GRE Calculator Policy Checker
Determine if your calculator is allowed for the GRE exam based on official ETS policies
Calculator Policy Results
Does the GRE Allow Calculators? Complete 2024 Policy Guide
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate programs worldwide. One of the most common questions test-takers have is whether calculators are allowed during the exam. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on several factors including the exam section, format, and type of calculator.
Official ETS Calculator Policy Overview
According to the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, calculator policies vary by test format and section:
- Computer-delivered GRE (Test Center): An on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning section only
- GRE at Home: An on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning section only
- Paper-delivered GRE: Test centers provide a basic four-function calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section
Calculator Policies by GRE Section
| GRE Section | Calculator Allowed | Calculator Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Yes | Basic four-function | Provided on-screen or by test center |
| Verbal Reasoning | No | N/A | No calculators permitted |
| Analytical Writing | No | N/A | No calculators permitted |
Types of Calculators Allowed on the GRE
The GRE only permits the use of very basic calculators, and these are provided by the test center or testing software. Here’s what you need to know:
1. On-Screen Calculator (Computer-delivered and GRE at Home)
- Basic four-function calculator (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
- Square root function
- Memory functions are disabled
- No scientific or graphing capabilities
2. Test Center-Provided Calculator (Paper-delivered GRE)
- Basic four-function calculator
- Typically a simple model like the Texas Instruments TI-108
- No scientific or advanced functions
- Provided at the test center—you cannot bring your own
Calculators NOT Allowed on the GRE
ETS strictly prohibits the following types of calculators:
- Scientific calculators (even non-programmable ones)
- Graphing calculators (TI-84, Casio fx-9750, etc.)
- Programmable calculators (TI-89, HP-50g, etc.)
- Calculators with QWERTY keyboards (TI-92, Voyage 200, etc.)
- Calculators with touchscreens
- Smartphone calculator apps
- Computer software calculators (unless provided by ETS)
- Calculators with paper tape
- Calculators that make noise
- Calculators with wireless or Bluetooth capabilities
How to Prepare Without Your Personal Calculator
Since you won’t be able to use your familiar calculator on test day, here are strategies to prepare effectively:
- Practice with the ETS calculator: Use the POWERPREP® practice tests to get comfortable with the on-screen calculator interface.
- Master mental math: Many GRE questions can be solved with estimation and mental math techniques.
- Learn calculation shortcuts: Practice techniques like:
- Breaking down complex multiplication (e.g., 24 × 15 = 24 × 10 + 24 × 5)
- Using the difference of squares formula (a² – b² = (a-b)(a+b))
- Memorizing common percentage-decimal fractions
- Work with scratch paper: The GRE provides scratch paper—practice organizing your calculations neatly.
- Time management: The on-screen calculator is slower than most personal calculators, so practice pacing yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Calculators
Can I bring my own basic calculator to the GRE?
No. Even if you have a simple four-function calculator, you cannot bring any personal calculators to the test center. The GRE provides all necessary calculation tools.
What if I need a calculator for the Verbal or Writing sections?
Calculators are not permitted for any section except Quantitative Reasoning. The Verbal and Writing sections don’t require mathematical calculations.
Is the GRE calculator different from a regular calculator?
Yes. The GRE calculator is more limited than most basic calculators. It doesn’t have functions like:
- Exponents (other than square roots)
- Trigonometric functions
- Logarithms
- Memory storage between problems
Can I use a calculator on my phone during breaks?
No. All electronic devices must remain turned off and stored away during the entire test session, including breaks. Using any unauthorized device may result in your scores being canceled.
What should I do if the provided calculator malfunctions?
If you’re taking the computer-delivered test and the on-screen calculator isn’t working, notify the test administrator immediately. For paper-delivered tests, request a replacement calculator from the proctor.
GRE Calculator Policy Comparison: GRE vs Other Major Tests
| Test | Calculator Policy | Allowed Calculator Types | Calculator Provided? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE | Basic calculator for Quant only | Four-function only | Yes (on-screen or test center) |
| GMAT | Basic calculator for Quant only | Four-function only | Yes (on-screen) |
| LSAT | No calculators allowed | N/A | No |
| MCAT | No calculators allowed | N/A | No |
| SAT | Calculator allowed for Math (Calculator) section | Most scientific and graphing (with restrictions) | No (bring your own) |
| ACT | Calculator allowed for Math section | Most scientific and graphing (with restrictions) | No (bring your own) |
Expert Tips for Using the GRE Calculator Effectively
While the GRE calculator is limited, you can maximize its effectiveness with these strategies:
- Know when NOT to use it: Many GRE math problems are designed to be solved without a calculator. Often, using the calculator can slow you down.
- Practice with the interface: The on-screen calculator has a specific layout. Familiarize yourself with it during practice tests.
- Use it for verification: Solve problems mentally first, then use the calculator to verify your answer.
- Watch for estimation questions: Some questions ask for approximate answers—don’t waste time calculating exact values.
- Manage your time: The calculator can be slower than you’re used to. Don’t spend more than 2-3 minutes on any single question.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with the GRE Calculator
- Over-reliance: Some test-takers use the calculator for every problem, which wastes valuable time. Many GRE math problems are designed to be solved with logic and estimation.
- Input errors: The on-screen calculator can be finicky. Double-check your entries, especially for negative numbers and decimals.
- Ignoring the paper: Always write down intermediate steps on your scratch paper. The calculator doesn’t have memory functions.
- Forgetting order of operations: The calculator follows standard PEMDAS rules, but it’s easy to make mistakes with complex expressions.
- Not practicing enough: Many test-takers are surprised by how different the GRE calculator feels from their personal calculator. Practice with it extensively.
Alternative Calculation Methods for the GRE
Since the GRE calculator is limited, developing alternative calculation methods can significantly improve your performance:
1. The “Plugging In Numbers” Technique
For abstract problems with variables, try plugging in real numbers that fit the given conditions. This often makes the problem more concrete and easier to solve without a calculator.
2. Backsolving
Start with the answer choices and work backward to see which one fits. This is particularly effective for multiple-choice questions.
3. Estimation
Many GRE questions ask for approximate answers. Round numbers to make calculations easier:
- √8 ≈ 2.8 (since √9 = 3)
- 31% ≈ 30% for estimation
- 1.98 ≈ 2 for quick calculations
4. Fraction-Decimal Conversion
Memorize common conversions to save time:
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 0.333… | 33.3% |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 25% |
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 1/10 | 0.1 | 10% |
Final Recommendations
To ensure you’re fully prepared for the GRE’s calculator policies:
- Take at least 3-5 full-length practice tests using the official ETS practice software to get comfortable with the on-screen calculator.
- Review the GRE Information Bulletin for the most current policies.
- If taking the paper-delivered test, confirm with your test center about their specific calculator provisions.
- Develop strong mental math skills to minimize calculator dependence.
- On test day, arrive early and ask the proctor to clarify any calculator-related questions before the test begins.