SAT Calculator Eligibility Checker
Use this tool to quickly check if your calculator's features align with the College Board's SAT calculator policy. Select 'Yes' or 'No' for each feature.
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Understanding SAT Calculator Policy: What's Allowed and What's Not
The SAT Math sections allow the use of an approved calculator, which can be a significant advantage for many students. However, not all calculators are created equal, and the College Board has strict rules about which devices are permitted. Understanding these guidelines is crucial to avoid any last-minute stress or disqualification on test day.
Why the Strict Rules?
The College Board's calculator policy is designed to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage. It also helps maintain the security and integrity of the test. Prohibited features often include those that could store test content, communicate with outside sources, or perform complex symbolic calculations that bypass the need for understanding fundamental mathematical concepts.
General Guidelines for Acceptable Calculators
Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are permitted, provided they do not have certain prohibited features. Here's a breakdown of what generally makes a calculator acceptable:
- Basic Functionality: Standard arithmetic operations, square roots, exponents, and trigonometric functions.
- Graphing Capabilities: Many graphing calculators are allowed, as long as they don't have prohibited features.
- Battery Operated: Calculators must be battery-powered and not require an electrical outlet.
- Silent Operation: They must not make noise.
Prohibited Calculator Features and Devices
To ensure a level playing field, the College Board explicitly bans calculators with the following features:
- QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboards: These are often found on devices that resemble mini-computers.
- Paper tape: Calculators that print out calculations are not allowed.
- Making noise: Any calculator that beeps, talks, or makes other sounds is prohibited.
- Requiring an electrical outlet: All calculators must be battery-operated.
- Wireless communication capabilities: This includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or infrared communication.
- Camera functionality: Calculators with cameras are strictly forbidden.
- Stylus or pen input: Devices that require a stylus for input are generally not allowed.
- Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality: This is a critical distinction. While many graphing calculators are allowed, those with CAS capabilities (like the TI-Nspire CX CAS) are typically prohibited because they can perform symbolic differentiation, integration, and solve equations symbolically, which could give an unfair advantage.
- Smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, or any other portable electronic devices: These are explicitly banned.
Commonly Allowed Calculators (Examples)
Many popular models are generally acceptable. These often include:
- TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions, including CE)
- Casio fx-9750GII, Casio fx-CG50
- HP Prime (non-CAS versions, if available and confirmed)
- Most basic scientific calculators (e.g., TI-30X series, Casio fx-115ES Plus)
Commonly Disallowed Calculators (Examples)
Be particularly careful with these types:
- TI-Nspire CX CAS (the CAS version is prohibited; the non-CAS TI-Nspire CX II is generally allowed)
- HP 48GII and other calculators with CAS functionality
- Any calculator that looks like a mini-computer or has a full QWERTY keyboard.
- All smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.
Before Test Day: What to Do
- Check the Official List: Always refer to the College Board's official calculator policy for the most up-to-date and definitive information. Policies can change, and specific model numbers might be listed.
- Practice with Your Calculator: Familiarize yourself with its functions. Knowing how to use your calculator efficiently can save valuable time during the test.
- Bring Spare Batteries: Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries or bring spares. There are no outlets available during the test.
- Know When NOT to Use It: Not every math problem requires a calculator. Sometimes, mental math or estimation is faster.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth test day experience and focus solely on demonstrating your mathematical abilities.