One of the great testing innovations of the 21st century was when the College Board first allowed calculators on at least some SAT Math questions–actually this was 1994, but close enough. That breakthrough in solving convenience and power is matched only by the addition of a powerful Desmos calculator to the digital SAT in 2023. As someone who survived SAT testing with nothing but a #2 pencil, scrap paper, and my wits, I can attest to the advantages of the right calculator at the right time.
Recent refinements to College Board’s SAT Calculator Policy merits some discussion about which devices are acceptable for test day:
The Desmos calculator embedded in the Bluebook testing app
This is a powerful calculator that includes features similar to a handheld graphing calculator. If you are familiar with how to use this calculator, the embedded version is a good choice.Graphing calculators that do not include CAS features
This type of calculator includes plotting and graphing windows, data entry and storage windows, data analysis functions, trig functions, and programming options.Scientific calculators
This type of calculator includes many functions helpful for solving problems in science, statistics, and math. Common features include built-in memory to store interim calculations, statistical functions, pi, trig functions, and scientific notation.Four-function basic calculators (not recommended)
This type of calculator includes four functions: add, subtract, multiply, and divide; some also include percentages and square roots. This type of calculator is not recommended as they typically do not follow order of operations.
Kudos to College Board for pointing out the pointlessness of bringing a basic four-function calculator to the SAT. However, the more notable clarification here is that calculators with CAS functionality are not allowed, nor are programs that have algebra functionality. Students must remove all algebra programs and stored documents from their handheld devices in advance of the exam.
Since you have options, make sure you take advantage of all of them:
- Use Desmos for graphing, functions, quadratics, and systems of equations. (Explore this full review of when Desmos is best.)
- Use your handheld graphing or scientific calculator for fast operations and calculations you find comfortable on your trusted device. Make sure your calculator is set to degrees and out of Test Mode.
- Use scrap paper for quick operations or to write out equations, even if you’ll be using a different method to solve. Also use scrap to draw figures and graphs.
Practice all your options in advance, obviously using the calculator you plan to bring to the SAT. Fully review the College Board’s SAT Calculator Policy before test day and be sure to adhere to every rule. Test day can be stressful enough when you know you’re doing everything right, so don’t make things worse by intentionally or unintentionally violating the rules and risking your score.
Helpful overview of how calculator policy and strategy connect on the SAT. One detail students often miss is that the exact printed model matters, especially with graphing and CAS-capable calculators. I maintain Exam Calculator Guide, an independent reference with dated SAT calculator verdicts and official-source notes: https://examcalculatorguide.com/exam/sat/ It may be a useful companion for students checking a specific model before test day.