SAT Calculator Policy Update: What’s Changed? (2025)

The College Board has announced an important update to the SAT calculator policy that will affect all test takers starting in August 2025 for weekend SAT administrations and October 2025 for in-school SAT and PSAT-related assessments.

The Big Change

The major change of this year’s calculator policy update: Calculators with CAS (Computer Algebra System) functionality will no longer be allowed.

This update aims to ensure fairness, as CAS calculators provide advantages (like symbolic algebra solving) that go beyond what the SAT is designed to measure.

Why the SAT Has a Calculator Policy

The SAT’s calculator policy exists to make sure every student has the same, fair testing experience.

Using an unapproved calculator—or misusing your calculator during the test—can result in being dismissed from the exam and having your scores canceled.

The policy is also designed to prevent calculators from being used to store, share, or copy test questions.

General Guidelines for SAT Calculators

Students can use either:

• Their own approved handheld calculator, or
• The Desmos calculator embedded in Bluebook (with both graphing and scientific options).

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• ✅ Only non-CAS calculators are allowed.
• ✅ Graphing, scientific, and four-function calculators are permitted (with some restrictions).
• ✅ Calculators are optional, but using a familiar model is recommended.
• ✅ You are responsible for making sure your calculator works and has fresh batteries.
• ❌ Calculators cannot be shared.
• ❌ Calculators cannot store programs, documents, or apps with algebra manipulation features.
• ❌ Calculators cannot be used during Reading and Writing modules.

Acceptable Calculators for the SAT

1. Embedded Desmos Calculator (in Bluebook)
   • Comes with both scientific and graphing modes.
   • Great option if you’re already familiar with Desmos.
2. Graphing Calculators (Non-CAS)
   • Plotting and graphing windows
   • Data analysis tools
   • Trigonometric functions
   • Programming options
3. Scientific Calculators
   • Useful for statistics, trig, and scientific notation.
4. Four-Function Calculators (not recommended)
   • Basic add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
   • Lacks advanced features and may slow you down.

Tip: Learn to Use Desmos

We totally understand that at school you’re used to using your own calculators for tests and exams. But for such a big test as the SAT, you really want to minimize risk of something going wrong. Having a backup, aka Desmos, and knowing how to use it are going to eliminate your anxiety of something going wrong with your calculator. Below are the pros and cons of using both.

Feature	Bringing Your Own Calculator	Using Built-in Desmos (Bluebook)
Familiarity	You can use the same calculator you practice with.	Different interface; requires practice to avoid mistakes.
Speed of Input	Physical buttons allow faster, tactile input.	No physical buttons; may take longer to enter data.
Reliability	Works independently; not affected by Bluebook lag.	Depends on computer performance; potential small delays.
Compliance	Must double-check model to ensure it’s non-CAS.	Always approved; no risk of violating calculator policy.
Risk of Failure	Batteries can die or device may malfunction.	No hardware issues; always available in the test app.
Convenience	Requires carrying and preparing batteries.	No extra device needed; built-in and ready to go.
Learning Curve	No extra learning if you already know your model.	Requires practice with Desmos interface.
Backup Option	If it fails, you must switch to Desmos anyway.	Always available as a fallback.

The goal here is not to replace your calculator with Desmos. You learn to use it simply because it’s your last safety net.

Prohibited Calculators for the SAT

The following calculators will get you into trouble if you bring them to the test:

• Any CAS (Computer Algebra System) models
  • Casio: ClassPad 300/330/400, fx-CP400, fx-CG500, Algebra fx 2.0
  • HP: HP Prime, HP 48GII, 40G/49G/50G models
  • TI: TI-Nspire CAS, TI-Nspire CX II CAS, all TI-89 and TI-92 models
• Calculators with QWERTY keyboards
• Calculators with wireless, Bluetooth, or cellular capability
• Devices with cameras or recording features
• Tablets, laptops, and phones
• Calculators with paper tape
• Any calculator that performs symbolic algebra manipulation

Calculator Tips for Test Day

• Practice with your calculator ahead of time. Don’t use a brand-new one on test day.
• Know when not to use it. Some questions are faster without a calculator.
• Use scratch paper. Write out steps before reaching for your calculator.
• Bring backups. If your handheld calculator dies, you can switch to the built-in Desmos.
• Check batteries. A dead calculator can create unnecessary stress.
• Charge your devices the night before the test. Not just your calculator, but also your laptop.

Final Thoughts

If you’re preparing for the SAT in August 2025 or later, make sure your calculator meets the new requirements. CAS calculators are officially out.

To avoid surprises:

• Double-check your calculator model.
• Practice with the same calculator you’ll use on test day.
• Get comfortable with the Desmos calculator inside Bluebook.

The right preparation means fewer worries on test day—and more focus on solving problems with confidence.

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