AP Physics 1 Calculator Use & Permissibility Checker

Determine if your calculator is allowed on the AP Physics 1 exam based on the latest College Board policies.

Calculator Permissibility Checker

What is the AP Physics 1 Calculator Use Policy?

The ap physics 1 calculator use policy refers to the set of rules established by the College Board that dictates which calculators are permitted and prohibited during the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam. For the entire exam (both multiple-choice and free-response sections), students are permitted to use a calculator. Students can bring their own approved handheld calculator or use the digital calculator provided within the Bluebook testing application.

Unlike some other AP exams, the AP Physics 1 exam is relatively flexible. You can use a four-function, a scientific, or a graphing calculator. However, there are critical restrictions: calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS), those with a QWERTY keyboard (like a computer), wireless communication capabilities, or pen-input/stylus features are strictly forbidden. The goal is to ensure the exam tests physics knowledge, not a student’s ability to use a device that can solve algebraic equations for them.

AP Physics 1 Calculator Rules and Guidelines

There isn’t a mathematical “formula” for calculator approval, but rather a checklist of features. The permissibility of a device for ap physics 1 calculator use depends entirely on its functionality. The core principle is that the calculator should be a tool for calculation, not for information storage or symbolic manipulation.

Key Calculator Feature Rules for AP Physics 1

Feature	Status	Reasoning & Typical Range
Four-Function / Scientific	Allowed	Performs basic arithmetic, trig, and log functions. This is the minimum required functionality.
Graphing Capability	Allowed	Allowed as long as it does not have other prohibited features. Graphing calculators must be on the College Board’s approved list.
Computer Algebra System (CAS)	Prohibited	CAS can perform symbolic algebra (e.g., solve for x). This is not allowed. Some TI-Nspire models have “CAS” in the name and are prohibited.
QWERTY Keyboard	Prohibited	Any device with a typewriter-style keyboard is not permitted.
Wireless / Bluetooth / Infrared	Prohibited	Calculators cannot have any communication capabilities.
Phones, Tablets, Laptops	Prohibited	No external devices that can connect to the internet or run other apps are allowed.

Practical Examples of Calculator Status

Understanding the rules is easier with concrete examples. Here’s how different popular models fare under the ap physics 1 calculator use policy.

Example 1: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE

• Inputs: Model is “TI-84 Plus CE”. It’s a graphing calculator. It does NOT have CAS, a QWERTY keyboard, or wireless.
• Units: Not applicable (feature-based check).
• Result: Permitted. This is one of the most common and widely approved graphing calculators for AP exams. See our guide on the projectile motion calculator for practice problems.

Example 2: TI-Nspire CX II CAS

• Inputs: Model is “TI-Nspire CX II CAS”. It is a graphing calculator, but the “CAS” in the name indicates it has a Computer Algebra System.
• Units: Not applicable.
• Result: Not Permitted. The CAS functionality explicitly violates the AP Physics 1 rules. The non-CAS version, the “TI-Nspire CX II,” is allowed.

How to Use This AP Physics 1 Calculator Checker

1. Enter Your Model: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field. For example, “TI-84 Plus” or “Casio fx-9750GII”.
2. Check for Banned Features: If you know your calculator has features like a CAS or a QWERTY keyboard, check the corresponding boxes. This provides a secondary check.
3. Review the Result: Click “Check Permissibility”. The tool will provide one of three statuses: Permitted, Not Permitted, or Check Manually. The explanation will detail why the decision was made.
4. Interpret the Output: “Permitted” means you’re good to go. “Not Permitted” means you need a different calculator. “Check Manually” means the model isn’t in our database, and you should compare its features against the official College Board list.

Key Factors That Affect AP Physics 1 Calculator Use

• Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is the most common reason a powerful calculator is disallowed. It automates algebraic manipulation.
• Official Approved List: For graphing calculators, the College Board maintains an official list. If your model isn’t on it, it’s not allowed.
• Scientific vs. Graphing: While graphing calculators are allowed, a good scientific calculator (like the TI-30X IIS or Casio fx-991EX) is often sufficient for the exam’s needs and avoids any risk of being non-compliant. The math is typically algebra-based.
• Exam Mode: Some advanced calculators have a “press-to-test” mode that temporarily disables restricted features. This is often required for exams.
• No Sharing: You cannot share calculators during the exam. It’s recommended to bring a backup if you are concerned about battery life.
• Memory Clearing: While memory does not need to be cleared before the AP Physics exam, you cannot use stored programs to take information out of the exam room. For practice, try using a kinematics calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a TI-89 on the AP Physics 1 exam?

A1: No, the TI-89 has a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and is therefore prohibited for the AP Physics 1 exam, although it is allowed for the AP Calculus exam.

Q2: What if my calculator is not on the approved list?

A2: If it’s a graphing calculator and not on the list, it’s not permitted. If it’s a scientific calculator, it is generally allowed as long as it doesn’t have any prohibited features (like CAS or a QWERTY keyboard).

Q3: Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory?

A3: According to the College Board, you do not need to clear your calculator’s memory before or after the AP Physics 1 exam.

Q4: What’s the difference between the built-in Desmos calculator and my handheld one?

A4: The built-in Desmos calculator is guaranteed to be compliant. However, you may be more familiar and faster with your own handheld device. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Q5: Is a simple four-function calculator enough?

A5: While technically permitted, it is not recommended. A scientific calculator is much better as you will need trigonometric and logarithmic functions. A free fall calculator will require these. You would be at a significant disadvantage with only a four-function calculator.

Q6: Can I bring two calculators?

A6: Yes, you are allowed to bring up to two permitted calculators to the exam. This is a good idea in case one malfunctions or the batteries die.

Q7: Is the calculator policy the same for AP Physics 1, 2, and C?

A7: The policies are similar, but always check the specific rules for each exam. The Physics 1 and 2 exams (Algebra-Based) have the same calculator policy. AP Physics C has slightly different considerations, especially regarding stored programs. Check our AP physics 1 formula sheet for more resources.

Q8: My calculator has a program for the quadratic formula. Is that allowed?

A8: Yes, calculators with built-in physics constants, metric conversions, and math formulas are permitted. You can also generally add your own simple programs for things like the quadratic formula.