Sat Test Approved Calculators

An essential tool and guide to the official College Board calculator policy. Ensure your device is permitted on test day.

Check Your Calculator Status

Logic Explanation: This tool checks your input against a database of known approved and prohibited calculator models based on the official SAT calculator policy. The primary reasons for a calculator being prohibited are having a computer algebra system (CAS), a QWERTY keyboard, or wireless capabilities.

Approved Calculator Overview

Common Approved Graphing Calculators for the SAT

Brand	Model Series	Notes
Texas Instruments	TI-83, TI-84 Plus (all versions), TI-Nspire CX & CX II (non-CAS)	The most common calculators used for the SAT. Ensure your model does not say “CAS”.
Casio	fx-9750GIII, fx-9860GII, fx-CG50	Many Prizm and G-series models are approved.
HP	HP 39gII, HP 48gII	The popular HP Prime is NOT allowed due to its CAS functionality.
All Brands	All scientific calculators	All standard scientific calculators are permitted.
All Brands	All four-function calculators	Allowed, but not recommended due to limited functionality.

The Ultimate Guide to SAT Test Approved Calculators

What are SAT Test Approved Calculators?

SAT test approved calculators are handheld electronic devices that meet the specific requirements set by the College Board for use on the Math section of the SAT exam. The policy is designed to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage through technology. All students can use the built-in Desmos graphing calculator provided in the testing software, but many prefer to bring their own familiar device. Acceptable calculators fall into three main categories: graphing calculators, scientific calculators, and four-function calculators. It’s critical to understand that not all powerful calculators are allowed; some specific features will lead to a device being banned.

A common misconception is that you need the most expensive graphing calculator to succeed on the SAT. In reality, familiarity and proficiency with a mid-range scientific or graphing calculator are far more valuable. The goal of the sat test approved calculators policy is to allow a useful tool, not a device that solves problems for you. This is why devices with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) are explicitly forbidden.

SAT Calculator Policy and Rules Explained

The College Board’s policy is less about specific model numbers and more about features. A calculator is prohibited if it has any of the following characteristics:

• Laptops, tablets, smartphones, or smartwatches
• Calculators with internet access or wireless communication
• Models with a QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboard (e.g., TI-92, HP-95LX)
• Calculators that require an electrical outlet or make noise
• Devices with a pen-input or stylus (with some exceptions)
• Calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS). This is a crucial rule. CAS can perform symbolic algebra, like solving for variables or factoring polynomials, which is not allowed.

The table below breaks down the key features and their implications for the sat test approved calculators rules.

Policy Feature Breakdown

Feature/Rule	Meaning	Unit of Measurement	Typical Range/Status
CAS (Computer Algebra System)	Ability to manipulate symbolic equations (e.g., solve ‘x+2=4’ for ‘x’).	Functionality	Prohibited
QWERTY Keyboard	A typewriter-style keyboard.	Hardware Feature	Prohibited
Wireless/Internet	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or any form of external communication.	Capability	Prohibited
Graphing Capability	Ability to plot functions on a coordinate plane.	Functionality	Permitted
Scientific Functions	Trigonometric (SIN, COS, TAN) and logarithmic (LOG) functions.	Functionality	Permitted

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Approved Calculator

A student wants to use a TI-Nspire CX II. They check the model name carefully. Since it does NOT say “CAS” on the device, it is an approved calculator. It has graphing and scientific capabilities but lacks the prohibited symbolic algebra engine. This is a perfect example of a high-end, compliant calculator ideal for the SAT.

Example 2: Prohibited Calculator

Another student has an HP Prime. This is a very powerful graphing calculator. However, it includes a sophisticated Computer Algebra System. Because of the CAS functionality, the HP Prime is NOT on the list of sat test approved calculators and cannot be used during the exam. The student must find an alternative, like an HP 39gII or a calculator from another brand.

How to Use This SAT Test Approved Calculators Checker

Using this tool is straightforward and can save you from a major headache on test day. Follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the Model Name: Find the exact model name/number printed on the front of your calculator (e.g., “TI-84 Plus CE”, “Casio fx-9750GIII”).
2. Enter the Model: Type the model name into the input field at the top of this page. You don’t need to be exact with spaces or capitalization.
3. Review the Result: The tool will instantly provide one of three statuses:
   • Approved: Your calculator is allowed.
   • Not Approved: Your calculator is on the prohibited list. You cannot use it.
   • Check Manually: The model is not in our database. You should check the official College Board list or assume it’s allowed if it doesn’t have any prohibited features (like CAS or a QWERTY keyboard).
4. Use the Reset Button: Click “Reset” to clear the fields and check another model.

Making a decision based on the results is simple: if your calculator is not approved, you must acquire one that is before your test date. Check our guide to choosing a graphing calculator for more help.

Key Factors in Choosing an SAT Calculator

Beyond just being on the list of sat test approved calculators, several factors should influence your choice:

• Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you already know how to use. The SAT is not the time to learn a new device’s functions. Practice with your chosen calculator for all your prep work.
• Graphing vs. Scientific: While a graphing calculator can be very helpful for visualizing functions and finding intercepts, it is not strictly necessary. A student who is proficient with a scientific calculator can score just as well. See our analysis on the SAT math section.
• Ease of Use: Some calculators have more intuitive menu systems than others. The TI-84 series is popular partly because its interface is widely taught in schools.
• Battery Life: The last thing you want is a dead calculator mid-exam. Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries or is fully charged. The testing center will not provide batteries or charging cables.
• Cost: A new, top-of-the-line graphing calculator can be expensive. A used model or a standard scientific calculator is a much more budget-friendly and equally valid option.
• Test Center Rules: Remember, even with an approved calculator, you must follow proctor instructions. You cannot share your calculator, and it must be put away during the Reading and Writing section. Read more about the digital SAT format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use the calculator on my phone?

No. All phones, smartwatches, and any device with communication capabilities are strictly prohibited during the entire exam.

2. What is a Computer Algebra System (CAS)?

CAS is a software feature that allows a calculator to perform symbolic math, like simplifying `(x^2 – y^2)` to `(x-y)(x+y)` or solving `x+y=10` for `x`. This is considered an unfair advantage, and calculators with CAS (like the TI-89 or HP Prime) are banned.

3. Is the TI-Nspire allowed on the SAT?

It depends. The TI-Nspire CX and TI-Nspire CX II are allowed. However, the TI-Nspire CX CAS and TI-Nspire CX II CAS are NOT allowed. The “CAS” in the name makes all the difference.

4. Do I need a graphing calculator for the SAT?

No, it is not a requirement. All questions on the SAT can be solved without a calculator. However, a graphing or scientific calculator is a powerful tool that can save time and help you verify answers. All standard scientific calculators are on the list of sat test approved calculators.

5. What happens if my calculator runs out of battery?

You will have to continue without it. Test centers do not provide batteries or charging. It is your responsibility to ensure your calculator is in working order. It’s wise to install new batteries a few days before the exam.

6. Is the built-in Desmos calculator good enough?

Yes. The embedded Desmos graphing calculator in the Bluebook testing application is powerful and fully capable of handling any problem the SAT throws at you. If you don’t want to buy a handheld calculator, practicing with the online version of Desmos is a great strategy.

7. Can I bring two calculators?

Yes, you can bring a backup calculator. However, you can only have one on your desk at a time. The rules for both must follow the sat test approved calculators policy.

8. Are there different rules for the PSAT?

No, the calculator policy for the PSAT/NMSQT is the same as the policy for the SAT. You can check the latest PSAT rules on the College Board website.

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