Curta

Curta
Curta Type II mechanical calculator
Curta Type II mechanical calculator
TypeMechanical calculator
ManufacturerContina AG Mauren
Introduced1948 (Type I)
1954 (Type II)
Discontinued1972
Date invented1930s
Invented byCurt Herzstark
Cost$125 (Type I)
$165 (Type II)
Calculator
Precision11 digits (Type I)
15 digits (Type II)
Display typeMechanical counter
Display size6-digit revolution counter, 11-digit result counter (Type I)
8-digit revolution counter, 15-digit result counter (Type II)
Other
Weight230g (Type I)
360g (Type II)
Curta Type I, on display at the Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris.
A partially disassembled Curta calculator, showing the digit slides and the stepped drum behind them
Curta Type I calculator, top view
Curta Type I calculator, bottom view

The Curta is a hand-held mechanical calculator designed by Curt Herzstark.[1] It is known for its extremely compact design: a small cylinder that fits in the palm of the hand. It was affectionately known as the "pepper grinder" or "peppermill" due to its shape and means of operation; its superficial resemblance to a certain type of hand grenade also earned it the nickname "math grenade".[2]

Curtas were considered the best portable calculators available until they were displaced by electronic calculators in the 1970s.[1]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Stoll was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "ICES Insight" (PDF). ICES Insight. Vol. 48. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. September 2011. p. 13. ISBN 978-87-7482-097-0. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2015.