The SAT calculator policy permits approved calculators for the Math section, including standard scientific calculators such as the Casio fx-991CW, while excluding phones, computers, internet devices, and other disallowed hardware.
SAT Approved Calculators (2026)
The SAT calculator policy permits approved calculators for the Math section, including standard scientific calculators such as the Casio fx-991CW, while excluding phones, computers, internet devices, and other disallowed hardware.
Use the checker below to test your exact model in seconds, then scan the full approved and banned list — every answer is tied to the official College Board policy and dated.
Is your calculator allowed on the SAT? Check in 5 seconds.
Pick your exact model — the checker jumps straight to the official-source verdict, so you never have to guess.
College Board rules, reduced to the parts calculator owners need first.
i. Allowed
The SAT calculator policy permits approved calculators for the Math section, including standard scientific calculators such as the Casio fx-991CW,...
ii. Banned
Devices with a computer algebra system (CAS), wireless or app features, a QWERTY keyboard, or anything outside the official policy should be treated as barred until verified against the source.
iii. Caveats
Policies change, and test staff may inspect the exact model name printed on the calculator. Always confirm against the official source before test day.
Last reviewed May 15, 2026. Next scheduled review: Aug 13, 2026.
Approved models
5 approvedCalculators allowed on the SAT.
| № | Brand / Model | Why short | Verdict | Last verified | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Casio fx-991CWScientific | Based on the current College Board SAT calculator policy, this verdict treats the Casio fx-991CW as...Yes. The Casio fx-991CW is allowed for the Digital SAT Math section in 2026 as a... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Casio fx-991EXScientific | Based on the cited policy quote, this verdict treats the Casio fx-991EX as approved for SAT Math use...Yes. The Casio fx-991EX is approved for SAT Math use based on the cited policy quote and... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiViewScientific | Based on the cited policy quote, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView as...Yes. The Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView is approved for SAT Math use based on the... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CEGraphing | Based on the cited policy quote, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE as approved...Yes. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE is approved for SAT Math use based on the cited... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX IIGraphing | Based on the cited policy quote, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II as approved...Yes. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II is approved for SAT Math use based on the... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file |
Banned models
5 bannedCalculators not allowed on the SAT.
| № | Brand / Model | Why short | Verdict | Last verified | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HP PrimeCas Graphing | College Board's SAT calculator policy allows many handheld calculators, but it draws a hard line...No. The HP Prime is not allowed on the Digital SAT in 2026 because College Board... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-89 TitaniumCas Graphing | College Board's SAT calculator policy allows handheld graphing, scientific, and four-function...No. The Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium is not allowed on the Digital SAT in 2026... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-89Cas Graphing | The current SAT calculator policy is not a simple approval list for every graphing calculator. College...No. The Texas Instruments TI-89 is not allowed on the Digital SAT in 2026 because... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CASCas Graphing | Based on the cited policy quote, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS as banned...No. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS is banned for SAT Math use because it is the... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CASCas Graphing | The SAT calculator policy allows non-CAS graphing calculators, but it does not allow calculators with...No. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is not allowed on the Digital SAT in 2026... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file |
The #1 mistake
It is almost always about CAS.
Every banned model above is barred for the same reason — a built-in computer algebra system (CAS) that solves algebra symbolically. The trap: several CAS models look almost identical to an allowed non-CAS version.
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II vs Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II is allowed (no CAS). Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is banned (CAS). Look for the letters “CAS” printed on the front of the unit.
Banned for CAS on the SAT: HP Prime, Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium, Texas Instruments TI-89, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS. If your model's printed name does not say “CAS” and it is a standard scientific or graphing calculator, it is far more likely to be on the approved side — but confirm the exact name.
Why are CAS calculators banned? Read the short guide before choosing a replacement.
On test day
What to do if…
Your calculator dies
The College Board will not supply one. Install fresh batteries before test week and bring a spare approved calculator or spare batteries.
A proctor questions your model
Follow test-staff instructions. The rule is about features (CAS, wireless, QWERTY), so point to the exact model name printed on the unit and keep a printout of the official policy.
You borrowed a school calculator
Confirm the exact printed model, check the battery and screen, and clear any stored programs or documents before test day so it is not treated as a modified device.
Buying one?
Which calculator to get for the SAT.
Any model in the approved list is accepted. If you are buying new, these are the most common safe choices — open a verdict for the official source and a retail link.
Need a graphing calculator
Approved options include Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE is the most common choice.
Need a scientific calculator
Approved options include Casio fx-991CW, Casio fx-991EX, Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView. These cost far less than a graphing model and are fully accepted.
Frequently asked
SAT calculator questions, answered.
Q.01What calculators are allowed on the SAT?
The SAT calculator policy permits approved calculators for the Math section, including standard scientific calculators such as the Casio fx-991CW, while excluding phones, computers, internet devices, and other disallowed hardware. This guide verifies 5 approved models against the official College Board policy, including the Casio fx-991CW, Casio fx-991EX, Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView.
Q.02Which calculators are banned on the SAT?
5 models in this guide are not allowed: HP Prime, Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium, Texas Instruments TI-89, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS. In each case it is because the model includes a computer algebra system (CAS), is outside the official whitelist, or has another prohibited feature. Open the model's verdict for the exact official source.
Q.03Is the TI-Nspire CX II CAS allowed on the SAT?
No. The TI-Nspire CX II CAS is a CAS model, and College Board allows only non-CAS handheld calculators for SAT Math. Use the separate non-CAS TI-Nspire CX II verdict if your calculator name does not include CAS.
Q.04Why are CAS calculators banned on the SAT?
CAS calculators can manipulate algebra symbolically, so College Board separates them from standard scientific and graphing calculators. The exact model name matters: TI-Nspire CX II and TI-Nspire CX II CAS are different policy cases.
Q.05What should I do if my exact model is not listed here?
Use the report-issue page and include the exact model name printed on the calculator body. We check it against the official College Board policy and add a verdict with its source.
See also
Calculator rules for other exams.
Corrections
Report an outdated rule →Policies change. If a verdict is stale or your model is missing, send the exact model name and source.