The abacus for general use is made of wood or stone, but there is also a large variety for display and collecting purposes, such as the crystal, ivory, carnelian and jade abacuses. In Cheng Dawei's former residence, which has been listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit, many quality abacuses are displayed, ranging from the smallest -- a finger ring abacus, to the biggest -- a door-shaped one, from the longest -- an abacus for extractions, to the strangest -- a round abacus, beadless abacus, and three-beaded abacus. Enduring interest in the ancient abacuses is evident by the ever-increasing number of visitors from all over the world.

The abacus is still in use today by shopkeepers in Asia and "Chinatowns" abroad. Asian schools still teach how an abacus is used, including a few schools in the West. Blind children are also taught to use the abacus.