Are You Allowed To Use A Calculator On The Gre

GRE Resource Center

The GRE General Test has specific rules about calculator usage. Unlike some other standardized tests, you don’t bring your own calculator. For certain sections, a calculator is provided on-screen. Find out below if you are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE for the section you’re interested in.

GRE Calculator Allowance Checker

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What is the GRE Calculator Policy?

When asking “are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE?”, the answer depends entirely on the section of the GRE General Test you are taking. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, has a clear policy: a calculator is provided only for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. For the Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections, no calculator is permitted or provided.

The calculator provided is a basic on-screen calculator integrated into the test software for the computer-delivered GRE. You are not allowed to bring your own calculator into the test center for the GRE General Test.

Common misconceptions include believing you can bring your own scientific or graphing calculator, or that a calculator is available for all sections. It’s crucial to understand the rules before test day to avoid any surprises. Understanding whether you are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE is key for test prep.

GRE Calculator Rules Explained

The rules regarding whether you are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE are section-specific:

• Quantitative Reasoning: Yes, an on-screen calculator with basic functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root) and a memory function (M+, MR, MC) is provided within the test interface. You can access it by clicking a calculator icon.
• Verbal Reasoning: No, you are not allowed to use a calculator, and none is provided.
• Analytical Writing: No, you are not allowed to use a calculator, and none is provided.
• Unscored/Research Sections: If the unscored or research section is quantitative in nature, the on-screen calculator will likely be available. If it’s verbal or analytical writing based, it will not.

The on-screen calculator is intentionally basic to test your reasoning skills more than complex computation abilities. You should practice using the on-screen calculator provided in the official GRE PowerPrep software to get familiar with its interface and functionality before your actual test.

Variables Table (Policy Summary)

GRE Section	Calculator Allowed?	Type of Calculator	Notes
Quantitative Reasoning	Yes	On-screen basic calculator	Provided by ETS within the test software.
Verbal Reasoning	No	N/A	No calculator use permitted.
Analytical Writing	No	N/A	No calculator use permitted.
Unscored (Quantitative)	Yes	On-screen basic calculator	If the section tests quantitative skills.
Unscored (Verbal/AWA)	No	N/A	If the section is not quantitative.
Research (Quantitative)	Yes	On-screen basic calculator	If the section tests quantitative skills.
Research (Verbal/AWA)	No	N/A	If the section is not quantitative.

Summary of calculator allowance on the GRE General Test.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Let’s look at how knowing whether you are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE applies during the test:

Example 1: Quantitative Reasoning Section

You encounter a question asking you to calculate 15% of $850 or find the square root of 144. In the Quantitative Reasoning section, you can click the calculator icon, enter 0.15 * 850, and get the result 127.5, or enter 144 and click the square root button to get 12. The on-screen calculator helps with these basic arithmetic operations.

Example 2: Verbal Reasoning Section

You are working on a Reading Comprehension passage or a Text Completion question. You wonder if a quick calculation might help (though it’s unlikely in Verbal). You look for a calculator icon, but it’s not present because you are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE only for Quant. You must rely solely on your reading and reasoning skills.

Example 3: Analytical Writing Section

While outlining your “Analyze an Issue” essay, you might think about statistics or figures. However, you cannot use a calculator in this section. Your arguments should be based on reasoning and examples, not precise calculations performed during the test.

How to Use This GRE Calculator Checker

Our checker above helps you quickly confirm whether you are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE for a specific section:

1. Select the Section: Use the dropdown menu labeled “Select GRE Section” to choose the part of the GRE you are interested in (e.g., Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, etc.).
2. View the Result: As soon as you select a section, the “Result” area below the dropdown will update automatically. It will clearly state whether a calculator is allowed and provide details about the type of calculator and who provides it.
3. Check Details: The “Intermediate Results” section shows the section you selected, the type of calculator (if any), and that it’s provided by ETS.
4. Reset (Optional): Click the “Reset” button to clear the selection and results and return the checker to its initial state.
5. Copy Results (Optional): Click “Copy Results” to copy the displayed information to your clipboard.

This tool is designed for quick reference based on the official GRE preparation guidelines.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use on the GRE

Several factors determine whether you are you allowed to use a calculator on the GRE:

1. Test Section: This is the primary factor. Quantitative Reasoning allows it; Verbal and AWA do not.
2. Test Administrator Rules (ETS): ETS sets the rules for the GRE General Test, and their current policy dictates the on-screen calculator availability only for Quant.
3. Test Format (Computer-Delivered): The standard GRE General Test is computer-delivered, which facilitates the on-screen calculator. Paper-delivered tests (less common and for specific accommodations) may have different procedures, but generally, if a calculator is allowed, it would be provided.
4. Nature of the Section (Unscored/Research): If an unscored or research section is quantitative, the calculator is usually available. If it mirrors Verbal or AWA, it’s not.
5. The Calculator’s Purpose: The GRE aims to test quantitative reasoning, not just calculation. The basic calculator supports this, preventing complex calculations from being the focus.
6. Security and Fairness: Providing a standard on-screen calculator ensures all test-takers have the same tool, maintaining fairness and security by preventing the use of unauthorized devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring my own calculator to the GRE?

No, you are not allowed to bring your own calculator (including graphing or scientific calculators) to the GRE General Test. An on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning sections.

2. Is the on-screen calculator available for all GRE sections?

No, the on-screen calculator is only available during the Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE. You won’t have access to it during Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing.

3. What functions does the GRE on-screen calculator have?

It’s a basic calculator with functions for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and memory (M+, MR, MC). It does not have advanced scientific or graphing functions.

4. How do I access the calculator during the GRE?

During the Quantitative Reasoning sections, you will see a calculator icon on the screen. Clicking this icon will open the on-screen calculator.

5. Should I practice with the GRE on-screen calculator?

Yes, it’s highly recommended. Use the calculator provided in the official PowerPrep practice tests to get familiar with its interface and how it works before your test day.

6. What if the unscored section is Quantitative – will I get a calculator?

Yes, if the unscored or research section you receive is quantitative in nature, the on-screen calculator will typically be available for that section as well.

7. Does the paper-delivered GRE allow calculators?

For the paper-delivered GRE General Test (less common), if a calculator is permitted for certain sections (like Quantitative), ETS will provide it. You still cannot bring your own.

8. Why is the GRE calculator so basic?

The GRE aims to assess your quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills, not your ability to perform complex calculations. A basic calculator supports this by handling tedious arithmetic without solving the problems for you.