SAT Calculator Policy Checker

Can you use your calculator on the SAT? Enter your model below to check its eligibility and understand the official College Board rules.

Check Your Calculator’s SAT Status

What is the Official SAT Calculator Policy?

The SAT, administered by the College Board, has a detailed calculator policy to ensure fairness and test integrity. The Math test is divided into two parts: a “Math Test – No Calculator” section and a “Math Test – Calculator” section. During the calculator-allowed portion, you can use an approved calculator, but not all devices are permitted. The core rule is that most graphing calculators, all scientific calculators, and all four-function calculators are acceptable, provided they do not have prohibited features. Knowing whether your device is compliant is a crucial part of your test preparation.

Prohibited Calculators: What You CANNOT Bring

Understanding what is not allowed is just as important as knowing what is. The College Board explicitly prohibits any calculator with features that could offer an unfair advantage. Using a banned device can lead to your scores being canceled. Key prohibited features include:

• Laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, or any wearable technology.
• Calculators that can access the internet, have wireless, Bluetooth, or cellular capabilities.
• Models with a QWERTY (computer-style) keyboard.
• Calculators that require a power cord or make noise.
• Devices with a pen-input, stylus, or touch-screen capability (with some exceptions for specific approved models where the stylus is not permitted for use).
• Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality are now banned.

The table below highlights specific models and types that are explicitly banned.

Examples of Prohibited Calculators & Features

Model / Feature Type	Reason for Prohibition
Texas Instruments: All models starting with TI-89 or TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS	Contains a Computer Algebra System (CAS).
Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime, HP 48GII, and models starting with 40G, 49G, or 50G	Contains a Computer Algebra System (CAS).
Casio: ClassPad series (300, 330, 400, II), Algebra FX 2.0, models starting CFX-9970G	Contains a CAS or has a prohibited stylus/keyboard interface.
Any device with Wi-Fi/Internet	Can be used to access external information.
Calculators with QWERTY keyboards	Considered a computer-like feature.

How to Use This SAT Calculator Checker

Our interactive tool is designed to give you a quick and easy way to determine if your calculator is likely to be accepted on test day. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Find Your Calculator Model: Look at the front of your calculator. The model is usually printed at the top (e.g., TI-84 Plus, Casio fx-9750GII).
2. Enter the Model: Type the model name and number into the input field above. You don’t need to be exact with capitalization or dashes.
3. Click “Check Eligibility”: Our script will analyze your input and check it against lists of known approved and prohibited calculators.
4. Review the Result: The tool will provide one of three outcomes: Allowed, Prohibited, or Check Manually. It will also provide a brief explanation for the result.

Key Factors That Affect Your SAT Calculator Choice

Choosing the right calculator for the SAT goes beyond just picking an approved model. Several factors can influence your performance on test day:

• Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use. Practice with your chosen calculator throughout your SAT prep to ensure you’re fast and efficient.
• Functionality: While a simple four-function calculator is allowed, it’s not recommended. A scientific or graphing calculator is essential for solving complex problems involving trigonometry, logarithms, and graphing functions quickly.
• Battery Life: Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries before test day. You are not allowed to use power cords in the testing room.
• CAS vs. Non-CAS: As of recent policy changes, calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS) are prohibited. These systems can solve algebraic equations symbolically, which is now considered an unfair advantage. Be sure your calculator is a non-CAS model.
• Test Center Rules: Remember, the proctor has the final say. A calculator with a large or raised display might require you to be seated in a specific spot to prevent others from seeing your screen.
• Digital SAT: If you’re taking the Digital SAT, an amazing graphing calculator (Desmos) is built directly into the testing application (Bluebook). You are still allowed to bring your own approved handheld calculator if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need a graphing calculator for the SAT?

While not strictly required, a graphing calculator is highly recommended. It can save a significant amount of time on questions involving functions, equations, and data sets. All scientific calculators are also permitted.

2. What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator?

If a proctor identifies your calculator as prohibited, you will have to put it away and take the calculator section of the test without it. In some cases, your scores could be canceled.

3. Can I use a TI-Nspire on the SAT?

It depends on the model. The standard TI-Nspire and TI-Nspire CX models are allowed. However, the TI-Nspire CAS and TI-Nspire CX II CAS models are prohibited because they contain a Computer Algebra System.

4. What if my calculator is not on any official list?

If your calculator meets the general guidelines (e.g., it’s a standard scientific calculator with no CAS, QWERTY keyboard, or wireless capabilities), it is most likely allowed. The lists provided are not exhaustive. When in doubt, have a backup option that is explicitly approved.

5. Are calculators provided at the test center?

No, you must bring your own calculator. Test centers do not provide them. You are also not allowed to share a calculator with another student.

6. Can I use my phone as a calculator?

No. All phones, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets are strictly prohibited from use during the exam.

7. Does the Digital SAT have different calculator rules?

The rules for bringing a handheld calculator are the same. However, the Digital SAT includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator within the testing software, which you can use for the entire math section. You can use the built-in one, your own, or both.

8. What should I do the night before the test?

Double-check that your calculator is an approved model. Most importantly, install fresh batteries or ensure it is fully charged to avoid any issues on test day.