Can You Use a Calculator on the Revised GRE?

An interactive tool and guide to the official GRE calculator policy.

GRE Calculator Policy Checker

Select a section of the GRE to see if a calculator is permitted.

What is the Policy on Using a Calculator on the GRE?

The question “can you use a calculator on the revised GRE” is one of the most common among test-takers. The short answer is **yes**, but with significant restrictions. You are provided an on-screen calculator, but only for specific sections, and you are strictly prohibited from bringing your own. Understanding the nuances of this policy is crucial for an effective test-day strategy.

The GRE is designed to test your reasoning abilities, not your computational speed. Therefore, the availability of a calculator is limited to prevent over-reliance on it. This guide will help you understand where and how to use the provided tool. For those planning their study schedule, using a GRE Score Calculator can provide valuable insights into your performance.

The On-Screen GRE Calculator Explained

For the computer-based GRE, test-takers have access to a basic on-screen calculator. You cannot bring your own device. This tool is intentionally simple to ensure the focus remains on your problem-solving skills.

Calculator Features and Limitations

Features of the Official On-Screen GRE Calculator

Feature	Description	Strategic Implication
Basic Operations	Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division	Useful for arithmetic with large or awkward numbers.
Square Root	Includes a square root (√) function.	Helpful for geometry and number properties questions.
Memory Functions	Memory Recall (MR), Memory Clear (MC), and Memory Sum (M+).	Allows you to store an intermediate result for multi-step problems.
Parentheses	Allows for grouping operations to respect the order of operations.	Crucial for ensuring complex calculations are performed correctly.
Transfer Display	A button to transfer the result directly into the answer box for Numeric Entry questions.	Saves time and prevents transcription errors, but you must still ensure the answer format is correct (e.g., rounded).
No Advanced Functions	Lacks exponents, logarithms, or trigonometric functions.	Signals that the GRE does not test these advanced calculation skills directly.

Rules by Test Section: Where Can You Use the Calculator?

The ability to use the calculator is not universal across the GRE. It is section-specific.

Quantitative Reasoning

**Yes, the calculator is available** during the entire Quantitative Reasoning section. This is the only part of the exam where the on-screen tool is provided. It’s intended to help with tedious calculations, like long division or multiplying multi-digit numbers, freeing up your mental energy for the logical aspect of the problem. However, many questions are designed to be solved more quickly through reasoning and estimation. Over-reliance on the calculator here can actually slow you down. Many students find it helpful to practice with tools that simulate test day, such as a GRE calculator tool online.

Verbal Reasoning & Analytical Writing

**No, the calculator is not available** for the Verbal Reasoning or the Analytical Writing sections. These sections assess your ability to analyze text and construct arguments, skills where a calculator offers no benefit.

Practical Examples of Calculator Use

Example 1: When the Calculator is Useful

Question: A company’s profits were $145,800 in 2022. If profits in 2023 were 15% higher, what were the profits in 2023?

• Input: Initial Profit: 145,800, Increase: 15% (or 1.15)
• Calculation: 145800 * 1.15
• Result: 167,670. Here, the calculator is efficient for a direct arithmetic task.

Example 2: When Mental Math is Better

Question: Which is greater, 5/8 or 0.6?

• Calculator Method: Type 5 ÷ 8 to get 0.625. Compare 0.625 to 0.6. This is effective but might take a few seconds.
• Mental Math Method: You might know the decimal equivalent of 1/8 is 0.125. So, 5/8 is 5 * 0.125 = 0.625. Alternatively, you could convert 0.6 to a fraction (6/10 = 3/5) and compare 5/8 to 3/5. Often, reasoning is faster.

Developing your number sense is a key part of GRE prep. For more GRE calculator tips, there are many resources available to help you strategize.

How to Use This GRE Calculator Policy Checker

1. Select the Section: Use the dropdown menu at the top of the page.
2. Choose a GRE Section: Pick from Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, or Analytical Writing.
3. View the Result: The tool will instantly display a clear “Yes” or “No” along with an explanation of the policy for that specific section.
4. Reset: Click the “Reset” button to clear the result and check another section.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Strategy

• Question Type: Quantitative Comparison questions often hinge on logic and number properties (e.g., positive/negative, integer/fraction) rather than complex calculation. The calculator may not be helpful here.
• Number Complexity: If a problem involves “nice” numbers (e.g., 100, 25, 5000), it’s often a sign that there’s a logical shortcut you should look for before reaching for the calculator.
• Time Pressure: Using the on-screen calculator takes time. Clicking the numbers can be slower than mental math for simple operations. Practice is key to becoming efficient.
• Answer Choices: If the answer choices are widely spread apart, you can often estimate the answer much faster than calculating it precisely.
• Numeric Entry Questions: The calculator is often most useful for these questions, as you must produce an exact number. The “Transfer Display” feature is particularly valuable here.
• Personal Math Fluency: Your own comfort with mental math should dictate your strategy. If you are prone to simple arithmetic errors, using the calculator as a quick check can be a smart move.

If you’re wondering, “does the new GRE allow a calculator on the quant section,” the answer remains yes, just like the older version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring my own calculator to the GRE?

No, you are strictly prohibited from bringing any personal calculator, including a graphing or scientific one. Only the provided on-screen calculator is allowed.

2. Is the calculator the same for the at-home and test center GRE?

Yes, the on-screen calculator provided by ETS is identical in functionality for both the at-home version of the GRE and the one taken at a designated test center.

3. What functions does the GRE calculator have?

It has basic arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide), a square root function, parentheses, and memory storage (M+, MR, MC).

4. Are there any sections without a calculator?

Yes, the Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections do not have a calculator. It is only available for Quantitative Reasoning.

5. Should I use the calculator on every quant question?

No, this is a poor strategy. Many questions are designed to be solved faster with logic or estimation. Only use the calculator for tedious computations that you can’t do quickly in your head.

6. Does the calculator follow the order of operations (PEMDAS)?

Yes, the GRE calculator correctly follows the mathematical order of operations (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction).

7. Can the calculator handle fractions?

No, it is a decimal calculator. You must convert fractions to decimals by performing the division (e.g., enter 3 ÷ 4 for 3/4). Avoid this if the question asks for a fractional answer.

8. Where can I practice with a similar calculator?

The official ETS POWERPREP practice tests include an on-screen calculator that is identical to the one you will use on test day. This is the best way to get comfortable with its functionality. There are other resources to help you learn how to use the GRE calculator as well.