Curta

For other uses, see Curta (disambiguation).
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.