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The SAT Math Test is divided into two parts, one of which you’ll be able to use a calculator to find answers. If you’re wondering what type of calculator is allowed on the SAT, read on!
Math is the longest SAT section, requiring test-takers to answer 58 questions in 80 minutes. SAT Math encompasses two sections: one where you can’t use a calculator and one where you can. You must bring an SAT-permitted calculator on test day, or you might be left high and dry with no way to do tricky equations in a timely way.
Below you’ll learn everything you need to know about what calculators are allowed on the SAT, including rules, types of calculators allowed on the SAT, tips for using one effectively, and more. Read on to ensure you’re prepared for anything the SAT Math Test calculator section throws at you.
The fact you can use a calculator for some of the SAT Math Test brings a sigh of relief to some test-takers. However, you must follow the rules in the SAT’s calculator policy to ensure your calculator is permitted on SAT test day.
The first rule is that you must bring your own SAT-allowed calculator: you won’t be able to share one with your peers in surrounding seats, even if they’re nice enough to offer.
The other major rule is you can’t use your calculator to share information from the test or use it to remove test questions or answers from the room. If you try to do either of those things, you’ll immediately be dismissed and have your scores canceled: not worth it.
Most students wonder, “Can I use a calculator on the SAT anytime I want?” The answer is no: you can only use your calculator during the portion of your SAT labeled “Math Test—Calculator.”
You’re not allowed access to it while you work on the SAT’s other sections. If you’re working on anything other than the calculator section of the Math Test, you must put your calculator away.
Types of calculators allowed on the SAT include:
Only battery-operated calculators can be used for testing, meaning you can’t bring one that plugs into an outlet.
If you bring a large calculator with characters one inch or higher or has a raised display, you’ll be seated at the test coordinator’s discretion. Your chosen seating ensures no one can see your answers because your calculator’s features can make them visible to other test-takers.
Here is a list of all SAT-permitted calculators:
Many Casio calculators are allowed on the SAT, including:
*Note that if you choose to use the FX-CG-500, you cannot use the stylus.
Hewlett-Packard calculators allowed on the SAT include:
Approved Radio Shack calculators include:
Sharp calculators you’re permitted to bring on test day include:
*If you choose to use the EL-9600 series calculator, you can’t use its stylus.
Like Casio, many Texas Instruments calculators are SAT-approved:
These are all the other calculators you’re allowed to use on the SAT that don’t fit in any of the previous umbrellas:
The calculator section makes up most of the SAT Math Test, so you’ll need to have yours ready to go. Below are some tips and tricks to use your calculator to your advantage.
If you don’t already have an SAT-approved calculator and you’ve been using your phone or laptop instead, you’ll need to get one. However, it would be best if you weren’t ripping open the packaging ten minutes before your test.
Ensure you pick out your calculator well in advance of test day. You’ll need time to familiarize yourself with using it. Some calculators are set up slightly differently than others. Remember, the best calculator allowed on the SAT is one you're confident using (and that it’s approved, of course).
A nightmare scenario would be that you’ve just finished your first calculation on the SAT Math Test, and your calculator decides it’s the perfect time to run out of juice.
Don’t let it happen to you! Either change your calculator's batteries before test day or ensure you have extra batteries with you. You can even bring a second backup calculator if you want.
The testing center won’t have any additional materials for you if your calculator dies mid-test. Avoid putting yourself in a situation where you’d have to do all calculations by hand and bring backup equipment!
Some students are tempted to use a calculator for every math question they come across, even if they really don’t need it. Don’t fall into this pattern. It can cost you precious time if you’re working through a complicated equation with your calculator, when all you needed to do was notice a fundamental math rule.
Some students may want to start by writing down essential information on their test papers instead of immediately delving into plugging in numbers in their calculators. After doing this, write down everything you do with your calculator on your test paper.
Writing your work as you go can help you if you make a mistake while inputting or your answer comes out not quite the way you expected.
