Calculators Used On Sat

Check if Your Calculator is Allowed on the SAT

Answer the following questions about your calculator to see if it meets the College Board’s policy for calculators used on the SAT.

Details:

How this is determined: The College Board prohibits calculators used on the SAT that have QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, need an outlet, make noise/print, use pen-input, or are part of phones/computers. If any of these are “Yes”, it’s generally not allowed. Graphing calculators and those with CAS are often allowed, but specific models should be checked against the official list.

What are Calculators Used on SAT and Their Rules?

When preparing for the SAT, understanding the rules around calculators used on SAT is crucial. The SAT has two math sections: one where calculators are permitted (Math with Calculator) and one where they are not (Math No Calculator). The College Board, which administers the SAT, has a specific SAT calculator policy outlining which devices are allowed and which are prohibited. Knowing these rules ensures you bring an appropriate tool and avoid issues on test day.

Most scientific calculators and many graphing calculators are among the calculators used on SAT during the permitted section. Even basic four-function calculators are allowed, though not recommended for the complexity of some problems. The key is to check if your calculator has any prohibited features. Students taking the SAT should familiarize themselves with the list of approved SAT calculators and the features that disqualify a calculator.

Common misconceptions include believing all graphing calculators are allowed or that no calculators with CAS (Computer Algebra System) are permitted. In reality, many graphing calculators, including some with CAS, are allowed. It’s the other features, like QWERTY keyboards or internet access, that are more often the reason for a calculator being prohibited.

SAT Calculator Policy: The Rules Explained

The College Board’s policy regarding calculators used on SAT is designed to ensure fairness and prevent access to unauthorized information or communication during the test. The core rules focus on prohibiting features that could provide an unfair advantage or compromise test security.

A calculator is generally NOT allowed if it has any of the following features:

• QWERTY (computer-style) keyboard
• Wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, infrared, etc.)
• Needs an external power source (plugs into an outlet)
• Makes noise or has a paper tape printer
• Has a pen-input or stylus
• Is part of a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, or any other general-purpose computing device

Most scientific calculators are acceptable. Many graphing calculators are also acceptable, including popular models from Texas Instruments (like the TI-84 Plus family, TI-Nspire CX II, TI-Nspire CX II CAS), Casio, and HP. However, it’s always best to check the College Board’s official website for the most current list of approved and prohibited calculators used on SAT, especially for graphing calculators.

Allowed vs. Prohibited Calculator Features for SAT

Feature	Generally Allowed?	Generally Prohibited?	Notes
Basic 4-function	Yes		Not recommended due to limited capability
Scientific	Yes		Most are fine
Graphing	Yes (most)	Some models	Check official list; no QWERTY, wireless, etc.
CAS (Computer Algebra System)	Yes (many)	Some models	Many CAS calculators are allowed (e.g., TI-Nspire CX II CAS)
QWERTY Keyboard		Yes	Disqualifies the calculator
Wireless/Internet		Yes	Disqualifies the calculator
Needs Outlet		Yes	Must be battery-powered
Noise/Tape		Yes	Disqualifies the calculator
Pen/Stylus		Yes	Disqualifies the calculator
Part of Phone/Laptop		Yes	No phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches

Summary of features affecting whether calculators are allowed on the SAT.

Practical Examples: Checking Calculators

Let’s look at a couple of examples of how to determine if calculators used on SAT would be permitted.

Example 1: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE

• QWERTY Keyboard? No
• Wireless? No
• Needs Outlet? No (battery-powered)
• Noise/Tape? No
• Pen/Stylus? No
• Part of Device? No
• Is Graphing? Yes
• Has CAS? No

Result: Likely Allowed. The TI-84 Plus CE is a popular graphing calculator and is on the College Board’s permitted list. It lacks the prohibited features.

Example 2: A Calculator App on a Smartphone

• QWERTY Keyboard? Yes (virtual)
• Wireless? Yes (phone capability)
• Needs Outlet? No (battery)
• Noise/Tape? No
• Pen/Stylus? No (but touchscreen)
• Part of Device? Yes (it’s a phone)

Result: Not Allowed. Smartphones, and any apps on them, are explicitly prohibited calculators used on SAT.

