PSAT Calculator Acceptability Checker
Instantly determine if your calculator is allowed for the PSAT exam.
Is Your Calculator Approved?
Type the model name to check its status against the official PSAT calculator policy.
What are the Rules for Acceptable Calculators for the PSAT?
The College Board, the organization that administers the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9, has a specific policy regarding which calculators are acceptable for use on the math section of the exam. The goal is to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage. While the digital version of the PSAT now includes a built-in graphing calculator (Desmos), students are still permitted to bring their own approved device. Understanding the list of acceptable calculators for the PSAT is crucial for test day preparation.
In general, most graphing calculators, all scientific calculators, and all four-function calculators are permitted as long as they don’t have prohibited features. The policy is designed to allow tools that help with computation without solving the problems for you. Knowing your device is compliant will save you from stress on test day.
The Logic: How Calculator Acceptability is Determined
There isn’t a mathematical formula, but a logical checklist based on the official PSAT calculator policy. A calculator is checked against a series of rules to determine its status. Our tool automates this process for you.
The core logic follows these steps:
- Check for Prohibited Features: The first and most important step is to check for features that are explicitly banned. If a calculator has any of these, it is not allowed.
- Check Against Known Approved Models: The tool cross-references your input with a list of popular, explicitly permitted graphing calculators.
- Default to General Rules: If a calculator doesn’t have prohibited features and isn’t a special case, it generally falls under the rule that allows all scientific and four-function calculators.
| Variable Check | Meaning | Typical Status | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| QWERTY Keyboard | A typewriter-style keyboard. | Prohibited | TI-92, HP-95LX |
| Wireless Communication | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any internet access. | Prohibited | Smartphones, Tablets |
| Stylus or Pen-Input | Devices requiring a stylus for operation. | Prohibited (with few exceptions) | Casio ClassPad |
| CAS Functionality | Computer Algebra System that solves equations symbolically. | Prohibited as of 2025 | TI-Nspire CX II CAS |
| Standard Graphing | No prohibited features, appears on approved list. | Acceptable | TI-84 Plus, NumWorks |
| Standard Scientific | No prohibited features. | Acceptable | TI-30X IIS, Casio fx-115ES |
Practical Examples
Let’s see how the rules for acceptable calculators for the PSAT apply to specific models.
Example 1: A Standard Graphing Calculator
- Input: TI-84 Plus CE
- Logic: This model has no prohibited features like a QWERTY keyboard or wireless capabilities. It appears on the College Board’s list of approved graphing calculators.
- Result: ACCEPTABLE
Example 2: A Prohibited Calculator
- Input: HP 95LX (or any device with a QWERTY keyboard)
- Logic: The device features a typewriter-style (QWERTY) keyboard. This is an explicitly prohibited feature.
- Result: NOT ACCEPTABLE
Example 3: A Scientific Calculator
- Input: Casio fx-115ES PLUS
- Logic: This calculator is a standard scientific model. It does not have any prohibited features. According to the policy, all scientific calculators are permitted.
- Result: ACCEPTABLE
How to Use This PSAT Calculator Checker
Using this tool is simple. Follow these steps to verify your device:
- Enter the Model Name: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field above. For instance, “TI-Nspire CX” or “Casio fx-9750GII”.
- Click “Check Status”: Press the button to run the check. The tool will process the name based on the latest PSAT calculator policy.
- Review the Result: The result box will show one of three statuses: ACCEPTABLE, NOT ACCEPTABLE, or LIKELY ACCEPTABLE (for devices that are not on a specific list but have no prohibited features). It will also provide a brief explanation for the decision.
Key Factors That Affect PSAT Calculator Acceptability
Several key features can immediately disqualify a calculator. Be aware of these when choosing a device for the test.
- QWERTY Keypad: Any calculator with a typewriter-like keyboard is banned.
- Wireless Communication: Devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular access are strictly forbidden. This includes all smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
- Stylus or Pen-Input: Most devices that require a stylus are not allowed. A few exceptions exist (like the Sharp EL-9600), but use of the stylus itself is not permitted.
- Computer Algebra System (CAS): Starting in 2025, calculators with CAS functionality (which can solve algebra symbolically) will be prohibited. Our tool already reflects this upcoming change.
- External Peripherals: Needing an electrical outlet, making noise, or having a paper tape will get a calculator disqualified.
- Hardware from a Computer: You cannot use a laptop, tablet, or phone as your calculator, even with an app. You must use the embedded Bluebook calculator or a separate, approved handheld device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the SAT calculator policy the same as the PSAT policy?
Yes, the calculator policies for the SAT and PSAT are identical. A calculator that is acceptable for one is acceptable for the other. Our information on acceptable calculators for psat also applies to the SAT.
2. What happens if my calculator is not on the official list?
If your calculator is not on the specific approved graphing calculator list, it is still likely acceptable as long as it is a four-function or scientific calculator and does not have any prohibited features. Our tool will give a “Likely Acceptable” result in this case.
3. Can I use a TI-89 or TI-Nspire CAS on the PSAT?
Historically, these were allowed. However, starting with the August 2025 SAT and related PSATs, calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality are no longer permitted. This includes the TI-89 Titanium and TI-Nspire CX CAS models. The non-CAS versions (like the TI-Nspire CX II) are still fine.
4. Do I have to bring a calculator for the digital PSAT?
No, it is not required. The digital PSAT testing application (Bluebook) has a powerful Desmos graphing calculator built in. However, you are still allowed to bring your own approved handheld calculator if you are more comfortable with it.
5. What’s the best calculator for the PSAT?
The “best” calculator is the one you are most familiar with. For most students, a graphing calculator like the TI-84 Plus CE provides a great balance of functionality and ease of use. However, practicing with the built-in Desmos calculator is also a great strategy.
6. What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator to the test?
You will not be allowed to use it. Test proctors are trained to enforce the calculator policy, and using a banned device can lead to dismissal and cancellation of your scores.
7. Can I share a calculator with a friend during the test?
No. Each student must have their own calculator. Sharing is not permitted under any circumstances.
8. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory?
Yes, it’s a good practice. The policy states you must remove any stored programs, documents, or notes before the test begins.