what is an acceptable calculator for the sat

Navigating the SAT Calculator Policy: What You Need to Know

The SAT includes a "Math Test – Calculator" section where a calculator can be a powerful tool, but not all calculators are created equal in the eyes of the College Board. Understanding what is and isn't allowed is crucial to avoid any last-minute stress or disqualification on test day. This guide will walk you through the essential rules and provide examples of acceptable and prohibited devices.

The Basics: SAT Calculator Policy Overview

Calculators are permitted only for the Math Test – Calculator section. For the Math Test – No Calculator section, all electronic devices, including calculators, must be put away. The main goal of the College Board's policy is to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantage from overly advanced or communicative devices.

Here are the general guidelines for acceptable calculators:

• They must be battery-operated and portable.
• They cannot have a QWERTY (typewriter-like) keypad.
• They cannot have wireless communication capabilities (e.g., internet access, Bluetooth, cellular).
• They cannot use electrical outlets or make noise.
• They cannot have audio/video recording or playing capabilities.
• They cannot be a phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, or smartwatch.
• They cannot have a stylus or pen input.

Types of Calculators Allowed

Graphing Calculators

Graphing calculators are often the preferred choice for many students due to their ability to plot functions, solve complex equations, and handle matrices. Most standard graphing calculators are allowed.

• Texas Instruments: TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, TI-85, TI-86, TI-Nspire (all models, including CAS versions, but wireless communication features must be disabled).
• Casio: fx-9750GII, fx-9860GII, fx-CG50 (PRIZM).
• Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime, HP 38G, HP 39G, HP 40G.
• Sharp: EL-9600, EL-9900.

Scientific Calculators

Scientific calculators are also perfectly acceptable and sufficient for the SAT math sections. They handle fractions, exponents, roots, logarithms, and trigonometric functions.

• Texas Instruments: TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS MultiView, TI-34 MultiView.
• Casio: fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX (ClassWiz), fx-300MS.
• Sharp: EL-520X, EL-W516T.
• And many other standard scientific calculators.

Four-Function Calculators

Basic four-function calculators (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) are allowed, but they are generally not recommended. Their limited functionality will make certain problems significantly harder or impossible to solve efficiently compared to scientific or graphing calculators.

Calculators You CANNOT Use on the SAT

It's equally important to know what devices are strictly prohibited. Bringing one of these can lead to your test being confiscated or your scores being canceled.

• Devices with QWERTY Keypads: Calculators designed primarily for word processing or with full QWERTY keyboards are not allowed. Examples include:
  • TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200
  • HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G (some models might have features that make them prohibited; check the specific model and College Board list)
  • Casio ClassPad (some models)
• Cell Phones, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Computers: Any device that can make calls, access the internet, or is a general-purpose computing device.
• Smartwatches or Wearable Technology: These devices are strictly forbidden.
• Calculators with Internet Access: Any calculator that can connect to the internet or other devices wirelessly.
• Calculators with Audio/Video Recording or Playing Capabilities: Devices that can record sound or video, or play media files.
• Calculators requiring an electrical outlet: All calculators must be battery-operated.
• Calculators with a stylus or pen input: Devices like certain PDAs or tablets.

Tips for Test Day

• Check Your Calculator: Before test day, ensure your calculator is on the College Board's approved list. The official policy is the definitive source.
• New Batteries: Always put fresh batteries in your calculator or bring a spare set. Nothing wastes time like a dead calculator during a test!
• Practice with It: Use the same calculator you plan to bring for all your SAT math practice. Familiarity with its functions and quirks will save you valuable time.
• Know Your Calculator's Functions: Understand how to use its graphing capabilities, statistical functions, and how to input complex equations efficiently.
• Bring a Backup: If possible, bring a second, acceptable calculator (even a simple scientific one) as a backup in case your primary calculator malfunctions.

By adhering to these guidelines and preparing properly, you can ensure your calculator is an asset, not a liability, on your SAT test day. Good luck!