Can I Use 2 Calculators on the SAT? Policy Checker

This tool helps you determine if bringing a second, backup calculator to the SAT is compliant with the College Board’s official policy.

SAT Backup Calculator Policy Checker

What Does “Can I Use 2 Calculators on the SAT” Mean?

The question “can I use 2 calculators on the SAT” is a common point of confusion for students preparing for the exam. The core of the issue is not about bringing two devices to the test center, but how you are permitted to use them during the test. The College Board’s policy is designed to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair technological advantage.

Essentially, you are allowed to bring a second, backup calculator. However, you are strictly prohibited from using two calculators simultaneously or switching back and forth between them at will. The second calculator is treated as an emergency backup. If your primary calculator malfunctions (e.g., the battery dies), you must get permission from the proctor before you can use your backup.

The SAT Calculator Policy: Rules and Logic

There isn’t a mathematical formula for this topic, but rather a logical one based on official rules. Our calculator uses this logic to determine if your plan is compliant. The “variables” are the policy points you must follow.

Here is a breakdown of the decision-making criteria:

Table of Policy Variables and Their Meanings

Variable (Policy Point)	Meaning	Unit / Value	Typical Range
Intended Use	The student’s plan for the second calculator.	Categorical	Backup Use vs. Simultaneous Use
Calculator Approval	Whether the device model is permitted by the College Board.	Boolean (Yes/No)	Must be an approved, non-CAS model.
Proctor Permission	The required action before switching to a backup.	Action	Must raise hand and get approval.
Prohibited Features	Features that automatically disqualify a calculator.	List	No Wi-Fi, QWERTY keyboards, power cords, etc.

Practical Examples of the Policy

Example 1: Compliant Backup Scenario

• Inputs: A student brings a TI-84 Plus (primary) and a TI-30X (backup). Both are on the approved SAT calculators list.
• Situation: During the math section, the TI-84’s battery dies. The student places the backup under their chair as instructed.
• Action: The student raises their hand, informs the proctor, and receives permission to swap calculators.
• Result: This is perfectly within the rules. The student finishes the test with the backup calculator.

Example 2: Non-Compliant Scenario

• Inputs: A student brings two different graphing calculators.
• Situation: The student attempts to use one for basic calculations and the other for graphing functions, switching between them on their desk to save time.
• Action: A proctor observes this.
• Result: This is a violation of the SAT calculator policy. The student risks having their scores canceled. You can only use one calculator at a time.

How to Use This SAT Policy Calculator

This calculator simplifies the official College Board rules into a few easy steps to see if your plan is compliant.

1. Select Your Intended Use: Choose whether you plan to use the second calculator as a backup or if you intend to use both during the test. This is the most important question.
2. Verify Your Primary Calculator: Indicate if your main calculator is an approved model, free of prohibited features.
3. Verify Your Backup Calculator: Do the same for your second, backup calculator. It must also be an approved model.
4. Review Your Result: The calculator will immediately display a clear “Yes” or “No” and provide an explanation based on the official rules.
5. Check the Compliance Chart: The visual bar chart gives you an instant sense of how compliant your plan is.

Key Factors That Affect if You Can Use 2 Calculators

1. Official Approval: Both the primary and backup calculators must be on the College Board’s list of approved models. Check the official College Board calculator rules before test day.
2. Prohibited Features: Any calculator with features like a QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi or other internet connectivity, paper tape, or that makes noise is strictly forbidden.
3. One-at-a-Time Rule: The absolute most critical factor is that you can only use one calculator at any given time. The second is for emergency swaps only.
4. Proctor Interaction: You cannot simply swap your calculators. You must stop, raise your hand, and get explicit permission from the proctor before accessing your backup.
5. Proper Storage: During the exam, the backup calculator must be stored under your desk, not in your bag or on the desktop.
6. Digital SAT Considerations: For the digital SAT, a powerful Desmos graphing calculator is built into the testing application. While you can still bring your own, this built-in tool serves as a reliable primary or backup option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring a scientific and a graphing calculator?

Yes, you can bring one of each, provided both are approved models. However, you must declare one as your primary and keep the other as a backup under your desk. You cannot switch between them based on the type of problem.

2. What happens if my calculator battery dies?

This is the exact reason for the backup policy. If your calculator fails, raise your hand immediately and inform the proctor. They will give you permission to retrieve and use your backup calculator.

3. Where do I keep my backup calculator?

The backup calculator should be placed under your chair/desk at the beginning of the test. It should not be on your desk or in a backpack where it is hard to access quickly after getting permission.

4. Do I need to tell the proctor about my backup calculator beforehand?

No, you do not need to declare it at the start. You only need to interact with the proctor if and when you need to use it.

5. Is it better to just use the built-in Desmos calculator on the Digital SAT?

The built-in Desmos calculator is very powerful. If you are comfortable with it, it can be a great option and eliminates the risk of your own calculator failing. We recommend practicing with it using the Bluebook app. Explore our Digital SAT Guide for more tips.

6. What is a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and why is it banned?

A CAS can perform symbolic manipulation (like solving for x in an equation). These are banned to ensure the test is assessing your math skills, not the calculator’s.

7. Can I use my phone as a calculator?

Absolutely not. All phones, smartwatches, and any device with communication capabilities are strictly prohibited and will lead to dismissal from the test.

8. What if I’m caught using two calculators at once?

Using two calculators simultaneously or switching without permission is a serious violation of test rules. You will likely be dismissed from the test, and your scores will be canceled.