Quick answer: for the computer-delivered GRE General Test you may only use the on-screen calculator that ETS supplies during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. For the rare paper-delivered GRE General Test, ETS provides a basic handheld calculator. Personal calculators, phones, smartwatches, and any other electronic devices that can perform calculations are not allowed.
Why this matters
Many test takers ask about allowed calculators because calculator access affects how you approach quantitative questions, how you practice, and what to bring to the test center. Understanding the exact calculator rules prevents test-day surprises and helps you practice with the same tool you will have on test day.
What calculator is allowed on the GRE General Test
The only calculator you can use on the GRE General Test is the calculator provided by ETS while you take the Quantitative Reasoning sections. Key points:
- Computer-delivered GRE: an on-screen basic calculator appears on the computer during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. You cannot bring or use any personal calculator.
- Paper-delivered GRE: if you take the GRE in paper format where offered, ETS supplies a basic handheld calculator for quantitative questions.
- Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning: the calculator is not available or needed for Analytical Writing. The Verbal Reasoning sections do not offer a calculator.
- Other GRE tests: GRE Subject Tests or alternate formats may have different rules. Check ETS’s official information for each specific test.
How ETS’s calculator compares to common personal calculators
The ETS on-screen calculator is a simple, four-function style tool designed for arithmetic, basic decimal and fraction work, and elementary functions such as square root and memory. It is not a graphing calculator, and it does not support programming, symbolic algebra, or advanced statistical functions. Because the provided calculator is limited, techniques like algebraic simplification, estimation, and number sense remain essential on the GRE.
What the calculator can and cannot do
- Can do: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, basic decimal and fraction calculations, square-root operations, use of parentheses for order of operations, and basic memory functions on the on-screen version.
- Cannot do: graph functions, perform symbolic algebra, run programs, or access internet or apps. Personal devices such as calculators that store text or have QWERTY keyboards are not permitted.
Why ETS provides a limited calculator
ETS designs the Quantitative Reasoning section so that most questions test reasoning, quantitative concept mastery, and quick numerical manipulation, rather than heavy computation. The limited calculator keeps scoring fair for all test takers and preserves the emphasis on problem solving rather than on complex mechanical computation. Many GRE quantitative items are faster to solve with algebraic shortcuts or estimation than by entering long calculations into a calculator.
When you should use the calculator and when you should not
Knowing when to use the on-screen calculator saves time. Use it when precise arithmetic with long decimals or awkward fractions is required and when manual calculation would take more time than using the provided tool. Avoid relying on it for tasks where algebraic simplification, manipulation, or mental math is faster.
- Good to use: long decimal multiplications, complicated fractional arithmetic, numeric-entry answers that require exact values, and checking final arithmetic after algebraic setup.
- Better to avoid: comparative reasoning that depends on inequalities or algebraic factoring, or when an algebraic simplification will eliminate messy arithmetic. Using the calculator can be slower in these cases.
Practice tips for working with the ETS on-screen calculator
- Practice with the same tool: use ETS’s official POWERPREP practice tests or the on-screen calculator simulator in official practice materials so you are comfortable with the layout and buttons.
- Master mental math and algebraic shortcuts: practice estimation, factorization, cancelling common factors, and working with ratios so you do not overuse the calculator.
- Learn efficient workflows: when you must use the calculator, keep intermediate results clear, use the memory functions if available, and re-check calculations quickly rather than retyping long entries.
- Time yourself: practice timed sets of quantitative problems using the on-screen calculator to build speed and to learn when manual methods are faster.
- Simulate test conditions: practice without access to your own calculator so you learn to rely on the ETS tool and your own skills, not on a particular handheld device.
Rules, banned devices, and test-center procedures
ETS security rules are strict. The main rules to remember:
- No personal calculators: you may not bring or use any personal calculator, including scientific, graphing, programmable, or smartphone calculator apps.
- No phones or smartwatches: these devices must be turned off and stored as directed by test-center staff. They may not be used as calculators under any circumstances.
- No external storage or notes on devices: devices that can store text or data are prohibited during testing.
- Scratch materials: ETS typically provides erasable noteboards and markers or scratch paper for use during the test. Use these materials for intermediate work rather than trying to store calculations on unauthorized devices.
- Proctors enforce the rules: test center staff will confirm that no prohibited devices are in your possession. Attempting to use a banned device can lead to score cancellation or other penalties.
Paper-delivered GRE and GRE Subject Tests
Most test takers take the GRE computer-delivered General Test, but in locations where computer delivery is not available, ETS offers a paper-delivered General Test. In those cases, ETS provides a basic handheld calculator. Rules for subject tests vary. Because policies can change, check ETS’s official pages for the specific test you plan to take.
Common misunderstandings
- “I can use my own graphing calculator.” False. Personal calculators of any kind are not allowed. Only the ETS-supplied calculator may be used.
- “The calculator will solve the hard parts for me.” Not usually. The calculator handles arithmetic, but the test still requires algebraic thinking, estimation, and reasoning skills.
- “Calculator use is available in all sections.” No. It is only available in the Quantitative Reasoning sections on the General Test, not in Verbal or Analytical Writing.
- “I do not need to practice without a calculator.” You should practice both with and without a calculator. Many GRE questions are faster without one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own calculator to the GRE?
No. Personal calculators of any type are not permitted. You must use the on-screen calculator provided for computer tests or the ETS-supplied handheld calculator for paper tests when available.
Is the calculator available for the entire test?
No. The calculator is available only during Quantitative Reasoning sections. It is not available in Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning sections.
Are graphing calculators or programmable calculators allowed?
No. Graphing, programmable, or any calculators with advanced functions beyond basic arithmetic are not allowed. Personal devices with calculation capability such as smartphones and smartwatches are also prohibited.
Should I rely on the calculator for numeric-entry questions?
Use the calculator when it helps you avoid long or error-prone arithmetic. For many numeric-entry problems, algebraic manipulation or smart estimation yields faster, less error-prone answers. When you do use the calculator, practice entering values accurately and checking work efficiently.
Where can I practice with the same calculator that appears on the GRE?
ETS’s official POWERPREP practice tests and other official materials include the same or very similar on-screen calculator. Practice with those resources so you become familiar with the interface and functions.
Final thoughts
On the GRE General Test, the only calculator allowed is the one ETS supplies during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. Do not bring personal calculators or rely on devices that are prohibited. Practice both mental and calculator-assisted methods, become comfortable with the ETS on-screen calculator via official practice tests, and develop strategies that favor algebraic simplification and estimation when those approaches save time. Always confirm test rules for the specific GRE format you will take by consulting ETS’s official information well before test day.
