SAT™ Math Calculator Section: Strategies & Tips

The Math Calculator section is the longest part of the SAT Math test. You have 55 minutes to answer 38 questions. While having a calculator is a great advantage, knowing when and how to use it is the key to success.

Contents

• Approved Calculators
• To Use or Not to Use?

Approved Calculators

First, make sure your calculator is permitted. The College Board allows most graphing calculators (like the TI-84), all scientific calculators, and four-function calculators. Prohibited devices include laptops, smartwatches, or any calculator with a QWERTY keyboard or internet access.

To Use or Not to Use?

The biggest mistake students make is trying to use their calculator for every single question. This can waste precious time. Before reaching for your device, always ask yourself: “Can I solve this faster mentally or on paper?”

Use your calculator for:

• Complex arithmetic (multiplication/division of large numbers, decimals, or fractions)
• Graphing functions to find intersections, roots, or vertices
• Solving systems of equations
• Statistical calculations

Don’t use your calculator for:

• Simple arithmetic you can do in your head
• Algebraic manipulation (like simplifying expressions or solving for a variable)
• Questions that test conceptual understanding rather than calculation