Calculator Rules for the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT and MCAT
Published · 3 min read · By The Samsung Calculator editorial team
Why the policies differ so much
An exam's calculator policy follows from what it is trying to measure. The GRE provides a basic on-screen calculator because it wants to test reasoning, not arithmetic. The MCAT bans calculators entirely because estimating under pressure is part of the skill being assessed. The SAT allows a graphing calculator throughout because it assumes you have one. None of these is arbitrary, and knowing the reason tells you how to prepare.
Policy by exam
| Exam | Calculator | Provided or bring your own | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (digital) | Allowed on all maths; CAS banned since Aug 2025 | Desmos built into the app, or bring your own | TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS and Casio ClassPad no longer permitted — College Board aligned the SAT with the ACT's long-standing CAS ban |
| ACT | Allowed on maths only | Bring your own | No CAS models; TI-89 and TI-Nspire CAS are banned |
| GRE | Basic four-function | Provided on screen | Personal calculators are not permitted |
| GMAT | Basic on-screen | Provided, quant section only | None allowed on integrated reasoning at test centres |
| MCAT | Not allowed | — | All arithmetic is done by hand or estimated |
| TEAS | Four-function | Provided or proctor-approved | Varies by testing site; confirm in advance |
| AP Calculus | Graphing required | Bring your own | Two of four sections are calculator-active |
| JEE Main / Advanced | Not allowed | — | No electronic devices of any kind, physical or on-screen |
| NEET | Not allowed | — | Strict device ban; log-table values are printed in the question when needed |
| CAT (India) | Not allowed | — | An on-screen basic calculator was piloted in some past years, then dropped; confirm on the current year's notification |
| SSC CGL | Not allowed | — | All competitive SSC exams share this rule |
| KCET | Not allowed | — | State engineering entrance exam; same strict device ban as JEE and NEET |
| CFA | Two specific models | Bring your own | Only the TI BA II Plus and HP 12C are permitted |
The three rules that cover most refusals
No CAS. A computer algebra system that manipulates symbols — the TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime and Casio ClassPad — is banned by more exams than any other category, because it solves the algebra the exam is testing. The SAT joined this list in August 2025, dropping the exception it had carried for years and matching the ACT's long-standing rule; the non-CAS version of the same product line is usually fine, and the model number is the only difference on the case.
No communication, no QWERTY. Anything with wireless capability, a full letter keyboard or the ability to store and transmit text is refused. This catches phones, smartwatches and a few programmable models.
Exam mode must be set before you arrive. Casio's and TI's exam modes clear memory and light an indicator so a proctor can see the calculator is locked down. Set it the night before — some models take several minutes to reset and proctors are not obliged to wait.
Before test day
Check the policy on the exam board's own website within a week of your test, because these lists change. Then practise with the exact calculator you will bring: fluency with the machine is worth more marks than owning a better one.
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About this article
Written and reviewed by The Samsung Calculator editorial team. Every calculator is written against a published formula, reviewed against at least one independent reference implementation, and dated when it changes. Last updated September 15, 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.