Curta
Curta Type II mechanical calculator | |
| Type | Mechanical calculator |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Contina AG Mauren |
| Introduced | 1948 (Type I) 1954 (Type II) |
| Discontinued | 1972 |
| Date invented | 1930s |
| Invented by | Curt Herzstark |
| Cost | $125 (Type I) $165 (Type II) |
| Calculator | |
| Precision | 11 digits (Type I) 15 digits (Type II) |
| Display type | Mechanical counter |
| Display size | 6-digit revolution counter, 11-digit result counter (Type I) 8-digit revolution counter, 15-digit result counter (Type II) |
| Other | |
| Weight | 230 g (8.1 oz) (Type I) 360 g (13 oz) (Type II) |
The Curta is a hand-held mechanical calculator designed by Curt Herzstark. 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".
Curtas were considered the best portable calculators available until they were displaced by electronic calculators in the 1970s.