Even if you’re familiar with solving complex equations in your head, you should still use your calculator for particular questions in this section. Not every SAT question will use complex concepts; some require time and patience.
Using your calculator makes things go faster, and having excellent time management can help you achieve a high SAT score. For example, if you see a question asking you to plug in numbers in an equation, use your calculator to do just that.
Your calculator may be your best friend on the SAT Math Test, but it can’t tell what you’re thinking. Your calculator will follow PEMDAS operations. Use parentheses where you can to ensure your calculator understands what you’re looking for so you don't come up with wrong answers.
Throughout all the courses you took to gain the background knowledge you need for the SAT and college, you probably know how to find a function’s intersections, minimums, and maximums.
However, your graphing calculator can make quick work of any problems looking for these data points. Don’t be afraid to use your calculator and speed up these problems for you.
Some students fall into a pattern of using their calculators at every turn on the SAT. Don’t use it for simple problems you 100% can do in your head. Plugging in 6 x 8 probably takes more time than pulling the answer out of your memory bank.
Stringing together a gigantic calculation at once can do more harm than good. If you make one mistake you don’t notice, you’ll have to do the whole thing over again. Redoing problems is frustrating and eats up your precious time.
Instead, break up problems where you can. Figure out the answer to small portions of a question before you jump into doing the entire thing.
Still have questions about calculators acceptable for the SAT? Check out these FAQs to get the answers you need.
The best calculator for the SAT depends on who you ask and your personal preferences. Calculators by Casio and Texas Instruments appear to be most popular with SAT test-takers.
However, the best device is the one you’re familiar with using and one that is an SAT-allowed calculator. A new calculator with all the fixings doesn’t mean much if you’re not comfortable using it.
Calculators not allowed on the SAT include:
Even if your approved calculator has a stylus, you won’t be able to use it. Some models with touchscreens also aren’t permitted, such as the Casio ClassPad.
It's in your best interest to use a calculator during the appropriate section of your test. While you can probably get away with answering some questions without it, you most likely won’t have time to tackle all of them. Do you really want to answer 7456 x 947 on paper when you have a calculator handy? Probably not.
The SAT Math Test’s calculator section is longer than the no-calculator portion. When you’re allowed access to your calculator, you’ll have 55 minutes to complete 38 questions. Of these questions, 30 are multiple-choice, and 8 are grid-in.
This may not be the best type of calculator allowed on the SAT because what it can do is limited compared to graphing or scientific calculators. Four-function calculators perform basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
While some of them can perform calculations with percentages and square roots, they likely won’t have all the buttons you need to make sense of all the SAT’s Math Test questions. There are many calculators permitted on the SAT: graphing and scientific calculators are the better options.
If you forget your calculator, you’ll have to do the SAT without it. Testing centers don’t carry extra equipment for students: there are no calculators they can loan you and no extra batteries if your calculator dies mid-test.
With that in mind, you must remember your calculator on the day of your test. Our advice is to pack everything you need for the SAT the night before. Setting up your bag with your No. 2 pencils, accepted forms of ID, your calculator, and anything else you need helps ensure there’s no way you’d forget anything.
Yes, all scientific calculators are permitted in the SAT Math section as long as you’re working in the calculator-permitted section.
You can use most graphic calculators during the test. Always ensure the one you bring aligns with the SAT calculator policy!
The SAT calculator policy doesn’t mention calculator programs. It appears there is no restriction on programs.
As long as you follow all the SAT’s rules and bring an SAT-approved calculator, you’re ready to tackle the Math Test. Remember to get familiar with your calculator well before the test: the best calculator for the SAT is one that’s approved and one you’re comfortable with.
The tips and tricks above should help you navigate the SAT Math Test with ease. Remember to know when to use parentheses, use your graphing functionality to your advantage, and write down your work as you go in case you make a mistake. After that, you’re ready to tackle the SAT Math Test and ace it like a pro!
