Can You Use a Calculator During the GRE?
An interactive tool to determine the official GRE calculator policy for each section of the exam.
GRE Calculator Policy Checker
Select a test section to see the official calculator rule.
Key Details:
What is the GRE Calculator Policy?
A common question among test-takers is: can you use a calculator during the GRE? The short answer is yes, but only in a very specific context. You cannot bring your own calculator. Instead, an on-screen calculator is provided by ETS, but it’s only available for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. For the Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections, no calculator is provided or permitted.
This policy is designed to test a balance of skills. The Quantitative Reasoning section allows a calculator for tedious arithmetic, while the rest of the exam focuses on logic, reasoning, and critical thinking without computational aids. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective GRE test preparation.
GRE On-Screen Calculator: Formula and Explanation
The on-screen calculator provided during the GRE is a basic-function tool. It is not a scientific calculator and does not have advanced functions like graphing. Its primary purpose is to assist with arithmetic that is too cumbersome for mental math, such as long division or multiplication of large numbers.
The calculator follows the standard order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). This means it evaluates expressions in parentheses first, followed by exponents, then multiplication and division (from left to right), and finally addition and subtraction (from left to right).
Calculator Functions Table
| Function | Meaning | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Arithmetic (+, -, *, /) | Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division | Standard operations for basic calculations. |
| Square Root (√) | Finds the square root of a number | Useful for geometry and number properties questions. |
| Memory (M+, MR, MC) | Memory Sum, Memory Recall, Memory Clear | Allows storing a value for multi-step problems. Be careful, M+ adds to the current memory value. |
| Parentheses ( ) | Groups operations | Essential for controlling the order of operations. |
| Transfer Display | Transfers the result to the answer box | Available for Numeric Entry questions to reduce transcription errors. |
Practical Examples of Using the GRE Calculator
Example 1: Complex Arithmetic
Imagine a question requires you to calculate (45 * 12) / 18. While possible to do mentally, it’s faster and less error-prone with the calculator. You would simply input the numbers and operations to get the result of 30 quickly.
Example 2: Data Interpretation
In a Data Interpretation question, you might be asked to find the percentage change between two values, such as a budget increase from $1,345,500 to $1,580,200. The calculator is ideal for this: (1,580,200 – 1,345,500) / 1,345,500. This kind of calculation is exactly what the GRE Quantitative Reasoning calculator is for.
How to Use This GRE Calculator Policy Checker
Using our tool is simple and provides instant clarity on the question of whether you can use a calculator during the GRE.
- Select the Section: Use the dropdown menu to choose the GRE section you are curious about (Quantitative, Verbal, or Writing).
- View the Result: The tool will instantly display the official policy, telling you if a calculator is allowed.
- Read the Details: The results area provides key context, such as whether the calculator is on-screen and if you can bring your own.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use Strategy
- Question Complexity: Don’t reach for the calculator on simple problems. It’s often faster to solve them mentally.
- Time Management: The on-screen calculator can be clunky. Over-reliance can cost you precious time. Practice using it during your prep to build speed.
- Mental Math Skills: Strong mental math is your most valuable tool. The GRE is designed so that many problems can be solved more elegantly with reasoning than with brute force calculation.
- Estimation: Before calculating, estimate the answer. This helps you catch key-entry errors if the calculator’s result is wildly different.
- Numeric Entry Questions: The “Transfer Display” button is a key feature for these questions, helping to avoid typos when entering your final answer.
- Knowing the Functions: Be familiar with how the memory and parenthesis functions work before test day to avoid confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bring my own calculator to the GRE?
No, you absolutely cannot. Personal calculators are strictly prohibited. You may only use the on-screen calculator provided by ETS during the Quantitative sections.
2. Is the calculator available for all GRE sections?
No. The calculator is only available for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. It is not available for the Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing sections.
3. Is the GRE calculator scientific?
No, it is a basic, four-function calculator with square root and memory functions. It does not have graphing, trigonometric, or other advanced capabilities.
4. Does the calculator follow the order of operations (PEMDAS)?
Yes, the official GRE on-screen calculator correctly follows the standard order of operations.
5. Should I use the calculator on every math question?
No. This is a common mistake. Many GRE quant problems are designed to reward estimation and logical reasoning. Using the calculator for simple math can slow you down. Only use it for calculations that are genuinely tedious.
6. Is the calculator the same for the at-home and test center GRE?
Yes, the on-screen calculator and its functionality are the same whether you take the test at home or in a testing center.
7. How do I practice with the GRE calculator?
The official ETS POWERPREP practice tests include the same on-screen calculator you’ll see on test day. Familiarizing yourself with its use is a key part of effective GRE practice.
8. What happens if I try to perform an invalid operation?
The calculator will display “ERROR” if you attempt an undefined operation, such as dividing by zero or taking the square root of a negative number.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Continue your GRE preparation with these helpful resources:
- GRE Score Calculator – Estimate your scaled score based on your performance.
- GMAT vs. GRE: Which Test is Right for You? – A quiz to help you decide.
- Average GRE Scores by Program – See what scores are competitive for your target schools.
- GRE Vocabulary Flashcards – Build your verbal skills with our interactive flashcards.
- GRE Math Cheat Sheet – A quick reference for key formulas and concepts.
- Analytical Writing Templates – Structure your essays for a top score.