 12 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP) Cover
AP Calculus Premium, 2022-2023: 12 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP)

Barron's AP Calculus Premium: 2022-2023 is a comprehensive guide to prepare for the AP Calculus AB and BC exams. It includes 12 full-length practice tests, detailed content review, and online practice. The book is written and reviewed by experienced educators, providing tips, strategies, and study advice for exam day. The online practice on Barron's Learning Hub offers detailed answer explanations and expert advice, providing a simulated exam experience with timed test options. This book is a must-have for students aspiring to excel in the AP Calculus exams.

Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions

McMullen, Chris
Zishka Publishing
Aug 16, 2018
Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions Cover
Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions

The Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions is a comprehensive guidebook for mastering calculus. Written by Chris McMullen, Ph.D., who has over 20 years of experience teaching math to physics students, this workbook covers a variety of essential calculus skills. The book focuses on practical topics and essential skills needed to apply calculus to other subjects like physics or engineering. The book features full solutions to every problem, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the concepts. Overall, Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions is an excellent resource for anyone looking to master calculus.

#TOP 4

Princeton Review AP Calculus AB Premium Prep, 2022: 7 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (2022) (College Test Preparation)

The Princeton Review
Aug 3, 2021
Princeton Review AP Calculus AB Premium Prep, 2022: 7 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (2022) (College Test Preparation) Cover
Princeton Review AP Calculus AB Premium Prep, 2022: 7 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (2022) (College Test Preparation)

The Princeton Review AP Calculus AB Premium Prep, 2022 is an excellent resource for students preparing for the AP Calculus AB exam. It offers comprehensive content review, strategies, and techniques to help students ace the exam. The book also includes seven practice tests that simulate the actual exam and are accompanied by detailed explanations. The publisher warns against purchasing from third-party sellers, as they may not include online materials or guarantee quality. Overall, this book is a valuable tool for students who want to excel in the AP Calculus AB exam.

Essential Math for Data Science: Take Control of Your Data with Fundamental Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics

Nield, Thomas
Jul 5, 2022
Essential Math for Data Science: Take Control of Your Data with Fundamental Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics Cover
Essential Math for Data Science: Take Control of Your Data with Fundamental Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics

Essential Math for Data Science is a comprehensive guide for mastering the mathematical concepts required to excel in data science, machine learning, and statistics. The book covers a range of topics from calculus to linear algebra, statistics to neural networks, all presented in plain English and with minimal mathematical jargon. It also provides practical insights into the state of data science and how to use those insights to maximize your career. Thomas Nield's relatable approach to technical content makes this book a must-read for anyone looking to improve their skills in data science.

Real Analysis: A Long-Form Mathematics Textbook (The Long-Form Math Textbook Series)

Cummings, Jay
Independently published
Jul 15, 2019
Real Analysis: A Long-Form Mathematics Textbook (The Long-Form Math Textbook Series) Cover
Real Analysis: A Long-Form Mathematics Textbook (The Long-Form Math Textbook Series)

This textbook, part of the Long-Form Math Textbook Series, breaks from the norm and provides students with a more comprehensive and engaging approach to real analysis. Instead of the standard definition-theorem-proof-repeat style, the author incorporates commentary, motivation, and explanation into the text. The proofs are designed for understanding rather than economy, and examples challenge readers' intuition. The relaxed writing style includes historical notes, humor, and occasional diversions into other areas of mathematics. The book covers a range of topics, including sequences, series, topology, differentiation, and integration. The author also aims to make the book accessible to all by offering it at a reasonable price. Overall, this is a unique and valuable addition to any student's mathematical analysis library.

Calculus For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyle))

Ryan, Mark
For Dummies
May 27, 2016
Calculus For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyle)) Cover
Calculus For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyle))

Calculus For Dummies is a comprehensive guide to mastering calculus, breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks. It provides a solid foundation in algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus concepts, as well as exploring sequences, series, and graphing common functions. The book is written in plain English, making it accessible to those without a strong math background. The author provides practical examples and a step-by-step approach to each concept, making it easier for readers to understand the "how" and "why" of calculus. Overall, Calculus For Dummies is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with calculus or looking to improve their skills.

#TOP 8

Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe

Strogatz, Steven
Mariner Books
Apr 14, 2020
Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe Cover
Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe

Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe by Steven Strogatz is a fascinating and accessible history of calculus, showcasing its pivotal role in shaping our modern world. Strogatz takes readers on a journey from ancient Greece to the discovery of gravitational waves, revealing how calculus has enabled us to solve some of the world's most complex problems. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in mathematics, science, and the history of human discovery.

Thompson, Silvanus P.
Gardner, Martin
St. Martin's Press
Oct 15, 1998

Calculus Made Easy is a timeless classic math text that has been thoroughly updated for modern readers. Silvanus P. Thompson and Martin Gardner provide a remarkable and user-friendly approach to the study of calculus, making it accessible to readers of all levels. The book's modernized language and methods, three new chapters, and challenging practice problems make it an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning calculus. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the genius of Newton, Leibniz, and Thompson himself.

Calculus: Early Transcendentals

Stewart, James
Cengage Learning
Feb 4, 2015
Calculus: Early Transcendentals Cover
Calculus: Early Transcendentals

The Brooks/Cole published book, "Calculus: Early Transcendentals" by James Stewart, is a widely-known and recommended textbook for calculus courses. The book is praised for its clarity and accuracy, accompanied by relatable examples that make the subject more understandable. The book's main focus is not only to help readers develop technical competence but also to foster an appreciation for the beauty of calculus. The author's patient examples and built-in learning aids help readers build their mathematical confidence and achieve their goals in the course. Overall, "Calculus: Early Transcendentals" is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to learn calculus.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is calculus hard for beginners?

For most students, calculus is an extremely hard and challenging course of study. For math majors, it is the introduction to higher-level mathematics. If you are planning to pursue a math degree then calculus will be one of the easier courses that you take during your freshman and sophomore years.

2. Is calculus Made Easy a good book?

Highly recommended. Calculus Made Easy returns to the Newton-Leibniz way. It is a perfect introduction to the topic.

3. Is Thomas calculus a good book?

This is a great book for all interested in learning calculus, as it takes you step-by-step through the problems that demonstrate each of the concepts. Overall excellent book! I'd recommend this to all interested in learning calculus.

Editor's Notes

During our calculus book research, we found 1,000+ calculus book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 21,409 customer reviews through our big data system to write the calculus books list. We found that most customers choose calculus books with an average price of $17.06.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.