Are You Allowed A Calculator On The Gre

GRE Calculator Policy Checker

Determine if you’re allowed to use a calculator on your GRE test section and what type is permitted.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate programs. One of the most common questions test-takers have is: “Can I use a calculator on the GRE?” The answer depends on several factors including which section you’re taking, the test format, and whether you have approved accommodations.

Official GRE Calculator Policy (2024 Update)

According to the ETS GRE Test Day policies, calculator usage varies significantly between test sections and formats. Here’s the current breakdown:

1. Computer-Delivered GRE General Test

• Quantitative Reasoning: An on-screen calculator is provided for all test-takers. You cannot bring your own physical calculator.
• Verbal Reasoning: No calculators are allowed or needed.
• Analytical Writing: No calculators are allowed.

Section	Calculator Provided	Personal Calculator Allowed	Calculator Type
Quantitative Reasoning	Yes (on-screen)	No	Basic four-function with square root
Verbal Reasoning	No	No	N/A
Analytical Writing	No	No	N/A

2. Paper-Delivered GRE General Test

For paper-based tests (offered in areas where computer testing isn’t available), the calculator policy differs:

• ETS provides a basic four-function calculator at the test center
• You cannot bring your own calculator unless you have approved accommodations
• The provided calculator is a basic model (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root)

3. GRE Subject Tests

For GRE Subject Tests (like Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology), calculator policies vary:

• Mathematics Subject Test: No calculators are allowed. The test is designed to assess mathematical reasoning without computational aids.
• Physics Subject Test: A four-function or scientific calculator is allowed, but graphing calculators are prohibited.
• Other Subject Tests: Typically no calculators are allowed unless specified in the test guidelines.

What Type of Calculator is Provided on the GRE?

For sections where a calculator is provided (computer and paper Quantitative Reasoning), ETS supplies a basic calculator with these functions:

• Basic arithmetic: +, -, ×, ÷
• Square root (√)
• Decimal functions
• Positive/negative value toggle
• Memory functions (on computer version only)

Important note: The GRE calculator does NOT include:

• Exponent functions (beyond square root)
• Trigonometric functions
• Logarithmic functions
• Graphing capabilities
• Programmable features

Can You Bring Your Own Calculator to the GRE?

In nearly all cases, you cannot bring your own calculator to the GRE General Test. The exceptions are:

1. Approved accommodations: If you have a disability that requires calculator use, you may receive approval to bring your own through ETS’s accommodations process.
2. GRE Physics Subject Test: As mentioned above, you can bring an approved scientific calculator (non-graphing).

Attempting to bring an unauthorized calculator to the test center will result in:

• Confiscation of the calculator
• Possible dismissal from the testing center
• Cancellation of your test scores
• Potential ban from future ETS tests

How to Request Calculator Accommodations

If you have a documented disability that requires calculator use, you can request accommodations through ETS. The process involves:

1. Registering for the GRE through your ETS account
2. Submitting documentation of your disability (must be from a qualified professional)
3. Specifying that you require a calculator as an accommodation
4. Waiting for approval (can take 6-8 weeks)

Approved calculator accommodations typically allow:

• Basic four-function calculators
• Scientific calculators (non-programmable)
• Calculators without QWERTY keyboards
• Calculators without wireless/Bluetooth capabilities

Accommodation Status	Calculator Allowed	Approved Types	Approval Time
No accommodations	Only provided calculator	Basic four-function	N/A
Approved calculator accommodation	Yes, personal calculator	Basic or scientific (non-programmable)	6-8 weeks
GRE Physics Subject Test	Yes, personal calculator	Scientific (non-graphing)	N/A

Strategies for Using the GRE Calculator Effectively

Since the GRE provides only a basic calculator, you’ll need to develop strategies for more complex calculations:

1. Mental Math Techniques

• Practice breaking down complex problems into simpler calculations
• Memorize common squares, cubes, and roots (e.g., 12² = 144, √169 = 13)
• Learn percentage-to-decimal conversions (e.g., 15% = 0.15)

