Sat Test Approved Calculators

SAT Suite of Assessments

The College Board has specific rules about which calculators are allowed on test day. Use this tool to quickly check if your calculator model is permitted for the SAT Math section.

What is an SAT Approved Calculator?

An SAT approved calculator is any calculator that meets the specific policy requirements set by the College Board for use on the Math section of the SAT. The policy is designed to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage. While the digital SAT includes an embedded Desmos calculator, students are still permitted to bring their own familiar device. Most scientific and graphing calculators are acceptable, but there are critical restrictions on features like computer algebra systems (CAS), wireless communication, and QWERTY keyboards. Understanding whether your device is an SAT approved calculator is a crucial step in your test day preparation.

This policy applies to the entire SAT Suite of Assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. The primary goal is to ensure that the test measures a student’s mathematical reasoning skills, not their ability to operate a high-powered computing device. Therefore, a calculator is a tool for computation, not for solving problems outright.

SAT Calculator Policy Explained

There isn’t a mathematical formula for determining if a calculator is approved. Instead, the College Board provides a set of rules and a list of prohibited features. Think of it as a checklist: if your calculator has any single prohibited feature, it is not an SAT approved calculator. A recent major change is the prohibition of all calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality.

Here is a breakdown of the key rules:

SAT Calculator Feature Rules

Feature/Characteristic	Status	Explanation
Computer Algebra System (CAS)	Prohibited	Calculators that can symbolically solve equations, factor, or expand expressions (e.g., TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS) are banned.
QWERTY-style Keyboard	Prohibited	Any calculator with a computer-style keyboard is not allowed.
Wireless, Bluetooth, or Internet	Prohibited	Devices that can communicate with other devices or access the internet are strictly forbidden.
Stylus or Pen-Input	Prohibited	Calculators requiring a stylus (e.g., Casio ClassPad) are not permitted.
Needs Electrical Outlet	Prohibited	Only battery-operated calculators are allowed. No power cords.
Makes Noise or Prints Tape	Prohibited	To avoid distracting others, these devices are not allowed.
Graphing Capability (Non-CAS)	Allowed	Most non-CAS graphing calculators (e.g., TI-84 Plus) are approved.
Scientific Capability	Allowed	All standard scientific calculators are permitted and are a great tool.

Practical Examples

Example 1: The TI-84 Plus CE

A student enters “TI-84 Plus CE” into the SAT approved calculator checker. The tool checks its database and provides the following result:

• Status: Approved
• Reason: The TI-84 Plus CE is a standard graphing calculator and does not have a Computer Algebra System (CAS). It is one of the most common and recommended calculators for the SAT.

Example 2: The TI-Nspire CX II CAS

Another student enters “TI-Nspire CX II CAS” to see if it is an SAT approved calculator. The tool flags this model:

• Status: Prohibited
• Reason: This calculator is prohibited because the “CAS” in its name indicates it has a Computer Algebra System, which is explicitly banned by the College Board policy. The non-CAS version (TI-Nspire CX II) is allowed.

How to Use This SAT Approved Calculator Checker

Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to determine if you have an SAT approved calculator for your test date.

1. Locate Your Calculator Model: Find the model name and number printed on the front or back of your calculator. It’s often at the top of the device.
2. Enter the Model: Type the full model name into the input field above. For example, “Casio fx-9750GII” or “TI-83 Plus”.
3. Check the Status: Click the “Check Status” button. The tool will instantly display the result.
4. Review the Result: The result will clearly state “Approved,” “Prohibited,” or “Not Found.” It will also provide a brief explanation for the status, helping you understand the College Board’s specific rule that applies to your model.

If your calculator is prohibited, you must acquire an SAT approved calculator before test day. You will not be allowed to use a banned device.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval

Several key features determine whether a device qualifies as an SAT approved calculator. Understanding these factors is crucial to avoid issues on test day.

1. Computer Algebra System (CAS)

This is the most significant factor. A CAS can manipulate algebraic expressions symbolically, which the College Board views as an unfair advantage. As of recent policy updates, all CAS calculators are banned.

2. QWERTY Keyboard

Calculators with a lettered keyboard like a computer are prohibited. This prevents the storage of notes or other text.

3. Connectivity

Any form of wireless communication, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data, is strictly forbidden. This rule prevents any potential for cheating or external communication.

4. Power Source

The calculator must be battery-powered. Devices that require an external power cord or plug into an electrical outlet are not allowed in the testing room.

5. Stylus and Touchscreens

Calculators that use a stylus for input are generally prohibited, as are most devices with large touchscreens (e.g., Casio ClassPad models).

6. Noise and Printing

To maintain a quiet and secure testing environment, calculators that make noise or print to a paper tape are not permitted.

7. Non-Calculator Functionality

Devices that are also phones, tablets, or computers are never allowed. Your calculator should be a dedicated calculator. This is a core tenet of the SAT approved calculator policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a TI-89 on the SAT?

No. The TI-89 and TI-89 Titanium are prohibited because they have a Computer Algebra System (CAS). You would need to use a non-CAS model, like a TI-84 Plus.

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

It depends on the model. The standard TI-Nspire CX II (non-CAS) is an SAT approved calculator. However, the TI-Nspire CX II CAS is prohibited. You must check the model name carefully.

3. Do I have to bring a calculator for the digital SAT?

No, it’s not required. The digital SAT has a powerful graphing calculator (Desmos) built into the testing application. However, you are still allowed to bring your own SAT approved calculator if you are more comfortable with it.

4. Are scientific calculators allowed on the SAT?

Yes, all scientific calculators are allowed. They are often a good choice as they handle all the necessary calculations without the complexity of a graphing calculator.

5. What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator?

You will not be allowed to use it. If you use it, you risk being dismissed from the test, and your scores will be canceled. It’s essential to check your calculator’s status beforehand.

6. Can I share my calculator with a friend during the test?

No. Sharing calculators is strictly prohibited. Each student must have their own SAT approved calculator.

7. What is the best SAT approved calculator?

The “best” calculator is the one you are most familiar with. The TI-84 Plus series is extremely popular and widely recommended because it balances functionality and ease of use. However, any approved graphing or scientific calculator you’ve practiced with is a great choice.

8. Does the SAT calculator policy change often?

The policy is reviewed periodically. The most recent major change was the banning of CAS calculators. Always check the official College Board website or a reliable tool like this one for the most up-to-date rules before your test.

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