Approved Sat Calculators – Calculator City

Table 1: Popular SAT Approved Calculators and Features
Model	Type	Graphing	CAS	Wireless	SAT Approved?
TI-84 Plus CE	Graphing	Yes	No	No	Yes
Casio fx-9750GII	Graphing	Yes	No	No	Yes
HP Prime (G2)	Graphing	Yes	Yes (but CAS must be disabled/locked)	No	Yes (with CAS disabled)
TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS)	Graphing	Yes	No	No	Yes
Casio fx-CG50	Graphing	Yes	No	No	Yes
TI-30X IIS	Scientific	No	No	No	Yes
Casio fx-300MS Plus	Scientific	No	No	No	Yes
TI-89 Titanium	Graphing	Yes	Yes	No	No (due to CAS)
HP 50g	Graphing	Yes	Yes	No	No (due to CAS)

What are Approved SAT Calculators?

Approved SAT calculators are specific models and types of calculators that meet the strict guidelines set by the College Board for use during the SAT exam. The SAT includes a Math section where a calculator is permitted, and sometimes even necessary, but not all calculators are allowed. The policy aims to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantage that advanced or communication-enabled devices might provide. Understanding what constitutes approved SAT calculators is crucial for every test-taker.

Who Should Use Approved SAT Calculators?

Every student taking the SAT Math section (with calculator) must use an approved device. This includes:

High School Students: Preparing for college admissions.
Students Retaking the SAT: Ensuring their existing calculator still meets current policy.
Parents and Educators: Guiding students in purchasing or selecting appropriate test-taking tools.

Common Misconceptions About SAT Calculator Policy

Many students hold misconceptions about approved SAT calculators:

“Any graphing calculator is fine.” Not true. While most graphing calculators are approved, models with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), wireless communication, or QWERTY keyboards are generally prohibited.
“My phone calculator is okay if it’s in airplane mode.” Absolutely not. Electronic devices like phones, tablets, smartwatches, or laptops are strictly forbidden, regardless of their mode.
“I don’t need a calculator for the SAT.” While one section is non-calculator, the calculator-permitted section often includes problems where a calculator is highly beneficial or even essential for efficiency. Having an approved SAT calculator is a strategic advantage.
“The proctor will tell me if my calculator isn’t allowed.” While proctors do check, it’s ultimately *your* responsibility to bring an approved device. If your calculator is disallowed, you might not be able to use one, or worse, be dismissed from the test.

SAT Calculator Approval Policy and Key Rules Explanation

The College Board’s policy on approved SAT calculators is designed to maintain test security and fairness. It’s not a mathematical formula but a set of rules governing device features. Here’s a breakdown of what’s generally allowed and what’s strictly prohibited.

General Guidelines for Approved SAT Calculators:

Basic Four-Function Calculators: Always allowed.
Scientific Calculators: Always allowed.
Graphing Calculators: Most standard graphing calculators are allowed, provided they do not have prohibited features.

Prohibited Features (Calculators with these features are NOT approved SAT calculators):

Computer Algebra System (CAS): Calculators that can perform symbolic manipulation (e.g., TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, HP 48GII, HP 50g). Some graphing calculators like the HP Prime have CAS functionality but can be used if the CAS feature is disabled or locked down.
Wireless Communication Capabilities: Any calculator with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular data, or any other form of wireless communication.
Internet Access: Devices that can connect to the internet.
Audio/Video Recording and Playback: Calculators with features for recording or playing sound or video.
Cameras or Photographic Capabilities: Any device that can take pictures.
QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with a full alphanumeric keyboard (like a computer keyboard).
Stylus/Pen Input: Devices that require or allow input via a stylus or pen (unless it’s a standard graphing calculator with a touch screen that doesn’t require a stylus for basic operation).
Power Cords: Calculators that require an electrical outlet. You must use battery-powered devices.

It’s important to note that even if a calculator model is generally approved, a specific version or modification of it might not be. Always ensure your calculator is in good working order with fresh batteries.

