SAT Calculator Eligibility Checker
Use this tool to determine if your calculator is likely acceptable for the SAT exam. Answer the questions below based on your calculator's features.
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What is an Acceptable Calculator for the SAT? Your Essential Guide
The SAT Math section can be a significant hurdle for many students, and having the right tools can make a difference. While not every question requires a calculator, for many, it's an indispensable aid. However, not just any calculator will do. The College Board has strict rules about what types of calculators are permitted on test day. Using an unauthorized calculator can lead to your scores being canceled, so it's crucial to understand the guidelines.
This guide will walk you through the specifics of what makes a calculator acceptable for the SAT, highlight prohibited features, and offer tips to ensure you're well-prepared.
Why is a Calculator Allowed on the SAT?
The SAT Math section is divided into two parts: one where a calculator is allowed, and one where it is not. The calculator-allowed section often features problems that are more efficiently solved with a calculator, such as complex arithmetic, graphing functions, or statistical analysis. The intent is to test your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, not just your ability to perform tedious calculations by hand.
General Rules for Acceptable Calculators
Most graphing calculators, scientific calculators, and four-function calculators are permitted, provided they meet certain criteria. The key is that the calculator should be a standalone device primarily designed for mathematical calculations and should not offer unfair advantages or distractions.
Types of Calculators Generally Allowed:
- Graphing Calculators: These are the most common choice for SAT takers due to their advanced capabilities, including plotting graphs, solving equations, and performing statistical regressions. Examples include the TI-84 Plus series, Casio fx-9750GII, and HP Prime.
- Scientific Calculators: These are suitable for most calculations on the SAT, offering functions like trigonometry, logarithms, and exponents. They are a good, often more affordable, alternative to graphing calculators.
- Four-Function Calculators: Basic calculators that perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are also allowed, though they may not be sufficient for all problems in the calculator-allowed section.
Prohibited Calculator Features and Devices
The College Board explicitly bans calculators with certain features or those that are part of other devices. Pay close attention to this list to avoid any issues on test day.
Your calculator is NOT acceptable if it has any of the following features:
- QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboard: Calculators designed to resemble a computer keyboard are strictly forbidden. This includes models like the TI-92 Plus or Voyage 200.
- Paper tape: Any calculator that prints on paper tape is not allowed.
- Makes noise or has a flashing light: To maintain a quiet testing environment, calculators that produce audible sounds or have distracting flashing lights are prohibited.
- Requires an electrical outlet: All calculators must be battery-powered. You cannot plug your calculator into an outlet during the exam.
- Wireless communication capabilities: Features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular data are not permitted, as they could be used for unauthorized communication.
- Camera: Calculators with built-in cameras are banned.
- Stylus: Calculators that require a stylus for operation are generally not allowed.
- Is a phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, or a calculator app on one of these devices: Any multi-purpose electronic device is strictly prohibited. This includes smartwatches, fitness trackers, and any device that can access the internet or store extensive data.
Use Our Eligibility Checker
Unsure if your calculator makes the cut? Use our quick eligibility checker above to get an immediate assessment based on the College Board's general rules.
Examples of Acceptable Calculators
To give you a clearer idea, here are some popular models that are generally allowed:
- Texas Instruments: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions), TI-Nspire (non-CAS version, or CAS version in "Press-to-Test" mode), TI-30X series, TI-34 MultiView.
- Casio: fx-9750GII, fx-9860GII, fx-CG50 (PRIZM), fx-115ES Plus, fx-300ES Plus.
- Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime, HP 35s, HP 48GII.
- Sharp: EL-506W, EL-W516X.
Always remember to check the College Board's official website for the most up-to-date list of acceptable and prohibited calculators, as rules can occasionally change.
Tips for Test Day
- Bring a Familiar Calculator: Use the calculator you've practiced with throughout your SAT preparation. Don't bring a brand new one on test day.
- Check Batteries: Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries or is fully charged. It's highly recommended to bring spare batteries, especially for graphing calculators.
- Practice with It: Get comfortable with all the functions you might need. Know how to input equations, graph, and use statistical features efficiently.
- Know When to Use It (and When Not To): Some problems are quicker to solve without a calculator. Don't feel obligated to use it for every question.
- Clear Memory (if applicable): While less common now, some older graphing calculators might require clearing their memory before the test. Check with your proctor if unsure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right calculator and understanding the rules is a small but critical step in your SAT preparation. By ensuring your calculator is compliant and by practicing with it regularly, you can eliminate one potential source of stress on test day and focus entirely on demonstrating your mathematical abilities. Always refer to the official College Board website for the definitive and most current information.