SAT Calculator Policy 2026: Desmos vs Handheld Calculators

You can use a calculator throughout the SAT Math section.

You have two main options:

1. Bluebook's built-in Desmos calculator;
2. your own approved handheld calculator.

The important current rule:

CAS calculators are no longer allowed.

CAS means computer algebra system.

What Bluebook gives you

Bluebook includes Desmos in two modes:

• graphing;
• scientific.

You can switch between them during Math.

That means you do not need to buy a graphing calculator just for the SAT.

Can you bring your own calculator?

Yes, if it meets College Board rules.

Permitted types include:

• non-CAS graphing calculators;
• scientific calculators;
• basic four-function calculators.

College Board recommends using something familiar.

What is prohibited?

College Board currently prohibits calculators with CAS functionality.

That includes calculators that can symbolically:

• factor expressions;
• expand algebra;
• solve equations into exact symbolic forms.

Also prohibited are calculator apps on phones and other unauthorized devices.

Why CAS matters

A CAS can perform algebra symbolically in ways that provide a different level of assistance from ordinary numerical/graphing calculators.

College Board changed its policy to keep test conditions fairer.

Desmos vs handheld: which should you use?

Choose Desmos if:

• you already practice with it;
• graph intersections are useful to you;
• you want fewer things to carry;
• you are comfortable typing equations.

Bring a handheld if:

• you are faster on familiar calculator keys;
• you prefer physical buttons;
• you want a backup;
• some arithmetic feels slower in Desmos.

You may use both if your handheld is allowed.

Questions where Desmos can be excellent

• systems of equations;
• roots/intersections;
• quadratics;
• regression/modeling;
• checking tables;
• graph behavior.

Questions where a calculator may slow you down

Example:

[ 3x+5=20 ]

Solving by hand:

[ 3x=15,\quad x=5 ]

Opening a graph for this may take longer. For more on solving equations like this efficiently by hand, see the linear equations guide.

Practice rule

Do not decide your calculator strategy on test day.

Take practice modules using the same approach you plan to use on the real SAT. Browse more SAT Math guides for other topic-specific strategies.

Calculator checklist

• Is my handheld non-CAS?
• Is it permitted?
• Are stored documents/programs removed if required?
• Are batteries fresh?
• Do I know Desmos?
• Do I know when not to use a calculator?

Bottom line

For most students, the strongest setup is:

be comfortable with Bluebook Desmos and bring a familiar approved non-CAS calculator only if it genuinely helps you.

Official source

• College Board Calculator Policy: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/in-school-assessments/calculator-policy

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