Which Calculator Is Allowed for SAT? Guidelines and Rules
The Short Answer
You need a SAT-approved calculator. Not every calculator works. Bring the wrong one and test day becomes a nightmare.
The College Board allows specific calculator types on the SAT Math section. Most students use a graphing calculator. The TI-84 Plus CE is the most common choice. But there are alternatives.
Here's everything you need to know before test day.
The Basic Rules
The College Board has strict rules about calculators. Your device must:
- Be a handheld calculator (no phone apps, no tablets)
- Not have a QWERTY keyboard layout
- Not have internet access
- Not have a camera or video capability
- Not make noise
- Not be a typewriter-style device with paper tape
If your calculator looks more like a computer than a calculator, it's probably banned.
Calculator Types That Are Allowed
Graphing Calculators
These are the most popular for the SAT. They handle complex calculations and graphing functions.
Allowed models include:
- TI-84 Plus CE
- TI-84 Plus
- TI-83 Plus
- TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS version only)
- TI-Nspire CX II (non-CAS version only)
- Casio fx-9750GII
- Casio fx-9860GII
- Casio Prizm series
- HP Prime
- Sharp EL-9650
Scientific Calculators
Simpler models work fine for the SAT. You don't need graphing capability.
Common choices:
- TI-30XS MultiView
- TI-30X IIS
- Casio fx-300ES Plus
- Sharp EL-501X
Basic Calculators
Four-function calculators work. But they won't help much on the harder SAT Math questions. Skip these unless you're confident without advanced functions.
Calculators That Are NOT Allowed
Many students get caught because they assume "any calculator" works. It doesn't.
- TI-Nspire CAS — The CAS version has computer algebra features. Banned.
- TI-89 Titanium — Has CAS functionality. Banned.
- TI-92 Plus — Has a QWERTY keyboard. Banned.
- Voyage 200 — QWERTY keyboard. Banned.
- Any calculator with internet access — Smart calculators like the HP Prime can connect to networks. Leave it home.
- Phone or tablet calculators — Even if you have a calculator app installed, you can't use your phone. It must be a dedicated device.
- Apple Watch or wearable tech — Not allowed as calculators. No wearables during the test.
Quick Comparison: Popular SAT Calculator Options
| Calculator | Type | Price Range | SAT Approved | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TI-84 Plus CE | Graphing | $90-120 | Yes | Most students; easy to learn |
| TI-Nspire CX | Graphing | $130-150 | Yes (non-CAS) | Advanced math; better screen |
| TI-30XS MultiView | Scientific | $15-20 | Yes | Budget; simpler questions |
| Casio fx-9750GII | Graphing | $40-60 | Yes | Budget graphing option |
| TI-89 Titanium | Graphing | $100-130 | No | Don't buy this for SAT |
| TI-Nspire CX CAS | Graphing | $150-170 | No | Not allowed |
How to Check If Your Calculator Is Allowed
Before test day:
- Find the model name on the back of your calculator or in the settings menu
- Go to the College Board calculator policy page
- Search for your model
- If you're still unsure, email College Board directly or call your test center
Don't guess. A wrong calculator gets confiscated or worse — you get dismissed from the test.
Preparing Your Calculator for Test Day
Your calculator needs to be ready. Here's what to do a week before:
- New batteries — Fresh batteries the night before. Solar calculators need backup batteries.
- Clear memory — Some test centers require this. Check your test center's policy.
- Update software — For TI-Nspire models, make sure firmware is current.
- Test all functions — Verify graphing, equation solving, and fraction calculations work properly.
- Bring your own — Don't rely on borrowing a calculator from someone else on test day.
What If You Forget Your Calculator?
The test center won't lend you one. You have two options:
- Take the Math section without a calculator (not ideal)
- Ask the proctor to call the test center's main office to see if one is available (unlikely)
Some SAT questions let you solve problems without a calculator. But the calculator-heavy sections will hurt your score.
Can You Use Your Phone?
No. Your phone must be turned off and stored during the entire test. Even checking the time counts as a violation. If your phone makes any noise, you could be dismissed.
The College Board does not permit phone-based calculators under any circumstances.
The Bottom Line
If you're buying a calculator specifically for the SAT, get the TI-84 Plus CE. It's the standard for a reason. It meets all requirements, has plenty of functions for the test, and you'll find countless tutorials online.
Already have a different calculator? Verify it against the College Board's approved list before test day. Don't assume it's fine because it looks simple.
The calculator is a tool. A good one won't save a weak math foundation. But the wrong one can derail your entire test experience.