Key Policy Restrictions Table

Table 2: SAT Calculator Policy Restrictions
Feature	Meaning	Approval Status	Typical Examples
Graphing Capability	Ability to plot functions and data.	Generally Allowed	TI-84 Plus CE, Casio fx-9750GII
Computer Algebra System (CAS)	Performs symbolic math (e.g., solving equations with variables).	Disallowed (unless disabled)	TI-89, HP 50g, TI-Nspire CX CAS
Wireless Communication	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.	Disallowed	Any calculator with connectivity features
Internet Access	Ability to browse the web.	Disallowed	Smartphones, tablets, some advanced calculators
Audio/Video	Recording or playback of sound/video.	Disallowed	Smartphones, multimedia devices
Camera	Built-in photographic capabilities.	Disallowed	Smartphones, some advanced tablets
QWERTY Keyboard	Full alphanumeric keyboard layout.	Disallowed	Some older handheld computers, specific calculator models
Stylus/Pen Input	Requires or allows input via a stylus.	Disallowed (unless standard graphing touch)	Some tablet-like devices

Practical Examples: Using Approved SAT Calculators

Let’s look at a couple of real-world scenarios to illustrate what makes a calculator an approved SAT calculator or not.

Example 1: Approved Graphing Calculator

Sarah owns a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE. She uses it for her algebra and pre-calculus classes. Let’s check its features:

Calculator Type: Graphing
Graphing Capability: Yes
Computer Algebra System (CAS): No
Wireless Communication / Bluetooth / Internet Access: No
Audio/Video Recording or Playback: No
QWERTY Keyboard: No
Stylus/Pen Input: No
Camera: No

Output: Based on these features, Sarah’s TI-84 Plus CE is an approved SAT calculator. It has graphing capabilities, which are allowed, but lacks any of the prohibited features like CAS or wireless communication. This is a common and highly recommended choice for the SAT.

Example 2: Disallowed Advanced Calculator

Mark has an older TI-89 Titanium calculator that he inherited. He thinks it’s powerful and should be fine. Let’s examine its features:

Calculator Type: Graphing
Graphing Capability: Yes
Computer Algebra System (CAS): Yes
Wireless Communication / Bluetooth / Internet Access: No (standard model)
Audio/Video Recording or Playback: No
QWERTY Keyboard: No
Stylus/Pen Input: No
Camera: No

Output: Despite being a graphing calculator, Mark’s TI-89 Titanium is NOT an approved SAT calculator. The presence of a Computer Algebra System (CAS) is a prohibited feature. Even though it doesn’t have wireless or a camera, the CAS functionality alone makes it ineligible for the SAT. Mark would need to find an alternative approved SAT calculator.

How to Use This Approved SAT Calculators Checker

Our SAT Calculator Approval Checker is designed to be straightforward and help you quickly determine if your device is an approved SAT calculator. Follow these steps:

Select Calculator Type: Start by choosing the general type of your calculator from the “Calculator Type” dropdown (e.g., Basic, Scientific, Graphing, CAS). This will pre-select some common features for that type.
Review Specific Features: Carefully go through the “Specific Features” checkboxes. Check “Yes” for any feature your calculator possesses. For instance, if your calculator can plot graphs, check “Graphing Capability.” If it has Bluetooth, check “Wireless Communication.”
Click “Check Approval Status”: Once you’ve accurately selected all relevant features, click the “Check Approval Status” button.
Read Results: The “Approval Results” section will appear.

The Primary Result will clearly state “Approved” (in green) or “Not Approved” (in red), indicating if your calculator is an approved SAT calculator.
Intermediate Results provide details on whether specific categories of features (Graphing, CAS, Wireless/Internet, QWERTY/Camera/Audio) are allowed according to policy. This helps you understand *why* your calculator received its status.
A brief explanation of the formula (policy) used is also provided.

Use “Reset” for New Checks: If you want to check another calculator or start over, click the “Reset” button to clear all selections and restore default values.
“Copy Results” for Sharing: If you wish to save or share your results, click “Copy Results.” This will copy the main approval status and key intermediate values to your clipboard.

Decision-Making Guidance: If your calculator is “Not Approved,” you must acquire an approved SAT calculator before test day. Consider borrowing one, purchasing a basic scientific or graphing model (like a TI-84 Plus CE), or ensuring any advanced features (like CAS on an HP Prime) are properly disabled.

Key Factors That Affect Approved SAT Calculators Results

The College Board’s policy on approved SAT calculators is comprehensive, and several key factors determine whether a device is permissible. Understanding these factors is vital for test preparation.

