PSAT 8/9 Calculator Use

Calculators are important tools, and to succeed after high school, you'll need to know how—and when—to use them. In the Math section of the test, you’ll focus on complex modeling and reasoning, using your calculator to save time.

You're allowed to use a calculator on all questions in the Math section. The digital test platform itself has a built-in graphing calculator that you can use if you wish, or you can use your own approved calculator. The choice you make should be based primarily on which tool you're more comfortable with. We recommend that you try out both options during your practice.

However, like any tool, the calculator is only as smart as the person using it. The Math section includes some questions where it’s better not to use a calculator, even though you’re allowed to. In these cases, students who make use of structure or their ability to reason will probably finish before students who use a calculator.

Calculator Rules

• Bring your own calculator. You can’t share one.
• 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.
• 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.

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 a Desmos Graphing Calculator preview experience.
• If you prefer to bring your own calculator, don't bring a brand-new calculator. 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.

Using the Built-In Desmos Graphing Calculator

The embedded calculator available for test takers in Bluebook is the Desmos Graphing Calculator, a fully digital, accessible graphing calculator used for computational, graphing, statistical, and other mathematical purposes. You may already be familiar with the Desmos calculator from your classes, as it's an application commonly used in education as well as in other fields.

The Desmos Graphing Calculator embedded in Bluebook mimics the experience users see at desmos.com/calculator, except that images, folders, and notes (usually available via the plus mark button—i.e., the Add Icon button atop the expression list) are removed in the testing calculator.

Acceptable 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.

Only battery-operated, handheld equipment can be used for testing. No power cords are allowed for calculators.

Calculators permitted during testing include:

• Most graphing calculators (see chart)
• All scientific calculators
• All four-function calculators (not recommended)

Prohibited Calculators

• Laptops or other computers, tablets, mobile phones, smartwatches, or wearable technology
• Models that can access the internet, have wireless, Bluetooth, cellular, audio/video recording and playing, camera, or any other smartphone-type features
• Models that have a computer-style (QWERTY) keypad, pen input, or stylus
• Models that use electrical outlets, make noise (unless approved as an accommodation), or have a paper tape

In addition, the use of hardware peripherals such as a stylus with an approved calculator is not permitted. Some models with touchscreen capability are not permitted (e.g., Casio ClassPad).