Which calculators are allowed on the SAT?
Updated
You can use a calculator on every Math question of the SAT. Bluebook has the Desmos calculator built in, and you can also bring your own graphing, scientific or 4-function calculator, as long as it doesn't have a computer algebra system (CAS) or another banned feature.
You don't need to bring one. You can't use a calculator in the Reading and Writing section.
The built-in Desmos calculator
Bluebook's Desmos calculator has a graphing and a scientific option, and you can switch between them at any point in the Math section. If your own calculator stops working during the test and you have no backup, you can carry on with Desmos.
College Board encourages you to use the calculator you know best, and not to bring one that's new to you.
Calculators you can bring
- Graphing calculators without CAS features. TI-Nspire models without "CAS" in the name are allowed.
- Scientific calculators.
- 4-function calculators, though College Board doesn't recommend them, because they may not follow the order of operations.
College Board no longer keeps a list of approved graphing calculators. Check yours against the banned features below instead.
Calculators that aren't allowed
- CAS calculators, which can factor, expand or solve equations symbolically. Examples are the TI-89, TI-92 and any TI model with "CAS" in its name, such as the TI-Nspire CX II CAS; the HP Prime and HP 40G, 49G and 50G models; and Casio ClassPad models.
- Programs that do symbolic algebra on any calculator. Remove them, and any stored documents, before test day.
- Calculators with a QWERTY keyboard, paper tape, a camera or recording, or wireless, Bluetooth or cellular connections.
- Phones, tablets, laptops and pen-input devices, including phone calculator apps, unless you have an approved accommodation.
If your calculator has "CAS" in its name, leave it at home. Older guides may still list CAS models as allowed. College Board's current policy bans them, and its full list of examples is on its calculator policy page.
Test day rules
- Don't share calculators with other students.
- Keep it under your desk during the Reading and Writing modules.
- Turn off all sound. It must run on batteries, with no power cord.
- Phones are collected by test staff and held until the end, including during the break. A phone that's seen or makes a noise can get you dismissed and your scores cancelled.
For the rest of your test day checklist, see What to bring to the SAT on test day.
Practice with Desmos on Aniko
Aniko has the Desmos graphing calculator on every Math question: in study sessions, Review Labs and practice tests. In study sessions, some Math questions also have a Desmos tip that shows how to solve them with it. To learn it step by step, take the free Desmos course, with 30+ lessons. See Use the Desmos calculator.
Aniko is an independent SAT prep platform and isn't affiliated with College Board.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as long as it doesn't have CAS features, a QWERTY keyboard or wireless connections. Bluebook also has the Desmos graphing calculator built in.
Yes. TI-84 models don't have CAS, so they're allowed. The TI-89 and TI-92 aren't, and neither is any TI model with "CAS" in its name.
Only without CAS. TI-Nspire models without "CAS" in the name are allowed. The TI-Nspire CAS and TI-Nspire CX II CAS aren't.
No. Phones aren't allowed during the test or the break, and phone calculator apps are banned. Use Bluebook's Desmos calculator or an approved handheld calculator.
No. The digital SAT allows a calculator on every Math question. College Board notes that on some questions it's better not to use one, even though you're allowed to.
Was this helpful?