Can I Use My Own Calculator On The Gre

GRE Calculator Policy Checker

Select the GRE test and section you are taking to see the calculator policy.

What is the “Can I use my own calculator on the GRE?” Question About?

The question “can I use my own calculator on the GRE?” is a very common and important one for test-takers preparing for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). The GRE is a standardized test often required for admission to graduate programs, and knowing the rules about tools like calculators is crucial for test day preparation and performance. Many students are used to using their own familiar calculators for math problems and wonder if they are permitted to bring them to the test center or use them during the at-home GRE.

The answer, however, is not a simple yes or no for all situations. It depends on which GRE test you are taking (the General Test or a Subject Test) and, for the General Test, which section you are in. ETS (Educational Testing Service), the administrator of the GRE, has specific policies regarding calculator use to ensure a standardized and fair testing environment for all candidates. Misunderstanding the GRE calculator policy can lead to issues on test day.

Who Should Use This Information?

Anyone preparing to take either the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test should understand the calculator rules. This includes:

• Prospective graduate students.
• Individuals taking the GRE for business school or other programs.
• Test-takers preparing for both at-home and test center administrations.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that because the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test involves math, personal calculators are allowed. However, ETS provides an on-screen calculator for this section, and personal calculators are strictly prohibited. Another misunderstanding is that the rules are the same for the General Test and Subject Tests; they are generally different regarding calculators.

GRE Calculator Policy Explained

The rules regarding whether you can use your own calculator on the GRE are set by ETS and depend on the test and section:

GRE General Test

• Quantitative Reasoning Sections: You are NOT allowed to use your own calculator. An on-screen calculator is provided within the test interface for these sections only. This applies to both the test center and at-home versions of the GRE General Test. The on-screen calculator has basic functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root) and a memory function.
• Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing Sections: Calculators are neither needed nor permitted for these sections. No on-screen calculator is provided.

GRE Subject Tests

• Generally, calculators are NOT permitted on GRE Subject Tests. Most Subject Tests assess knowledge in areas where calculator use is not deemed appropriate for the evaluation.
• There might be rare exceptions for specific Subject Tests in the past or under specific administrations, but the default rule is no calculators. Always check the specific test content and rules for the Subject Test you are taking on the official ETS website.

The “formula” or rule is:

IF Test = GRE General AND Section = Quantitative, THEN Own Calculator = NO, On-Screen = YES.

IF Test = GRE General AND (Section = Verbal OR Section = Writing), THEN Own Calculator = NO, On-Screen = NO.

IF Test = GRE Subject, THEN Own Calculator = Generally NO, On-Screen = Generally NO.

GRE Calculator Rules Summary Table

Summary of Calculator Rules for the GRE

Test Type	Section	Own Calculator Allowed?	On-Screen Provided?
GRE General Test	Quantitative Reasoning	No	Yes
GRE General Test	Verbal Reasoning	No	No
GRE General Test	Analytical Writing	No	No
GRE Subject Tests	(Any)	Generally No	Generally No

Note: Always verify the latest rules on the official ETS GRE website before your test day, as policies can change.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Taking the GRE General Test at a Test Center

Sarah is preparing for the GRE General Test and plans to take it at a test center. She is most concerned about the Quantitative Reasoning sections.

Question: Can she bring her favorite graphing calculator?

Answer: No. Personal calculators are not allowed. She will be provided with an on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. For Verbal and Writing, no calculator is allowed or provided.

Example 2: Taking a GRE Subject Test

John is taking the GRE Physics Subject Test.

Question: Can he use his scientific calculator?

Answer: Generally, no. Most GRE Subject Tests, including Physics, do not permit the use of calculators. He should check the specific instructions for the Physics Subject Test on the ETS website, but the standard rule is no calculators.

How to Use This Calculator Policy Checker

1. Select Test Type: Choose “GRE General Test” or “GRE Subject Test” from the first dropdown.
2. Select Section: Based on your first selection, the second dropdown will show relevant sections. For the General Test, choose between “Quantitative Reasoning,” “Verbal Reasoning,” or “Analytical Writing.” For Subject Tests, the option is typically just “Any Section,” as the rule is general.
3. Check Policy: Click the “Check Policy” button.
4. View Results: The “Primary Result” will clearly state whether you can use your own calculator and if one is provided. The “Intermediate Results” confirm your selections and the provided calculator status.

This tool helps you quickly understand the GRE calculator policy for your specific situation.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use on the GRE

1. Test Type (General vs. Subject): This is the primary determinant. The General Test has an on-screen calculator for Quant, while Subject Tests generally forbid calculators altogether.
2. Test Section (Quantitative, Verbal, Writing): For the General Test, only the Quantitative sections allow (and provide) a calculator.
3. Testing Location (Test Center vs. At Home): For the GRE General Test, the calculator policy is the same whether you test at a center or at home – an on-screen calculator is provided for Quant, no personal calculators.
4. ETS Rules and Regulations: The official rules set by ETS are the final word. Always refer to the latest ETS guidelines.
5. Test Security Measures: Prohibiting personal calculators helps maintain test security and fairness, preventing the use of devices with stored information or advanced capabilities beyond the basic on-screen calculator.
6. Nature of the Questions: The Quantitative questions on the GRE are designed to be solvable with the provided on-screen calculator or basic arithmetic/reasoning, not requiring advanced calculator functions.

Understanding these factors helps explain why the answer to “can I use my own calculator on the GRE?” varies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The on-screen calculator for the GRE General Test Quantitative Reasoning sections is a basic calculator with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, memory (M+, MR, MC), and a positive/negative sign change. It does not have advanced functions like those on scientific or graphing calculators.

2. Can I practice with the on-screen calculator before the test?

Yes, the official GRE POWERPREP practice tests provided by ETS include the same on-screen calculator, so you can get familiar with its functionality.

3. What happens if I bring my own calculator to the test center?

You will not be allowed to bring it into the testing room. Test center staff will instruct you to store it with your personal belongings outside the testing room. Attempting to use an unauthorized calculator during the test can lead to score cancellation or other penalties.

4. Is the calculator policy the same for the GRE at home?

Yes, for the GRE General Test taken at home, the policy is the same: no personal calculators, and an on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative sections.

5. Why aren’t calculators allowed on GRE Subject Tests?

GRE Subject Tests are designed to assess in-depth knowledge in specific fields, and the questions are generally structured such that calculator use is not necessary or is intentionally excluded to test certain skills without calculator aid.

6. Can I use a handheld calculator if the on-screen one malfunctions?

You should immediately report any technical issues, including problems with the on-screen calculator, to the test proctor (at the center or online). They will provide instructions. You are not permitted to use your own calculator as a backup.

7. Where can I find the official ETS policy on calculators?

The most accurate and up-to-date information is always on the official ETS GRE website, in the test-day procedures and rules sections for the General Test and specific Subject Tests.

8. Does the on-screen calculator have a percent key?

The standard GRE on-screen calculator does not have a dedicated percent key. You would need to perform percentage calculations manually (e.g., multiply by 0.XX for XX%).

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• GRE Practice Tests: Get familiar with the test format and the on-screen calculator.
• GRE Quantitative Tips: Learn strategies for the GRE Quant section, including how to use the on-screen calculator effectively.
• GRE Subject Tests Guide: Information about different Subject Tests and their specific rules.
• What is the GRE?: An overview of the GRE and its purpose.
• GRE Test Day Rules: Understand what to expect and what is allowed on test day.
• GRE At Home Testing: Specifics about taking the GRE General Test at home, including the GRE calculator policy at home.