Approved Calculators for SAT Test- Complete 2025 List
What Calculators Are Allowed on the SAT in 2025
The College Board updated its calculator policy, and the rules are stricter than most students expect. If you're walking into the SAT with the wrong device, you'll be forced to put it away and take the test with nothing but mental math. That hurts.
Here's exactly what the SAT allows and what it doesn't in 2025.
Approved Calculator Types
Four categories of calculators are permitted on the SAT:
- Four-function calculators — the basic ones you used in middle school. They add, subtract, multiply, divide, and that's basically it.
- Scientific calculators — anything with sin, cos, tan, and exponent functions. TI-30XS is the most popular choice here.
- Graphing calculators — the heavy hitters. TI-84, TI-Nspire, Casio Prizm. These dominate SAT prep.
- Calculators on approved devices — Desmos (the standalone app version) is now officially allowed on digital SAT.
The Complete List of Approved SAT Calculators
Graphing Calculators (Most Popular for SAT)
| Brand | Approved Models | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, TI-Nspire (all versions), TI-Nspire CX, TI-Nspire CX II | $80–$180 |
| Casio | Casio Prizm series, Casio fx-9750GIII, Casio fx-9860GIII | $60–$130 |
| HP | HP Prime, HP Prime G2 | $150–$160 |
Scientific Calculators (Budget-Friendly Options)
- TI-30XS MultiView — the single most recommended calculator for SAT by most tutors
- TI-30Xa
- Casio fx-300ES Plus
- Casio fx-115ES Plus
Four-Function Calculators
Any basic four-function calculator works. But there's zero reason to use one. A scientific calculator costs the same and does way more.
Calculators That Will Get You Kicked Out
These are the ones students try to sneak in or don't realize are prohibited:
- Any calculator with QWERTY keyboard layout — yes, that includes the TI-89 Titanium
- Calculators with CAS (Computer Algebra System) capability
- Any device with touchscreen that mimics a tablet
- Phones, smartwatches, or any device that can make calls or connect to WiFi
- Calculators with camera functionality
- The TI-89 Titanium — it's banned despite being a Texas Instruments product
The rule is simple: if your calculator can do more than math, it doesn't belong in your hand on test day.
Digital SAT: Desmos Is Now Built-In
If you're taking the digital SAT, Desmos is already embedded in the testing platform. You don't need to bring a calculator for the digital version. The Desmos interface handles everything most students need.
But here's the catch: you still can't use your phone. The Desmos is available only through the testing interface on the official device.
Which Calculator Should You Actually Use?
Most students should grab the TI-84 Plus CE. It's allowed everywhere, has a color screen, and handles every math function you'll encounter on the SAT.
If you want to save money, the TI-30XS MultiView is the smarter play. It fits in your pocket, costs around $20, and covers 95% of what the SAT actually requires. Many high scorers use nothing but this calculator.
Skip the graphing calculator if you're on a budget. The SAT doesn't require graphing functions. You won't need to plot functions or use regression analysis. The test is arithmetic, algebra, and some statistics. A solid scientific calculator handles all of it.
Getting Started: Your SAT Calculator Checklist
- Buy it early. Don't wait until two days before the test. Get your calculator now and learn it.
- Replace batteries or charge it. Bring a backup calculator if possible. Dead batteries happen.
- Clear any stored programs. Some calculators hold data from previous classes. Clear them before test day.
- Practice with it. The SAT is not the place to figure out where the square root button is.
- Check the College Board website. Policies can change. Verify your model is still approved before test day.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Bringing a banned calculator. This happens every test date. Students show up with their TI-89 or a phone calculator app and are forced to hand it over. Double-check your model before you leave the house.
Over-relying on the calculator. The SAT tests math reasoning, not calculator skills. If you're punching numbers for every problem, you're going to run out of time. Practice knowing when to use it and when to skip it.
Not knowing basic functions. Many students own graphing calculators but have never used anything beyond the basic operations. Spend an hour going through the manual. It pays off.
The Bottom Line
TI-84 Plus CE or TI-30XS MultiView. One of those two covers almost every student taking the SAT. They're approved, affordable, and reliable.
Don't overthink this. Don't spend $200 on features you'll never use. Get a solid calculator, learn it well, and focus your energy on the math itself.