GRE Calculator Policy Checker
Can You Use a Calculator on the GRE?
Select the test and section/subject to see the calculator policy.
Calculator Type Allowed: –
Allowed For: –
Specific Restrictions: –
GRE Calculator Policy Summary Table
| Test Type | Section / Subject | Calculator Allowed? | Type & Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE General Test | Quantitative Reasoning | Yes | On-screen calculator provided by ETS. No personal calculators. |
| GRE General Test | Verbal Reasoning | No | Not allowed. |
| GRE General Test | Analytical Writing | No | Not allowed. |
| GRE Subject Test | Mathematics | No | Not allowed. |
| GRE Subject Test | Physics | Yes | Battery/solar-powered, non-graphing, non-programmable scientific calculator. No memory use. |
| GRE Subject Test | Psychology | No | Not allowed. |
| GRE Subject Test | Chemistry | Yes | Battery/solar-powered, non-graphing, non-programmable scientific calculator. No memory use. |
| GRE Subject Test | Biology | Yes | Battery/solar-powered, non-graphing, non-programmable scientific calculator. No memory use. |
| GRE Subject Test | Literature in English | No | Not allowed. |
Calculator Allowance Across GRE Tests (Illustrative)
Can You Use a Calculator on the GRE? Understanding the Rules
Many prospective graduate students ask, “Can you use a calculator on the GRE?” The answer is not a simple yes or no; it depends on which GRE test you are taking and, in some cases, which section of the test.
What is the GRE Calculator Policy?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, has specific rules regarding calculator use. For the GRE General Test, an on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. You cannot bring your own calculator. For the GRE Subject Tests, the policy varies by subject, with some allowing specific types of handheld calculators and others prohibiting them entirely. Understanding if can you use a calculator on the GRE is crucial for test preparation.
It’s vital to know these rules before test day to avoid any surprises or issues. Using an unapproved calculator or attempting to use one in a section where it’s not allowed can lead to score cancellation or other penalties.
Who Needs to Know This?
Anyone preparing to take either the GRE General Test or one of the GRE Subject Tests needs to be fully aware of the calculator policy. This information directly impacts how you should prepare for the quantitative sections of the tests.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that you can bring your own favorite calculator to the GRE General Test – you cannot. The on-screen calculator is the only one permitted. Another is assuming all Subject Tests have the same calculator policy; they do not.
GRE Calculator Policy: Decision Logic
The determination of whether can you use a calculator on the GRE follows specific rules set by ETS:
- Identify the Test Type: Is it the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test?
- For the General Test: Identify the section. Calculators (on-screen) are only for Quantitative Reasoning.
- For Subject Tests: Identify the specific subject. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology allow certain handheld calculators, while Mathematics, Psychology, and Literature in English do not.
The logic is based on the nature of the test and what it aims to measure. Some tests assess mathematical reasoning and problem-solving without calculator aid, while others allow it for more complex computations.
Variables in the Decision:
| Variable | Meaning | Possible Values |
|---|---|---|
| Test Type | The specific GRE test being taken | General Test, Subject Test |
| General Test Section | The section within the General Test | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
| Subject Test Name | The specific subject of the Subject Test | Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, Literature |
| Calculator Allowed | Whether a calculator is permitted | Yes, No |
| Calculator Type | The kind of calculator allowed, if any | On-screen, Handheld (Scientific, Non-programmable), None |
Practical Examples
Example 1: GRE General Test, Quantitative Reasoning
A student is taking the GRE General Test and is about to start a Quantitative Reasoning section.
- Test Type: GRE General Test
- Section: Quantitative Reasoning
- Result: Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided by ETS within the test interface. The student cannot use their own.
Example 2: GRE Subject Test in Physics
A student is preparing for the GRE Subject Test in Physics.
- Test Type: GRE Subject Test
- Subject: Physics
- Result: Yes, the student can use a battery- or solar-powered, non-graphing, non-programmable scientific calculator. They should ensure their calculator meets these requirements and that its memory is cleared.
Example 3: GRE Subject Test in Mathematics
A student is taking the GRE Subject Test in Mathematics.
- Test Type: GRE Subject Test
- Subject: Mathematics
- Result: No, calculators are not permitted for the GRE Subject Test in Mathematics.
How to Use This Calculator Policy Checker
- Select the Test Type: Choose “GRE General Test” or “GRE Subject Test” from the first dropdown.
- Specify Section or Subject:
- If you selected “GRE General Test,” choose the relevant section (“Quantitative Reasoning,” “Verbal Reasoning,” or “Analytical Writing”).
- If you selected “GRE Subject Test,” choose the specific subject you are interested in.
- Check the Policy: Click the “Check Policy” button.
- Read the Results: The primary result will clearly state “Yes” or “No” regarding calculator use, and the intermediate results will provide details on the type of calculator (if any) and restrictions. The table below also summarizes the policies.
Understanding if can you use a calculator on the GRE helps you prepare appropriately by practicing with or without a calculator as needed.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use on the GRE
- Test Type (General vs. Subject): The fundamental division in calculator policy. The General Test has a uniform policy (on-screen for Quant), while Subject Tests vary.
- Specific Subject (for Subject Tests): Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology allow calculators due to the nature of the calculations involved, whereas Mathematics, Psychology, and Literature do not.
- Section of the General Test: For the General Test, only Quantitative Reasoning allows the on-screen calculator. Verbal and Writing sections do not.
- ETS Regulations: The rules are set by ETS and are subject to change, although they have been stable for some time. Always check the official ETS website for the latest information before your test.
- Calculator Specifications (for Subject Tests): When allowed, only specific types of handheld calculators are permitted – typically non-graphing, non-programmable scientific ones.
- Test Center Rules: While ETS sets the policy, test center proctors enforce it. Ensure you follow all instructions given at the center.
Being aware of these factors ensures you know whether can you use a calculator on the GRE for your specific test date and subject.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I bring my own calculator to the GRE General Test?
A1: No, you cannot bring your own calculator to the GRE General Test. An on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning sections only.
Q2: What kind of calculator is provided on the GRE General Test?
A2: The GRE General Test provides a basic on-screen calculator with functions for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root, as well as memory keys.
Q3: Do all GRE Subject Tests allow calculators?
A3: No. The Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Subject Tests permit specific handheld calculators, but the Mathematics, Psychology, and Literature in English Subject Tests do not.
Q4: What type of handheld calculator is allowed for the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Subject Tests?
A4: You may use a battery- or solar-powered, non-graphing, non-programmable scientific calculator. Calculators with programming features or those that can store text/formulas are not allowed. You cannot use the memory functions to store test material.
Q5: Should I practice with the on-screen calculator for the General Test?
A5: Yes, it is highly recommended to practice with the on-screen calculator available in the official GRE PowerPrep practice tests to become familiar with its functionality and interface before test day. Knowing if you can you use a calculator on the GRE and how to use the provided one is important.
Q6: What happens if I try to use a prohibited calculator?
A6: If you are caught using a prohibited calculator or using a calculator in a section where it’s not allowed, your scores may be canceled, and you may be barred from future testing.
Q7: Where can I find the official ETS calculator policy?
A7: Always refer to the official ETS GRE website or the bulletin for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding calculator policies for both the General and Subject Tests.
Q8: Is the on-screen calculator available for the entire GRE General Test?
A8: No, the on-screen calculator is only available during the Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE General Test. It is not available during the Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing sections.
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