2. Estimation Skills

The GRE often tests your ability to estimate rather than calculate exact values:

• Round numbers to make calculations easier
• Look for answer choices that are significantly different
• Practice approximating square roots (e.g., √8 ≈ 2.8)

3. Alternative Problem-Solving Methods

• Plugging in numbers for variables
• Using the answer choices to work backwards
• Looking for patterns or symmetries in problems

Common Mistakes to Avoid with GRE Calculators

Many test-takers lose points not because of math skills, but because of calculator misuse:

1. Over-reliance on the calculator: The GRE tests mathematical reasoning, not computation. Many problems can be solved faster without a calculator.
2. Not checking work: Always verify your calculations, especially when dealing with negative numbers or complex fractions.
3. Wasting time on exact calculations: Remember that estimation is often sufficient to eliminate wrong answer choices.
4. Misusing the memory function: The on-screen calculator’s memory can be helpful but may slow you down if overused.

GRE Calculator Policy vs. Other Standardized Tests

How does the GRE’s calculator policy compare to other major standardized tests?

Test	Calculator Provided	Personal Calculator Allowed	Calculator Type
GRE General Test	Yes (on-screen)	No (except accommodations)	Basic four-function
GMAT	No	No	N/A (mental math expected)
LSAT	No	No	N/A (no math section)
MCAT	No	No	N/A (mental math expected)
SAT	No	Yes (approved models only)	Scientific or graphing
ACT	No	Yes (approved models only)	Scientific or graphing

Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Calculators

Can I use my phone as a calculator during the GRE?

Absolutely not. All personal electronic devices, including phones, are strictly prohibited in the testing room. Using your phone for any purpose during the test will result in immediate dismissal and score cancellation.

What if my provided calculator malfunctions during the test?

If you’re taking the computer-delivered test and the on-screen calculator stops working:

1. Raise your hand to notify the test administrator
2. They will either reset your calculator or provide a solution
3. You may be compensated with additional time if significant time was lost

Are there any calculator shortcuts I should know for the GRE?

Yes! The GRE’s on-screen calculator has some helpful features:

• Memory functions (M+, M-, MR, MC): Useful for multi-step problems
• Square root button: Saves time on common problems
• Positive/negative toggle: Quickly change signs without retyping

How much time should I spend on calculator problems?

As a general rule:

• Spend no more than 2-2.5 minutes per Quantitative Reasoning question
• If a problem requires extensive calculation, consider whether there’s a simpler approach
• Remember that about half the math questions don’t require a calculator at all

Can I bring a calculator to the GRE at home version?

No. The GRE at home version follows the same policies as the test center version. You’ll have access to the on-screen calculator for Quantitative Reasoning sections, but cannot use any physical calculators unless you have approved accommodations.

Preparing for the GRE Without Over-Reliance on Calculators

Since the GRE’s calculator is basic, your preparation should focus on:

1. Strengthening mental math skills: Practice calculations without a calculator daily.
2. Learning key formulas: Memorize essential math formulas to reduce calculation needs.
3. Developing estimation techniques: Many GRE problems can be solved by eliminating obviously wrong answers.
4. Understanding concepts deeply: The GRE tests mathematical reasoning more than computation.

Recommended resources for calculator-free GRE prep:

• ETS’s official GRE math review
• Khan Academy’s mental math exercises
• GRE prep books with “no calculator” problem sets

Final Tips for GRE Calculator Success

1. Practice with the official calculator: ETS offers a practice tool that mimics the test day calculator.
2. Time management: Don’t spend too much time on any single calculation-heavy problem.
3. Double-check entries: It’s easy to misclick on the on-screen calculator.
4. Know when not to use it: Many problems are faster to solve without the calculator.
5. Review basic math: The better your fundamental skills, the less you’ll need the calculator.

Remember, the GRE is designed to test your reasoning abilities, not your calculation speed. While the calculator is available for Quantitative Reasoning, the most successful test-takers are those who use it judiciously and rely primarily on their mathematical understanding.

For the most current information, always check the official ETS GRE website before your test date, as policies can change.