Example 3: Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS

• QWERTY Keyboard? No
• Wireless? No
• Needs Outlet? No (rechargeable battery)
• Noise/Tape? No
• Pen/Stylus? No
• Part of Device? No
• Is Graphing? Yes
• Has CAS? Yes

Result: Likely Allowed. Despite having CAS, the TI-Nspire CX II CAS is generally permitted as it lacks the strictly prohibited features like QWERTY keyboards or wireless. Always verify specific models against the College Board’s list.

Hypothetical breakdown of reasons why calculators are disallowed.

How to Use This SAT Calculator Policy Checker

Using this checker is straightforward:

1. Answer each question (Yes/No) based on the features of your calculator.
2. As you select answers, the “Result” section will update automatically.
3. Allowed: If your calculator has none of the explicitly prohibited features, it will likely be marked as “Likely Allowed.” You should still double-check if it’s a graphing calculator against the College Board’s official list of SAT math calculator rules.
4. Not Allowed: If you answer “Yes” to any of the first six questions (QWERTY, Wireless, Outlet, Noise, Pen, Part of Device), the calculator is not allowed, and the reason will be displayed.
5. The notes about graphing and CAS provide additional guidance. Many graphing and CAS calculators are permitted.
6. Use the “Reset” button to clear your selections and start over.
7. Use “Copy Results” to copy the verdict and reasons.

This tool helps you quickly assess if your calculator is likely one of the calculators used on SAT legally, but always refer to the official College Board guidelines as the final authority.

Key Factors That Affect SAT Calculator Permissibility

Several key factors determine whether specific calculators used on SAT are allowed:

• QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with lettered keyboards like those on computers are banned to prevent the storage of notes or formulas.
• Communication Technology: Any form of wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, infrared) is prohibited to prevent communication during the test.
• External Power: Calculators must be battery-operated and not require an electrical outlet.
• Noise and Printing: Devices that make noise or print on paper tape are distracting and not allowed.
• Input Method: Pen-based or stylus-driven devices are generally prohibited.
• Integration with Other Devices: Calculators that are part of phones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches are not permitted.
• CAS Functionality: While many CAS calculators are allowed, it’s worth noting. The focus is on other prohibited features. Always check the specific model. Explore best graphing calculators for SAT for allowed models.
• Official College Board List: The College Board maintains a list of specifically approved graphing calculators and general guidelines. Checking this is vital.

Understanding these factors helps in selecting appropriate calculators used on SAT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Calculators Used on SAT

Are all graphing calculators allowed on the SAT?

No, not all. Most graphing calculators are allowed, but some with prohibited features (like QWERTY keyboards or wireless) are not. Always check the College Board’s list for specific models of calculators used on SAT.

Can I use a calculator with CAS on the SAT?

Yes, many calculators with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) ARE allowed on the SAT Math with Calculator section (e.g., TI-Nspire CX II CAS, TI-89 Titanium). The ACT has stricter rules against CAS, but the SAT is more permissive. Check your specific model.

Is my TI-84 Plus allowed?

Yes, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus family (including TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE) is generally allowed as they don’t have prohibited features.

What if my calculator runs out of battery during the test?

You are responsible for ensuring your calculator works and has sufficient battery power. Bring extra batteries if your calculator uses replaceable ones, or ensure it’s fully charged if rechargeable. You cannot share calculators.

Can I use a scientific calculator?

Yes, all standard scientific calculators are allowed among the calculators used on SAT, as long as they don’t have prohibited features.

Are four-function calculators allowed?

Yes, but they are not recommended because they lack the functions needed for many SAT Math with Calculator problems.

Where can I find the official list of allowed calculators?

On the College Board’s official SAT website. Search for “SAT calculator policy” on their site.

Can I bring two calculators?

Yes, you can bring a backup calculator, but only one can be on your desk at a time. Both must be permitted types of calculators used on SAT.