AP Calculus: Can You Use Two Calculators?

An interactive policy checker based on the official College Board guidelines.

Policy Checker Tool

What is the “AP Calculus Can You Use Two Calculators” Policy?

The “AP Calculus can you use two calculators” policy refers to the set of rules established by the College Board that govern calculator usage during the AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC exams. The fundamental question students have is whether bringing a backup calculator is permissible, and what types are allowed. The short answer is yes, students may bring up to two permitted calculators to the exam. However, the policy has critical nuances that every student must understand to avoid issues on exam day.

Crucially, for AP Calculus, only approved graphing calculators are permitted. This means that even if you bring a second calculator, it must also be a model on the College Board’s official approved list. Bringing a non-graphing scientific or four-function calculator as a second device is explicitly prohibited for the AP Calculus exams. This policy is designed to ensure fairness and that all students have access to the same computational capabilities required for the calculator-active sections of the test. Understanding this distinction is a core part of mastering the AP Calculus can you use two calculators rule.

Official Policy Formula and Explanation

The “formula” for the AP Calculus calculator policy is a set of logical rules rather than a mathematical equation. It can be summarized as follows: A student may bring up to two handheld calculators, provided both are on the official list of approved graphing calculators. The primary purpose of the second calculator is to serve as a backup in case of malfunction (e.g., battery failure) of the primary device. You cannot use both calculators simultaneously.

The core requirements for an approved calculator for the AP Calculus exam are the capabilities to: plot a graph, find zeros of functions, numerically calculate the derivative at a point, and numerically calculate a definite integral. For more details on exam structure, you might find an AP Calculus BC FRQ Guide useful.

Calculator Policy Variables

Variable	Meaning	Unit / Type	Typical State
Primary Calculator	The main device you intend to use.	Approved Graphing Model	TI-84 Plus, TI-Nspire CX II, etc.
Secondary Calculator	A backup device for emergencies.	Approved Graphing Model	Must also be an approved graphing model.
Prohibited Calculators	Devices not allowed for the exam.	Scientific, Four-Function	Any non-graphing calculator for Calculus.
Prohibited Features	Capabilities that disqualify a calculator.	QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi	e.g., TI-92 Plus, HP-95LX

Practical Examples

Example 1: The Recommended Scenario

• Inputs:
  • Primary Calculator: TI-84 Plus CE (Approved Graphing)
  • Secondary Calculator: TI-Nspire CX (Approved Graphing)
• Result: Allowed. This is a valid configuration. The student can bring both calculators. The secondary calculator should be kept under the desk unless the primary one fails.

Example 2: A Prohibited Scenario

• Inputs:
  • Primary Calculator: TI-89 Titanium (Approved Graphing)
  • Secondary Calculator: TI-30XIIS (Scientific)
• Result: Prohibited. Even though the primary calculator is fine, the AP Calculus exams explicitly forbid non-graphing calculators, even as a backup. The student would be required to put the scientific calculator away.

How to Use This AP Calculus Calculator Policy Checker

Using this tool is a straightforward way to see if your AP Calculus can you use two calculators strategy is compliant.

1. Select Your Exam: Choose either AP Calculus AB or BC from the first dropdown. The policy is the same for both.
2. Define Your Primary Calculator: In the second dropdown, specify the type of your main calculator. For AP Calculus, this must be an “Approved Graphing Calculator.”
3. Define Your Secondary Calculator: Select the type of your backup calculator. To be compliant, this must also be an “Approved Graphing Calculator” or “No Second Calculator.”
4. Interpret the Results: The box below the inputs will instantly update with your policy status:
   • Allowed: Your configuration is compliant with College Board rules.
   • Conditional/Not Recommended: Your configuration is technically allowed but has risks or isn’t ideal. The explanation will clarify why.
   • Prohibited: Your configuration violates the AP Calculus calculator policy. You will need to make changes before exam day.

For more general test-day advice, consider reviewing an AP Exam Day Checklist.

Key Factors That Affect the “Can You Use Two Calculators” Rule

1. Calculator Type: This is the most critical factor. For AP Calculus, only graphing calculators are permitted. Scientific and four-function calculators are not allowed.
2. Approved Model List: Both the primary and secondary calculators must be on the College Board’s official list of approved graphing calculators.
3. Exam Subject: The policy is subject-specific. The strict “graphing-only” rule for AP Calculus does not apply to other exams like AP Chemistry or AP Statistics, which allow scientific calculators.
4. Backup vs. Simultaneous Use: The policy allows for a second calculator as a backup, not for simultaneous use. One must be stored away (e.g., under the desk) while the other is in use.
5. Prohibited Features: No calculators with QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication capabilities, or stylus-based input are allowed.
6. Proctor Discretion: The exam proctor has the final say. They will check all calculators before the exam begins to ensure they comply with the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I really bring two calculators to the AP Calculus exam?
Yes, you can bring up to two, but both must be models from the approved graphing calculator list for the AP Calculus exams.

2. What happens if my calculator runs out of batteries?
This is the primary reason for the two-calculator policy. If your primary calculator fails, you can inform the proctor and switch to your backup. It’s also wise to bring spare batteries.

3. Can my backup be a scientific calculator if my main one is a graphing calculator?
No. For AP Calculus AB and BC, all calculators brought into the exam room must be approved graphing calculators. Scientific calculators are not permitted for this specific exam.

4. Do I have to clear the memory on my calculators?
No, the College Board does not require you to clear your calculator’s memory before or after the exam.

5. Can I share a calculator with a friend if theirs stops working?
No, sharing calculators with other students is strictly prohibited under any circumstances.

6. Is a TI-Nspire CX II CAS allowed?
Yes, the TI-Nspire series, including the CAS models, are on the approved list for AP Calculus. You can find more info in our AP Statistics Study Strategies guide, as it’s also a popular calculator there.

7. What’s the point of the chart?
The chart visualizes that the AP Calculus exam is divided into calculator-active and calculator-inactive sections. You won’t be using your calculator for the entire test, which is an important strategic consideration. To prepare for other subjects, you can check our AP Chemistry Exam Prep.

8. What if I bring a prohibited calculator by mistake?
The proctor will likely confiscate the calculator for the duration of the exam. You would have to complete the test without it, which would be extremely difficult on the calculator-required sections.

Explore these resources for more help with your AP exam preparation.

• AP Calculus AB Study Guide: A comprehensive guide for the AB exam.
• AP Calculus BC FRQ Guide: Strategies for tackling the Free Response Questions on the BC exam.
• AP Exam Day Checklist: Make sure you’re fully prepared for test day.
• AP Statistics Study Strategies: Find tips and tricks for the AP Stats exam.
• AP Chemistry Exam Prep: Resources for students taking AP Chemistry.
• Understanding College Credit: Learn how your AP scores translate to college credits.