Approved Calculators for AP Exams
An essential tool to ensure you’re ready for test day.
AP Exam Calculator Approval Checker
Choose the exam you will be taking.
Enter the model name of your handheld calculator.
Understanding the Results
What are approved calculators for AP exams?
The term ‘approved calculators for AP exams’ refers to the specific list and types of calculators that the College Board permits for use during Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Not all calculators are allowed, and the rules vary significantly between different exams. For subjects like AP Calculus, a graphing calculator is required, while for AP Biology, a simpler scientific or even a four-function calculator is sufficient. Understanding the policy for your specific test is a critical part of proper AP Exam Prep and helps avoid issues on exam day. The primary goal of the policy is to ensure fairness and to prevent access to devices with prohibited features, such as wireless communication or QWERTY keyboards. This guide and our approved calculators for AP exams checker tool will help you determine if your device is compliant.
AP Exam Calculator Policy Explained
The formula for determining if a calculator is approved is not a mathematical one, but a rule-based check against the College Board’s official list. The main variables are the exam subject and the calculator’s model and capabilities.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Type) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Subject | The specific AP test being taken. | Categorical | Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Statistics, etc. |
| Calculator Type | The category of the calculator. | Categorical | Four-Function, Scientific, Graphing (CAS/non-CAS). |
| Prohibited Features | Features that disqualify a calculator. | Boolean | QWERTY keyboard, internet, stylus (on some models), audible tones. |
Practical Examples
Example 1: AP Calculus Student
A student plans to take the AP Calculus BC exam with a ‘TI-Nspire CX II CAS’ calculator. They use the checker.
- Input Exam: AP Calculus AB / BC
- Input Model: TI-Nspire CX II CAS
- Result: Approved. The tool confirms that while CAS calculators are generally scrutinized, the TI-Nspire CX II CAS is explicitly on the approved list for Calculus.
Example 2: AP Biology Student
A student taking AP Biology enters ‘Casio fx-115ES PLUS’ into the approved calculators for AP exams tool.
- Input Exam: AP Biology
- Input Model: Casio fx-115ES PLUS
- Result: Approved. The policy for AP Biology allows scientific calculators, and this model fits the criteria perfectly. It’s a great choice for science subjects and a helpful tool discussed in our Graphing Calculator Guide, even though it’s scientific.
How to Use This Approved Calculators for AP Exams Calculator
Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your calculator is ready for exam day.
- Select Your AP Exam: Choose the relevant subject from the dropdown menu. This is the most important step, as policies are exam-specific.
- Enter Your Calculator Model: Type the model name as accurately as possible. For example, ‘TI-84 Plus’ is different from ‘TI-89’.
- Click ‘Check Approval’: The tool will process your inputs and check against the known policies.
- Review the Results: The output will show a clear ‘Approved’ or ‘Not Approved’ status, along with a summary of the official policy for that exam and why the decision was made. Reading this summary provides crucial context.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
- Graphing vs. Scientific: For exams like Calculus and Statistics, a graphing calculator is expected. For Chemistry and Physics, a scientific calculator is usually sufficient.
- CAS (Computer Algebra System): Calculators with CAS, like the TI-Nspire CX CAS, are allowed for some exams (like Calculus) but might be prohibited for others. Knowing your exam’s specific rule on CAS is vital.
- QWERTY Keyboard: No exam allows calculators with a typewriter-style (QWERTY) keyboard.
- Wireless Capability: Devices that can connect to the internet, Bluetooth, or any other wireless network are strictly forbidden.
- Stylus/Pen Input: Some older models with touch screens that require a stylus are not permitted. Check the College Board Official Policy for specifics.
- Official List: The College Board maintains an official, updated list of approved graphing calculators. Our tool is based on this list. If a model is not on that list, it is generally not permitted for exams requiring a graphing calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use my phone or a smartwatch as a calculator?
No. Smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets are never allowed for use as calculators during an AP exam.
2. What happens if I bring an unapproved calculator to the exam?
The proctor will not allow you to use it. You may have to take the exam without a calculator, or your scores could be canceled if you attempt to use a prohibited device.
3. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
No, the College Board does not require you to clear your calculator’s memory before or after the exam. However, you cannot use stored information to remove test materials from the room.
4. Is the TI-84 Plus approved for all AP exams?
The TI-84 Plus is one of the most widely approved calculators and is permitted on all exams that allow graphing calculators, such as Calculus, Statistics, and Physics. You can find more detail in our AP Calculus Tips guide.
5. Where is the official list of approved calculators for AP exams?
The definitive list is published on the College Board’s website. You should always refer to it for the most current information. Our tool uses this data to provide quick checks.
6. Can I bring two calculators?
Yes, you are permitted to bring up to two approved calculators to the exam. This is a good strategy in case one malfunctions.
7. What is the difference between a scientific and a graphing calculator?
A scientific calculator can handle trigonometric functions, logarithms, and exponents. A graphing calculator has a larger screen and can plot functions, solve equations numerically, and often run statistical tests. We have more resources in our AP Statistics Resources section.
8. Are CAS calculators allowed?
It depends on the exam. They are allowed for the AP Calculus exams but are generally not allowed for the SAT, for example. Always check the specific policy for your test.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
For more help with your academic journey, check out these other resources:
- AP Exam Prep: Strategies for effective studying and test-taking.
- Graphing Calculator Guide: A review of the top calculators for school and exams.
- AP Calculus Tips: Specific advice for succeeding in AP Calculus.
- AP Statistics Resources: Tools and guides for students in AP Stats.
- Best Calculators for School: A general guide to choosing a calculator.
- College Board Official Policy: An in-depth look at the rules governing AP exams.