# SAT Calculator Policy Chart for the SAT | 1600.now

Source: https://1600.now/sat-calculator-policy-chart

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Math · chart

## SAT Calculator Policy Chart

The SAT allows calculator use throughout Math. The built-in Desmos calculator changes how students should solve many problems.

### Calculator rules overview

Always check current College Board rules before test day, especially if bringing a personal calculator.

| Calculator option | Allowed? | Best use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Built-in Desmos | Yes | Graphing, tables, [systems](https://1600.now/bank/math/skill/Systems%20of%20two%20linear%20equations%20in%20two%20variables), regressions |
| Approved personal calculator | Yes | Familiar backup |
| Phone calculator | No | Not allowed |
| CAS calculator | Check policy | May be restricted |

### Strategy

Use Desmos when it saves steps. Use mental math when opening the calculator would take longer than solving.

### How to use this on real SAT questions

The important policy point for prep is simple: calculator use is available throughout Math, so practice calculator-first decision making before test day.

- Bring a personal approved calculator only as backup.
- Use the built-in Desmos for graphing, tables, and [regression](https://1600.now/bank/math/skill/Two-variable%20data%3A%20Models%20and%20scatterplots).
- Do not waste time opening Desmos for arithmetic you can do faster mentally.
- Practice with the same workflow you will use in Bluebook.

### How to turn this into SAT Math points

For Math resources, the useful question is always: which setup gets me to the answer fastest? Decide between mental math, paper [algebra](https://1600.now/bank/math/domain/Algebra), Desmos, or answer-choice testing before you start calculating.

- Use Desmos for [intersections](https://1600.now/bank/math/skill/Systems%20of%20two%20linear%20equations%20in%20two%20variables), roots, vertices, tables, and [regression](https://1600.now/bank/math/skill/Two-variable%20data%3A%20Models%20and%20scatterplots).
- Use paper [algebra](https://1600.now/bank/math/domain/Algebra) when the equation is short or already factored.
- Use answer choices when they are ordered and easy to substitute.
- After every miss, label it as setup, [algebra](https://1600.now/bank/math/domain/Algebra), calculator, or reading error.

### Next steps

[Practice calculator math](https://1600.now/bank/math/browse) [Practice systems](https://1600.now/bank/math/skill/Systems%20of%20two%20linear%20equations%20in%20two%20variables) [Practice data models](https://1600.now/bank/math/skill/Two-variable%20data%3A%20Models%20and%20scatterplots) [Practice hard Math](https://1600.now/hard) [Take timed modules](https://1600.now/modules)

### FAQs

#### Is there a no-calculator section on the SAT?

No. Calculator use is allowed throughout the SAT Math section.

#### Do I need to bring a calculator?

No. Desmos is built in, but you may bring an approved calculator as a backup.

### Related SAT resources

- [SAT Desmos Reference Sheet](https://1600.now/sat-desmos-reference-sheet)

  Download the SAT Desmos reference sheet and practice worked intersection, function, root and regression setups with clear answer checks.
- [Desmos SAT Shortcuts](https://1600.now/desmos-sat-shortcuts)

  SAT Desmos keyboard and graphing shortcuts with worked systems, tables, roots, vertices and regressions. Includes real graph examples and practice.
- [SAT Math Formula Chart](https://1600.now/sat-math-formula-chart)

  Every formula on the SAT's Bluebook reference sheet, plus the slope, quadratic, circle, and trig formulas it leaves out. Printable one-page PDF.

[Browse the complete SAT resource library →](https://1600.now/sat-resources)