SAT Calculator Policy

Why We Have a Calculator Policy

Our calculator policy helps make sure that every student has a fair testing experience. You'll be dismissed and your scores canceled if you use your calculator to share information during the test or to make copies of test questions or answers while in the testing room.

General Guidelines for Handheld Calculators

We encourage you to use the calculator that is most familiar to you on test day. You may use your own approved handheld calculator or take advantage of the Desmos graphing calculator embedded in Bluebook™.

If you choose to bring your own calculator to use throughout the Math section, there's more to it than making sure you have a fresh set of batteries. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Only non-CAS (computer algebra system) calculators are allowed. Check to make sure your calculator does not have CAS functionality. A quick way to tell if a calculator has CAS functionality is to check if it:
  • Has "CAS" in the model name.
  • Can symbolically manipulate algebraic expressions (like factoring and expanding).
  • Can solve equations and give exact symbolic answers, not just decimals.
• Graphic, scientific, and four-function calculators are allowed, subject to the restrictions below.
• Calculators are not required, but bringing a familiar, approved model is recommended.
• You are responsible for bringing a working, approved calculator.

Rules for Handheld Calculators

• Only non-CAS calculators may be used.
• You must remove programs that have algebra functionality (e.g., solving equations, expanding algebraic expressions, factoring algebraic expressions, etc.) from your calculator.
• You must remove any stored documents from your calculator.
• You may not use a calculator while working on the Reading and Writing section. You must put the calculator away during these modules of the test.
• Calculator covers must be kept under your desk at all times.
• You'll be dismissed and your scores canceled if you use your calculator to share information during the test or to remove test questions or answers from the test room.
• You must turn off all sound.
• You must cover any infrared data ports with tape.
• Only battery-operated, handheld equipment can be used for testing. No power cords are allowed for calculators.
• If you have a calculator with characters that are one inch or higher, or if your calculator has a raised display that might be visible to other test takers, you will be seated at the discretion of the test coordinator.

Acceptable Calculators

Calculators permitted during testing include:

• The Desmos calculator embedded in the Bluebook testing app: This is a powerful calculator that includes features similar to a handheld graphing calculator. If you are familiar with how to use this calculator, the embedded version is a good choice.
• Graphing calculators that do not include CAS features: This type of calculator includes plotting and graphing windows, data entry and storage windows, data analysis functions, trig functions, and programming options.
• Scientific calculators: This type of calculator includes many functions helpful for solving problems in science, statistics, and math. Common features include built-in memory to store interim calculations, statistical functions, pi, trig functions, and scientific notation.
• Four-function basic calculators (not recommended): This type of calculator includes four functions: add, subtract, multiply, and divide; some also include percentages and square roots. This type of calculator is not recommended as they typically do not follow order of operations.

Prohibited Calculators

Calculators with the following features are prohibited:

• Calculators with built-in CAS functionality. Examples of such devices include:
  • Casio: ClassPad 300, 330, or 400; ClassPad II (fx-CP400); ClassPad fx-CG 500 or fx-CG500; Algebra fx 2.0; all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G.
  • Hewlett Packard: HP Prime; HP 48GII; all model numbers that begin with 40G, 49G, or 50G.
  • Texas Instruments: TI-Nspire CAS, TI-Nspire CX II CAS; All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 or have "CAS" in the model name. Note that TI-Nspire models that do not include "CAS" in the name are acceptable.
• Calculators with apps, menus, or programs that perform symbolic algebra manipulation (e.g., solving algebra equations symbolically).
• Calculators with QWERTY keyboards.
• Devices with wireless internet capability, Bluetooth, or cellular connectivity.
• Devices with built-in cameras or audio/video recording.
• Tablets and laptop computers.
• Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices.
• Cell phone calculator apps.
• Calculators that use paper tape.

Calculator Tips

• If you're not familiar with the Desmos calculator that's embedded in the digital test, take some time to learn how to use it while taking a practice test on the Bluebook™ app or on desmos.com/calculator.
• If you prefer to bring your own calculator, don't bring a calculator new to you. Bring one you know. Practice for the test using the same calculator you'll use on test day.
• The Math section includes some questions where it's better not to use a calculator, even though you're allowed to.
• It may help to do scratch work on the scratch paper provided. Get your thoughts down before using your calculator.
• Make sure your calculator is in good working order and that the batteries are fresh. If your calculator fails during testing and you have no backup, you can continue testing using the built-in Desmos graphing calculator.