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Sharp

Sharp el-1197piii 12-Digit 2-Color Printing Calculator

★★★★★5.0 (4 reviews)

Sharp's 12-digit printing calculator delivers fast 2-color printouts at 4.5 lines per second for office accounting.

$106.62*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 28, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sharp EL-1197PIII is a full-featured 12-digit printing calculator built for accounting, bookkeeping, and general office use. It prints at 4.5 lines per second using a 2-color ribbon that outputs positive values in black and negative values in red, giving users an immediate visual reference on the paper tape. The large blue fluorescent display provides clear visibility of figures as they are entered, and the 4-key memory system allows users to store, recall, and manipulate running totals with ease.

Beyond basic arithmetic, the EL-1197PIII offers a practical set of business-oriented functions including markup and profit margin calculations, item counting, grand totals, time calculations, and conversion and averaging modes. The floating and fixed decimal selector supports six positions, giving users control over precision for everything from whole-number inventory counts to detailed financial figures. A built-in clock and calendar function adds the convenience of date and time stamping. Powered exclusively by AC, this calculator is designed as a permanent desk fixture for environments where printed calculation records are a daily necessity.

Key Features

Large 12-digit Blue fluorescent display; prints 4.5 lps in 2 colors

Features 4-key memory, clock/calendar, markup/profit margin, floating/fixed decimal (6, 3, 2, 1, 0)

Offers add mode, constant modes, item count, conversion/average/time calculation, and grand total

Runs on AC power

Specifications

Brand
Sharp
Model
EL-1197PIII
Display
12-Digit Blue Fluorescent (VFD)
Print Speed
4.5 Lines Per Second
Print Colors
2-Color (Black/Red)
Memory
4-Key Memory
Decimal Settings
Floating, Fixed (0, 1, 2, 3, 6)
Functions
Markup/Profit Margin, Clock/Calendar, Item Count, Grand Total, Conversion/Average, Time Calculation
Power Source
AC (Corded Electric)
Color
Blue

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Large 12-digit blue fluorescent display is bright and easy to read
  • Prints at 4.5 lines per second in two colors for fast, clear paper records
  • Includes clock and calendar functions for timestamping calculations
  • Built-in markup and profit margin keys streamline business accounting tasks
  • Multiple calculation modes including item count, averaging, time calculation, and grand total

👎 Cons

  • Requires AC power with no battery backup, so it cannot be used away from an outlet
  • The blue fluorescent display technology is dated compared to modern LCD screens
  • Relatively bulky desktop form factor compared to compact digital calculators
  • No USB or digital export option for transferring calculations to a computer

Frequently Asked Questions

The EL-1197PIII runs on AC power only. It must be plugged into a wall outlet to operate, so it is designed for stationary desk use.
The calculator prints positive numbers in black and negative numbers in red, making it easy to visually distinguish additions from subtractions at a glance on the paper tape.
Yes, it includes a dedicated markup and profit margin key, which is useful for retail pricing, cost analysis, and quick business calculations.
It uses standard 2.25-inch (57mm) printing calculator paper rolls, which are widely available at office supply stores.
Yes, the decimal selector lets you choose between floating decimal or fixed decimal at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 6 places, depending on the precision your work requires.

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