We’re not here to preach about the evils of calculators. By all means, get the best calculator you can find, as long as complies with the official SAT calculator policy, which is as follows.
This is the fourth article in our SAT Math Overview series. The series includes:
We recommend that you bring a calculator to use on the math section of the SAT. Every question on the test can be solved without a calculator; however, using a calculator on some questions may be helpful to you. A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended.
Acceptable SAT Calculators:
graphing calculators
scientific calculators
four-function calculators (not recommended)
If you have a calculator with characters that are 1 inch or higher, or if your calculator has a raised display that might be visible to other test-takers, you will be seated at the discretion of the test supervisor.
You will not be allowed to share calculators. You will be dismissed and your scores canceled if you use your calculator to share information during the test or to remove test questions or answers from the test room.
Unacceptable SAT Calculators:
Unacceptable calculators are those that:
use QWERTY (typewriter-like) keypads
require an electrical outlet
“talk” or make unusual noises
use paper tape
are electronic writing pads, pen input/stylus-driven devices, pocket organizers, cell phones, powerbooks, or handheld or laptop computers
But remember, the SAT is testing your critical thinking skills more than it is testing your ability to pound out numbers on a calculator. Resist the urge to use the calculator, especially in practice, and you may be surprised how it helps you develop your intuitive math skills that will get you a higher SAT score.
Every question can, in theory, be answered without the use of a calculator. There are times, however, when a calculator makes sense, such as when working with decimal problems.
Below are some recommendations for graphing calculators. If you don’t have one, invest in one today so you get used to using it during your practice. You want to be completely familiar with it by test day. Plus, you will likely use it frequently during your college career.
This concludes our SAT Math Overview series. Please return to our SAT page to review more SAT Test information.
The TestSherpa course will go to great depths with sophisticated methods and techniques you need to know to score the highest you can on the SAT Test. This is simply a basic overview of the SAT test – the absolutely critical information you need to know to start your study. There are a number of very simple strategies that can help you right away. These simple strategies are easy to learn, but you need to practice them and review them frequently until they are second nature to you. You don't want to get to test day and forget something as basic as your watch or have to worry about timing. With the proper practice, the right test strategies will be a habit, maybe not an enjoyable habit, but a good habit nonetheless.
When a solutions fails you, it is time to move on and consider the process of elimination. First, you might consider skipping the question and returning later in the test. The next few questions might be about concepts you are well familiar with, so why spend extra time to get a single point when there are cheaper points to be had? But when it is time to tackle that tough question, here is the way to do it.
Since the math questions are presented in an increasing order of difficulty, dividing the section roughly into thirds will help you manage the section.You do not need a perfect score on the math section to do well on the SAT. Spend time answering the questions that you have the best shot at answering correctly. The last two or three questions on the test might take you several minutes each to answer. That time might be better spent going over some of the earlier questions where you had to make some guesses.