Computer Algebra System (CAS) Functionality: This is one of the most common reasons a powerful graphing calculator is disallowed. CAS calculators can perform symbolic algebra, solving equations with variables, simplifying expressions, and performing calculus operations symbolically. This gives an unfair advantage by automating steps that students are expected to perform manually. Therefore, calculators with active CAS features are not approved SAT calculators.
Wireless Communication Capabilities: Any form of wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular data, is strictly prohibited. The concern here is the potential for cheating, such as receiving external help or accessing unauthorized information during the test. This rule ensures test integrity and that all approved SAT calculators are isolated devices.
Internet Access: Directly related to wireless communication, the ability to connect to the internet is a major disqualifier. Access to search engines, online resources, or communication platforms would compromise the standardized nature of the exam. No device with internet access can be an approved SAT calculator.
QWERTY Keyboard: Calculators or devices that feature a full QWERTY keyboard (like a computer keyboard) are not allowed. The College Board views these as too similar to computers, which could facilitate text entry for unauthorized purposes or simply provide an unfair interface advantage.
Multimedia Features (Audio/Video/Camera): Calculators with capabilities for recording or playing audio/video, or those with built-in cameras, are strictly forbidden. These features pose significant security risks, allowing for unauthorized recording of test content or communication. No calculator with these features can be an approved SAT calculator.
Stylus/Pen Input (for certain devices): While some modern graphing calculators have touchscreens, devices that *require* or are primarily designed for stylus input (like PDAs or tablet-style devices) are generally not allowed. The distinction often lies in whether the device functions primarily as a calculator or as a general-purpose computing device.

Each of these factors contributes to the College Board’s goal of creating a level playing field for all test-takers, ensuring that only truly approved SAT calculators are used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Approved SAT Calculators

Q1: Can I use my phone’s calculator app on the SAT?

A1: No, absolutely not. Mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, and any other electronic devices with communication or recording capabilities are strictly prohibited during the SAT, even if their calculator function is used or they are in airplane mode. Only standalone approved SAT calculators are allowed.

Q2: Are all graphing calculators allowed on the SAT?

A2: Most standard graphing calculators (like the TI-84 Plus series, Casio fx-9750GII, etc.) are approved SAT calculators. However, graphing calculators with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), wireless communication, QWERTY keyboards, or internet access are NOT allowed. Always check your specific model against the College Board’s policy.

Q3: What if my calculator has a CAS feature but I can disable it?

A3: Some calculators, like the HP Prime, have CAS functionality that can be disabled or locked. If you can definitively disable the CAS feature and ensure it cannot be reactivated during the test, it might be considered an approved SAT calculator. However, it’s best to confirm with the College Board or use a calculator without CAS to avoid any issues on test day.

Q4: Do I need to bring extra batteries for my approved SAT calculator?

A4: Yes, it is highly recommended. Calculators that run out of battery during the test can cause significant stress and loss of time. Always start the test with fresh batteries and consider bringing spares, especially for graphing calculators which consume more power. This is a critical part of preparing your approved SAT calculator.

Q5: Can I share my calculator with another student during the SAT?

A5: No, sharing calculators or any other materials during the SAT is strictly prohibited and can lead to dismissal from the test. Each student must bring their own approved SAT calculator.

Q6: What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the SAT?

A6: If a proctor determines your calculator is not an approved SAT calculator, you may be asked to put it away and complete the Math section without a calculator. In some cases, if the calculator has highly prohibited features (like a phone), you could be dismissed from the test. It’s a risk not worth taking.

Q7: Are basic four-function or scientific calculators always approved?

A7: Yes, basic four-function and scientific calculators are almost always approved SAT calculators, as they typically lack any of the prohibited advanced features. They are a safe choice if you don’t need graphing capabilities.

Q8: Where can I find the official College Board policy on approved SAT calculators?

A8: The most up-to-date and definitive information on approved SAT calculators can always be found on the official College Board website. It’s advisable to check their site directly before your test date for any policy updates.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Beyond ensuring you have approved SAT calculators, preparing for the SAT involves many other aspects. Explore our other helpful tools and resources:

SAT Score Calculator: Estimate your SAT score based on raw scores and understand how your performance translates.
SAT Test Date Checker: Find upcoming SAT test dates and registration deadlines to plan your schedule effectively.
College Admissions Probability Calculator: Assess your chances of getting into your dream colleges based on your academic profile.
SAT Study Plan Generator: Create a personalized study schedule to maximize your preparation time for the SAT.
Comprehensive Test Prep Resources: Access a wealth of articles, guides, and tips for excelling on standardized tests.
SAT Exam Day Checklist: Ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and successful SAT test day, including your approved SAT calculator.

Approved SAT Calculators: Policy Checker & Guide

SAT Calculator Approval Checker

Approval Results

Common Approved SAT Calculators

SAT Calculator Feature Restrictions Overview