Use this tool to determine if your calculator meets the College Board's requirements for use on the SAT exam.
function calculateAcceptability() {
var isAcceptable = true;
var reasons = [];
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Clear previous results
// Get device type
var deviceType;
if (document.getElementById("deviceType_standard").checked) {
deviceType = "standard";
} else if (document.getElementById("deviceType_basic").checked) {
deviceType = "basic";
} else if (document.getElementById("deviceType_phone").checked) {
deviceType = "phone";
} else if (document.getElementById("deviceType_app").checked) {
deviceType = "app";
}
// Check device type disqualifiers
if (deviceType === "phone" || deviceType === "app") {
isAcceptable = false;
reasons.push("It is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, or a calculator app on such a device.");
}
// Check prohibited features (only if not already disqualified by device type)
if (isAcceptable) { // Only check features if the device type itself isn't a disqualifier
if (document.getElementById("feature_qwerty").checked) {
isAcceptable = false;
reasons.push("It has a QWERTY keyboard.");
}
if (document.getElementById("feature_internet").checked) {
isAcceptable = false;
reasons.push("It has internet access, wireless communication, or Bluetooth.");
}
if (document.getElementById("feature_camera").checked) {
isAcceptable = false;
reasons.push("It has a camera, audio/video recording, or pen input/stylus.");
}
if (document.getElementById("feature_paper").checked) {
isAcceptable = false;
reasons.push("It has paper tape output.");
}
if (document.getElementById("feature_electrical").checked) {
isAcceptable = false;
reasons.push("It requires an electrical outlet to function.");
}
}
var resultHTML = "";
if (isAcceptable) {
resultHTML = "Your calculator is ACCEPTABLE for the SAT.";
if (deviceType === "basic") {
resultHTML += "Note: While basic four-function calculators are acceptable, a scientific or graphing calculator is generally recommended for the SAT Math sections as it can handle more complex calculations efficiently.";
}
} else {
resultHTML = "Your calculator is NOT ACCEPTABLE for the SAT.";
if (reasons.length > 0) {
resultHTML += "Reason(s): " + reasons.join(", ") + ".";
} else {
resultHTML += "Please review the College Board's official calculator policy for more details.";
}
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = resultHTML;
}
.calculator-container {
font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
}
.calculator-container h2 {
color: #333;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.calculator-container p {
color: #555;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.form-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
border: 1px solid #eee;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
background-color: #fff;
}
.form-group label {
font-weight: bold;
color: #444;
margin-bottom: 8px;
display: block;
}
.form-group input[type="radio"],
.form-group input[type="checkbox"] {
margin-right: 8px;
}
.form-group label[for] {
font-weight: normal;
display: inline-block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
button {
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
padding: 12px 20px;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 16px;
display: block;
width: 100%;
margin-top: 20px;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
}
button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.result-container {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
background-color: #e9ecef;
border: 1px solid #dee2e6;
text-align: center;
}
.result-container p {
margin: 0;
font-size: 1.1em;
font-weight: bold;
}
.result-container .acceptable {
color: #28a745;
}
.result-container .not-acceptable {
color: #dc3545;
}
.result-container .note {
font-size: 0.9em;
color: #6c757d;
font-weight: normal;
margin-top: 10px;
}
Understanding SAT Calculator Policy: What's Allowed and What's Not
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) includes a Math section where calculator use is permitted and often beneficial. However, the College Board, which administers the SAT, has strict rules about what types of calculators are allowed. Understanding these guidelines is crucial to avoid any issues on test day.
Why Are There Calculator Restrictions?
The primary reason for calculator restrictions is to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantages. Calculators with advanced communication features, internet access, or extensive memory could potentially be used to cheat or access unauthorized information during the exam. The rules aim to level the playing field for all test-takers.
Acceptable Calculators
Generally, most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are permitted, provided they do not have prohibited features. Here's a breakdown:
Four-Function Calculators: These are the most basic calculators, capable of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. While acceptable, they may not be sufficient for all problems on the SAT Math sections, especially those requiring graphing or more complex scientific functions.
Scientific Calculators: These calculators offer more advanced functions like trigonometry, logarithms, and exponents. They are generally well-suited for the SAT Math sections.
Graphing Calculators: Many graphing calculators are allowed, including popular models like the TI-83, TI-84, and Casio fx-9750GII. These are often recommended as they can handle complex equations, graph functions, and perform statistical calculations, which can be very helpful on the exam.
Prohibited Calculators and Features
The following types of devices and features are strictly prohibited:
Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Smartwatches: Any device that can connect to the internet, send messages, or function as a general-purpose computer is not allowed. This includes calculator apps on these devices.
Calculators with QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators that have a full typewriter-style keyboard are prohibited. This is to prevent them from being used as communication devices or for storing extensive notes.
Calculators with Internet Access, Wireless Communication, or Bluetooth: Any calculator capable of connecting wirelessly to other devices or the internet is forbidden.
Calculators with Cameras, Audio/Video Recording, or Pen Input/Stylus: Devices with these features are not allowed as they could be used to record exam content or access external information.
Calculators with Paper Tape Output: Calculators that print out calculations on paper tape are not permitted.
Calculators Requiring an Electrical Outlet: Your calculator must be battery-powered and portable. Devices that need to be plugged into an outlet are not allowed.
Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) Functionality: While many graphing calculators are allowed, some advanced models with CAS capabilities (like the TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, HP 48GII, Casio ClassPad 300/330/360) are generally prohibited because they can perform symbolic manipulation and solve equations algebraically, which could give an unfair advantage. Always check the College Board's official list for specific CAS models.
Tips for Test Day
Check Your Calculator Beforehand: Use the checker above and consult the official College Board website for the most up-to-date list of acceptable and unacceptable calculators.
Bring Familiar Equipment: Use a calculator you are comfortable with and have practiced with extensively.
Fresh Batteries: Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries or bring spare ones. There are no outlets available during the test.
Know How to Use It: Don't bring a calculator with advanced features if you don't know how to use them. Focus on efficiency.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth testing experience and focus on demonstrating your math skills without any calculator-related distractions or disqualifications.