It’s 2024, the year that will bring a lot of anticipated changes in the SAT testing procedure. Not only will the College Board digitalize the SATs, but students will also have access to unique tools designed to make their Math test much easier. Overall, you get to bring the same calculator you rely on in class and still be able to leverage a whole new powerful built-in graphing calculator as well.
Still, many students are confused about the SAT calculators policy as they are not sure what that means for their Math test. If that’s about you, we’ve got your back. In this post, we will go through the list of accepted calculators, the rules you need to know before you use a calculator in your Math test questions, and the details about the new in-app calculator.
Which Calculators Are Allowed on the Digital SAT?
You can hardly do without an approved calculator on your SAT, especially when tackling the questions in the Math modules. But even though these calculators are allowed, there are clear guidelines about what types you can bring to the SAT center. So, here is the list of calculators approved by the College Board for the SAT:
#1 Scientific Calculators
Scientific calculators have been a top favorite for many students for schoolwork and standard tests like the ACT and SAT. They allow you to tackle complex math problems but also come with very affordable pricing, which is a win-win. Besides, since you don’t want anything with a power outlet, these tools have a portable option and a wide range of capabilities.
#2 Graphing Calculators
Can you use graphing calculator on SAT? The answer is yes. This tool has the same capabilities as scientific calculators but with an added graphing function. So, all you have to do is enter the equations, evaluate them, and run complex calculations. Want to save some calculations for later? Sure thing. Are you looking to program a few functions or calculations and save those in your own calculators? Go right ahead. But hey, just know that you may not be allowed into the test center with any program saved in your calc. Naturally, most students prefer to take graphing calculators to the SAT since they offer advanced functions.
#3 Four-Function Calculators
So far, we’ve established that you can bring most graphing calculators, but how come most students prefer to skip four-function calculators? Well, compared to the first two options, a four-function calculator is not usually recommended. Its functionalities or capabilities are quite limited. Let’s face it: you’re going to do more than add, subtract, divide, and multiply figures during the digital SAT. What’s worse? You will need to do exponent calculations, which is not where a four-function calculator will help.
#4 The Right Display
Here’s the thing with the approved calculators for SAT: even when the type is right, you may still have to look beyond the functions. For example, a calculator with a raised display or letters bigger than an inch may get you seated further from the other test takers or at the back of the test room. This is done to ensure that no one will be able to read the screen while you are working.
Also, you should know that you won’t be allowed to bring any laptops, stylus/pen input, mobile phones, smartwatches, and basically anything that has an internet connection. Since it is a test, avoid anything that has a beeping sound or needs electrical outlets. Still, you are allowed to ask for scratch paper for jotting down ideas, taking notes, and solving math problems, but no paper tape.
SAT-Approved Calculators by Brands
So, which brands and types should you invest in? Well, based on the College Board’s SAT calculators policy, you should be safe with any of the following options:
Hewlett-Packard
The Hewlett-Packard or HP company offers a great selection of calculators that students rely on over the years.
Casio
Casio calculators are also on the list of graphing and scientific calculators permitted for the SATs. The good news is that you get a lot of options here, which should make your choice an easy one. Here are a few of them:
RadioShack
Among RadioShack tools, there are only three types of calculators allowed. These are the following:
- EC-4033
- EC-4034
- EC-4037
Sharp
You also can use a number of Sharp models during your SAT exam.
Texas Instruments
There are also multiple Texas Instruments calculators allowed, including but not limited to the TI-84 Plus and CE-T Python edition and more:
Note that if your calculator (even the one permitted) comes with a stylus, you can’t use it during your test. To see the complete list of all the calculators allowed, please check here.
SAT Calculator Rules You Should Know
So, besides the policies stipulating what tools you are allowed to take to the test room, here are some other calculator rules to keep in mind:
- The use of a calculator for SAT Reading and Writing section is prohibited.
- Test takers cannot borrow or lend any tools during the SAT test, so bring your own calculator and be sure it is what you need.
- All forms of malpractice are strictly prohibited, so do not use your calculator to share answers or information or to save some questions from the test. Otherwise, you can have your scores canceled.
What Kind of In-App Graphing Calculator Is Used in the DSAT?
Source: desmos.com
During the digital test, you will be using the built-in Desmos calculator. It is available on the testing platform Bluebook. Since this tool has all the functions you may want in a calculator on the test day, some students decide not to bring any other calc to the test.
If you haven’t tried your hands on it or learned how it works yet, now is the right time to start. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly basic or simple interface; there are tons of advanced features just below that surface. Thus, you can tackle your SAT Math section questions with more confidence.
Remember, though, that there’s an even more important thing than the type of calculator you use: it’s how well you know Math. Luckily, you can always find quality free SAT Math guides on exponents, quadratic equations, etc.
Can I Use the TI-Nspire CX II Calculator?
Yes, and you wouldn’t be the only one. Many students end up gravitating towards the TI-Nspire CX II for obvious reasons: it probably has more to offer than your average scientific calculator. Still, the options are not limited to this one brand. Besides, you don’t need to feel pressured to get a brand new calculator if you already have another one, as most graphing calculators will do quite nicely.
Tips on Using the Built-In Graphing Calculator
You need to map your success and build a good study strategy to ace your SATs. It starts with setting your score target, identifying your weak areas and strengths, and creating a good calculator strategy. How so?
Well, knowing exactly how to use a calculator in the app can turn out to be one of the best ways to invest your time and effort. This skill can make your SAT experience positive and improve your test scores. So, if you are not sure how it works yet, you may want to:
- Check out YouTube videos or other resources. The internet is packed with helpful blog posts like this and videos designed to help people quickly learn anything they want to. Check out YouTube for video guides like the official Desmos calculator channel.
- Ask your private tutor to give you a demo. Lots of students engage a private online tutor or a mentor during their SAT prep. This person is also the one who can give you the hands-on demo and practical experience of how to use the Desmos graphing calculator. Look, the test is not the best time to try to use your calculator for the first time, so practice beforehand and get to know all the essential functions.
Tools You Are Allowed to Bring to the SAT
It takes a lot of consistent effort to study for the test to feel truly prepared and confident. The more you know about the SAT sections, the better chances that you will hit your score targets. Remember that a good workman needs his tools, and so do you. Aside from the SAT calculator, here are some other tools you should consider bringing along on the test day:
- Backup calculator. Worried about the Math section? It’s always a good idea to have an approved calculator, even if you will be given access to the in-built tool. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it but not have it. Besides, not everyone knows how to find all advanced functions on Desmos. Not only are you allowed to bring your own calculator, but you can also bring two. You can only use one at a time, so keep that in mind. Remember, it’s not important how many you have but how well you use your calculator.
- Backup test device. We have talked a lot about the calculator section of the SAT policy, but you need more than a calculator for the test. Extra calculators are not the only thing you should have. Try to bring a fully charged test device as well. Also, make sure you have fresh batteries in your calculator.
- A silent watch. You will have access to the countdown timer on the DSAT platform, but if you like, you can also bring a watch with the alarm set to silent.
- Refreshments. It might be a good idea to bring along some water and snacks in case you get hungry as you are waiting. You are more likely to focus better when you are not distracted by hunger or thirst.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now you know the kind of SAT calculator you can take and what else is approved for the digital SAT. So, you can’t go wrong with a scientific calculator, and you also have the built-in graphing calculator. Avoid any computer-style tool that does not fit the list, including your mobile phone calculators. Still, we recommend that you check the SAT calculator section of the College Board’s official website when in doubt to verify any information you receive.
