Acceptable Calculators for Psat

PSAT Calculator Eligibility Checker

Use this tool to determine if your calculator is likely acceptable for the PSAT/NMSQT based on College Board guidelines. Always refer to the official College Board website for the most current and definitive rules.

function checkPSATCalculator() { var qwertyKeyboard = document.querySelector('input[name="qwertyKeyboard"]:checked').value; var stylusInput = document.querySelector('input[name="stylusInput"]:checked').value; var wirelessComm = document.querySelector('input[name="wirelessComm"]:checked').value; var multimediaFeatures = document.querySelector('input[name="multimediaFeatures"]:checked').value; var deviceType = document.querySelector('input[name="deviceType"]:checked').value; var otherProhibited = document.querySelector('input[name="otherProhibited"]:checked').value; var resultDiv = document.getElementById("psatCalculatorResult"); var isUnacceptable = false; var reason = ""; if (qwertyKeyboard === "yes") { isUnacceptable = true; reason = "Calculators with QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboards are not allowed."; } else if (stylusInput === "yes") { isUnacceptable = true; reason = "Calculators that use a stylus or pen input are not allowed."; } else if (wirelessComm === "yes") { isUnacceptable = true; reason = "Calculators with internet access or wireless communication capabilities are not allowed."; } else if (multimediaFeatures === "yes") { isUnacceptable = true; reason = "Calculators with cameras, audio/video recording, or playback features are not allowed."; } else if (deviceType === "yes") { isUnacceptable = true; reason = "Phones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, or any other non-calculator devices are not allowed."; } else if (otherProhibited === "yes") { isUnacceptable = true; reason = "Calculators that make noise, have paper tape, or require an electrical outlet are not allowed."; } if (isUnacceptable) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Status: UNACCEPTABLE" + reason + "Please ensure your calculator meets all College Board requirements."; } else { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Status: LIKELY ACCEPTABLEBased on your selections, your calculator appears to meet the general PSAT/NMSQT requirements. However, always double-check the official College Board website for the most current and definitive rules and a list of specific prohibited models."; } }

Understanding PSAT Calculator Rules: What You Need to Know

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) includes a Math section where a calculator is permitted for certain portions. While having a calculator can be a significant advantage, it's crucial to ensure your device meets the College Board's strict guidelines. Bringing an unauthorized calculator can lead to its confiscation or even dismissal from the test.

Why Are There Calculator Restrictions?

The College Board sets these rules to ensure fairness and prevent any test-taker from having an unfair advantage. Prohibited features often include those that could allow communication, access external information, or provide capabilities beyond standard mathematical functions.

Types of Calculators Generally Allowed:

• Four-function calculators: These are the most basic type, performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They are always permitted.
• Scientific calculators: These offer more advanced functions like trigonometry, logarithms, and exponents. Most standard scientific calculators are acceptable.
• Graphing calculators: These advanced calculators can plot graphs, solve complex equations, and perform matrix operations. Many popular models are allowed, but they are also the most likely to have prohibited features.

Key Prohibited Calculator Features and Devices:

To avoid issues on test day, be aware of the following features and devices that are strictly NOT allowed:

• QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboards: Calculators with full alphanumeric keyboards are prohibited.
• Stylus or pen input: Devices that require a stylus or pen for input are not permitted.
• Internet access or wireless communication: Any calculator with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, or other wireless communication capabilities is banned.
• Cameras, audio/video recording, or playback: Calculators with multimedia functions are not allowed.
• Phones, tablets, computers, smartwatches: These devices are strictly prohibited, even if they have a calculator app.
• Calculators that make noise: Any calculator that produces audible sounds must have its sound turned off or be replaced.
• Calculators with paper tape: Devices that print out calculations are not allowed.
• Calculators requiring an electrical outlet: Your calculator must be battery-powered.

How to Use the PSAT Calculator Eligibility Checker:

Our simple tool above helps you quickly assess if your calculator is likely acceptable. Answer the series of "Yes" or "No" questions based on your calculator's features. The checker will then provide an immediate status. Remember, this tool is a guide, and the final authority rests with the College Board.

Examples of Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Calculators:

To illustrate, let's consider a few common scenarios:

• Example 1: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE (Graphing Calculator)
  • QWERTY Keyboard: No
  • Stylus/Pen Input: No
  • Internet/Wireless: No
  • Camera/Multimedia: No
  • Phone/Tablet/Smartwatch: No
  • Noise/Paper Tape/Outlet: No
  • Result: LIKELY ACCEPTABLE. This is a very common and generally allowed graphing calculator.
• Example 2: Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz (Scientific Calculator)
  • QWERTY Keyboard: No
  • Stylus/Pen Input: No
  • Internet/Wireless: No
  • Camera/Multimedia: No
  • Phone/Tablet/Smartwatch: No
  • Noise/Paper Tape/Outlet: No
  • Result: LIKELY ACCEPTABLE. A standard scientific calculator like this is typically fine.
• Example 3: A Smartphone with a Calculator App
  • QWERTY Keyboard: Yes (on the phone)
  • Stylus/Pen Input: Yes (possible on some phones)
  • Internet/Wireless: Yes
  • Camera/Multimedia: Yes
  • Phone/Tablet/Smartwatch: Yes
  • Noise/Paper Tape/Outlet: Yes (can make noise)
  • Result: UNACCEPTABLE. Phones are strictly prohibited, regardless of their calculator app.
• Example 4: A Graphing Calculator with a QWERTY Keyboard (e.g., TI-Nspire CX CAS with a QWERTY keypad attachment)
  • QWERTY Keyboard: Yes
  • Stylus/Pen Input: No
  • Internet/Wireless: No
  • Camera/Multimedia: No
  • Phone/Tablet/Smartwatch: No
  • Noise/Paper Tape/Outlet: No
  • Result: UNACCEPTABLE. The QWERTY keyboard makes it prohibited.

Final Recommendation:

Before test day, always visit the official College Board website (collegeboard.org) and review their current calculator policy for the PSAT/NMSQT. If you have any doubts, it's always safer to bring a basic scientific calculator that you know is compliant, or even a simple four-function calculator, as a backup.