What Type Of Calculator Is Allowed On The Sat

Navigating the official College Board rules can be confusing. Use our simple interactive checker to see if your calculator is permitted on the SAT test day. Below the tool, find our in-depth guide on the complete SAT Calculator Policy.

Is Your Calculator Allowed on the SAT?

Check the features of your calculator below. The tool will instantly tell you if it meets the current SAT Calculator Policy.

What is the SAT Calculator Policy?

The SAT Calculator Policy is a set of rules established by the College Board to ensure fairness and test integrity during the SAT exam. These rules dictate which calculators are permitted for use on the Math with Calculator section and which are prohibited. The primary goal is to prevent any student from having an unfair technological advantage. This policy applies to all students taking the SAT, whether it’s the digital or paper version. Common misconceptions are that you must use a graphing calculator, or that only specific models are allowed. In reality, most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are acceptable, provided they don’t have any specifically banned features.

SAT Calculator Rule Evaluation Logic

This calculator tool doesn’t use a mathematical formula, but rather a logical evaluation based on the official SAT Calculator Policy. A calculator is deemed “Not Allowed” if it possesses any single feature explicitly banned by the College Board. If no prohibited features are identified, it is deemed “Allowed.”

Feature Checklist and Evaluation

Feature	Meaning	SAT Policy Rule	Typical Impact
QWERTY Keyboard	A typewriter-style keyboard layout.	Prohibited	Instant Disqualification
Wireless/Internet	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular connectivity.	Prohibited	Instant Disqualification
External Power	Requires a power cord to operate.	Prohibited	Instant Disqualification
Part of Phone/PC	Is not a standalone calculator.	Prohibited	Instant Disqualification
CAS Functionality	Computer Algebra System for symbolic math.	Prohibited	Instant Disqualification
Graphing Capability	Can plot coordinates and graph functions.	Allowed	Generally permitted if no other rules are broken.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE

A student has a TI-84 Plus CE, a very common graphing calculator. They use the checker:

• Inputs: QWERTY (No), Part of Phone (No), Needs Power Cord (No), Wireless (No), Paper Tape (No), CAS (No), Graphing (Yes).
• Output: The tool shows a green “ALLOWED” status.
• Interpretation: The TI-84 Plus CE is fully compliant with the SAT Calculator Policy and is a great choice for the exam.

Example 2: HP Prime

Another student has an HP Prime calculator. They check its features:

• Inputs: QWERTY (No), Part of Phone (No), Needs Power Cord (No), Wireless (No), Paper Tape (No), CAS (Yes), Graphing (Yes).
• Output: The tool shows a red “NOT ALLOWED” status.
• Interpretation: Because the HP Prime has a Computer Algebra System (CAS), it violates the SAT Calculator Policy and cannot be used on the test. The student needs to find an alternative, non-CAS calculator.

How to Use This SAT Calculator Policy Checker

1. Review Your Calculator’s Features: Look at your physical calculator and identify its functions. Check for a QWERTY keyboard, internet symbols, or a “CAS” label.
2. Select the Checkboxes: In the tool above, check the box for each feature your calculator has.
3. Review the Instant Result: The large colored banner will immediately update to “ALLOWED” or “NOT ALLOWED”.
4. Understand the “Why”: The “Prohibited Features Detected” list will tell you exactly which rule your calculator violates, helping you understand the SAT Calculator Policy better. For more details, consider a guide on graphing calculators for the SAT.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval

Understanding these key factors is crucial for following the SAT Calculator Policy and avoiding issues on test day.

• 1. Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is a major rule. Calculators with CAS can solve algebraic equations symbolically, which the College Board views as an unfair advantage. As of recent policy updates, all CAS calculators are banned.
• 2. QWERTY Keyboards: Any device with a typewriter-style keyboard is prohibited. This is to prevent students from typing and storing notes.
• 3. Wireless Communication: Calculators with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any internet/cellular access are strictly forbidden to prevent cheating.
• 4. External Power Requirement: Only battery-operated calculators are allowed. Devices that need to be plugged into a wall outlet are not permitted in the testing room.
• 5. Non-Calculator Devices: You cannot use the calculator function on a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or laptop. The device must be a dedicated, handheld calculator.
• 6. Stylus or Pen-Input: Calculators that use a stylus or have touchscreen writing capabilities are generally not allowed. For help with other tests, you can review the ACT calculator policy.

List of Generally Approved Calculator Models

This is not an exhaustive list, but includes popular models that typically adhere to the SAT Calculator Policy. Always double-check for CAS versions.

Brand	Approved Models (Non-CAS versions only)
Texas Instruments	TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions), TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS)
Casio	fx-9750GII, fx-9860GII, Prizm fx-CG10/CG50 (non-CAS)
HP	HP 39gII, HP 50g (ensure CAS is off or not present)
Sharp	EL-9600, EL-9900

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What happens if I bring a banned calculator to the test?

The test proctor will not allow you to use it. You will have to take the Math with Calculator section without a calculator or use the built-in one on the digital SAT. It’s a significant disadvantage, so checking your device against the SAT Calculator Policy beforehand is critical.

2. Can I use the calculator on my phone?

No. All phones, smartwatches, and other general-purpose electronic devices are strictly prohibited from use during the exam.

3. Is the TI-Nspire allowed on the SAT?

It depends. The standard TI-Nspire CX is allowed. However, the TI-Nspire CX II CAS and any other version with “CAS” in the name are explicitly banned under the current SAT Calculator Policy.

4. Do I have to bring a calculator for the digital SAT?

No, it’s not required. The digital SAT has a powerful Desmos-based graphing calculator built into the testing application (Bluebook). However, you are still allowed to bring your own approved handheld calculator if you prefer. Learning about the digital SAT can help you decide.

5. Are four-function calculators allowed?

Yes, any four-function calculator is allowed. However, it is not recommended as it will be insufficient for the more complex problems on the Math with Calculator section.

6. Can my calculator have games or stored programs?

The College Board requires that you remove any stored programs or documents from your calculator before the test. While simple games may not be detected, proctors can inspect calculators, and having non-math-related programs could be grounds for dismissal.

7. Can I share my calculator with another student?

No. Sharing calculators is strictly prohibited during the exam. You must bring your own calculator. This rule is a key part of the SAT Calculator Policy to ensure test security.

8. What are the rules for PSAT calculators?

The calculator policy for the PSAT is generally the same as the SAT policy. Using a calculator you are comfortable with is one of the best tips for reducing test anxiety. For specifics, always check the latest PSAT calculator rules.