Can You Use a Calculator on the TEAS (2020 & Beyond)?

A clear guide to the official calculator policy for all versions of the ATI TEAS exam.

TEAS Calculator Policy Checker

Get a direct answer. Select your test version and format to see if a calculator is allowed.

What is the Official TEAS Calculator Policy?

For anyone wondering “can you use a calculator on the TEAS 2020” or for the current TEAS 7, the answer is a definitive **YES**, but with a critical rule: **you cannot bring your own calculator**. A calculator is provided for you. The way you access this calculator depends on the test format.

• Online TEAS Exams: A four-function digital calculator is built directly into the testing software. You can open it on your screen during the math section.
• Paper-and-Pencil TEAS Exams: The proctor at the testing center will provide you with a simple handheld, four-function calculator.

This policy ensures fairness and prevents the use of advanced calculators with stored formulas or graphing capabilities. The provided calculator is available only for the Math section of the exam.

TEAS Calculator Rules: TEAS 6 vs. TEAS 7

The calculator policy has remained consistent between the older TEAS 6 (the version active in 2020) and the current TEAS 7. Both versions provide a basic, four-function calculator and strictly prohibit personal calculators. Check out our TEAS 7 Study Guide for more details on the latest exam version.

Table 1: Comparison of Calculator Policies for TEAS Versions

Feature	TEAS 6 (2020 Version)	TEAS 7 (Current Version)
Personal Calculator Allowed?	No	No
Calculator Provided?	Yes	Yes
Type of Calculator	Basic four-function (+, -, ×, ÷)	Basic four-function with % and √ keys
Format	Built-in for online tests; provided for paper tests	Built-in for online tests; provided for paper tests
Availability	Math section only	Math section only

How to Use This TEAS Policy Calculator

Our tool at the top of this page is designed to give you a quick and easy answer based on your specific situation.

1. Select Your Test Version: Choose between TEAS 7 (the current test) or TEAS 6 if you are curious about the rules from 2020.
2. Select Your Test Format: Indicate whether you are taking the test online or in the traditional paper-and-pencil format.
3. Click “Check Policy”: The tool will instantly display a clear message telling you the specific calculator rule for your selections.

Practicing these steps will help you understand what to expect. For more hands-on experience, try our TEAS Math Practice Test.

Practical Examples of the Calculator Policy

Understanding the rule is easier with real-world scenarios.

• Example 1: Maria is taking the TEAS 7 online in 2024.
  When Maria gets to the math section, a button will appear on her screen to launch a digital calculator. She cannot use the calculator on her computer’s operating system or a handheld one.
• Example 2: David took the TEAS 6 on paper at his nursing school in 2020.
  Before the math section began, the proctor handed David a basic, physical calculator for his use. He was required to return it after the section was complete.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use

While the main rule is simple, a few factors define the experience:

1. Test Version: The biggest difference is that the TEAS 7 calculator includes square root (√) and percent (%) functions, while the TEAS 6 version was more basic.
2. Testing Modality: This is the most significant factor. Online exams always have a built-in digital calculator, while in-person paper exams rely on proctors to distribute physical ones.
3. Exam Section: The calculator is a tool for the Math section only. It is not available for the Reading, Science, or English and Language Usage sections.
4. Proctoring Rules: Whether online or in-person, proctors enforce the “no personal items” rule, which includes phones, smartwatches, and, of course, personal calculators.
5. Test Software: The ATI testing software governs access to the digital calculator, ensuring it only appears during the appropriate section.
6. Institutional Overlays: While rare, a specific nursing school might have an additional instruction, but they cannot override the core ATI rule of no personal calculators. Always check your registration confirmation.

For more on test rules, see our article on What is the TEAS test?.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring my own calculator to the TEAS test?
No. Personal calculators of any kind are strictly forbidden. You must use the one provided.

2. What kind of calculator is on the TEAS test?
It is a basic, four-function calculator. The TEAS 7 version also includes a percent (%) key and a square root (√) key. It does not have scientific functions like trigonometry or exponents.

3. Does the TEAS calculator policy from 2020 still apply?
Yes, the core policy is the same. The TEAS 6 was used in 2020, and like the current TEAS 7, it provided a calculator and banned personal ones. The functionality of the provided calculator is the main small difference.

4. Do you get a calculator for the entire TEAS exam?
No, the calculator is only available for the Math section.

5. Is the online TEAS exam calculator easy to use?
Yes, it is a simple pop-up window with large buttons for basic operations. It’s recommended to practice with an online simulator if you are worried. This is a key part of understanding the TEAS test calculator rules.

6. What happens if I’m caught with my own calculator?
You risk having your test invalidated and being dismissed from the testing session. It is considered a serious breach of testing rules.

7. Can I use scratch paper?
Yes, you will be provided with scratch paper (or a whiteboard for some online tests) for your calculations. You must return all paper at the end of the exam.

8. Is the calculator the same for online tests taken at home versus at a center?
Yes. If you are taking the online version of the TEAS, the software and its built-in calculator are the same regardless of your location.