Quick answer. Yes, you can use a calculator on the GRE General Test, but only the on-screen/basic calculator that ETS provides for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. You may not bring your own calculator, smartphone, or other electronic devices into the testing room. The calculator is not available for the Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing sections.
How the calculator works on the GRE General Test
For the computer-delivered GRE General Test, ETS offers an on-screen calculator automatically available during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. The calculator is a simple tool designed to help with routine arithmetic. It is not a symbolic algebra system, and it will not solve equations or show algebraic steps for you.
Typical features of the on-screen calculator
- Basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
- Parentheses: to control order of operations for complex calculations.
- Square root: a sqrt function is available on the ETS calculator.
- Clear and backspace: to correct entry mistakes.
Exact button layout can vary slightly by test delivery software version. Practice using the same or a similar on-screen calculator while you study so you know where keys are and how to correct entries quickly.
Where and when you can use the calculator
The on-screen calculator is available only during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. That includes all question types that test math skills, such as problem solving, data interpretation, numeric entry, and quantitative comparison. The calculator is not available during the Verbal Reasoning sections or the Analytical Writing section.
Paper-delivered or special administrations
In regions where ETS still offers a paper-delivered GRE, ETS provides simple calculators for use on the math sections. Policies and the exact calculator model for paper administrations can vary. If you are taking a paper-delivered test, confirm what will be supplied at your test center and whether any local rules apply.
What you cannot use
- No personal calculators: you cannot bring a calculator from home, even a basic one.
- No smartphones or smart devices: phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices are prohibited in the testing room.
- No external apps or tools: you may not access external software, spreadsheets, graphing tools, or online calculators.
- No calculators during non-quant sections: the calculator is disabled for Verbal and Analytical Writing.
Practical strategies for using the calculator effectively
Using a calculator on the GRE can save time on arithmetic, but it is not always the fastest or most accurate route. Use the calculator for arithmetic that would be time-consuming or error-prone by hand. Do not rely on it for every calculation. Here are practical tips to get the most benefit.
Learn when not to use the calculator
- Mental math is faster for simple arithmetic: adding or subtracting small numbers, working with nice fractions like 1/2 or 1/4, and multiplying by powers of 10 are often quicker in your head.
- Use algebraic shortcuts: many Quantitative Comparison and problem-solving questions simplify algebraically. Simplify expressions before computing numeric values.
- Avoid unnecessary keystrokes: lengthy calculator entry increases the chance of input error. If you can reduce a fraction or cancel factors first, do that before using the calculator.
Use the calculator when it helps
- Complex arithmetic: multiplying multi-digit numbers, working with unwieldy decimals, or doing repeated calculations.
- Numeric-entry questions: when you must enter a precise numeric answer, check your arithmetic with the calculator.
- Data interpretation: when reading tables or charts with many numbers, the calculator reduces arithmetic mistakes.
Get comfortable with the on-screen interface
- Practice with a simulated ETS calculator or a similar on-screen calculator while you complete timed practice sets.
- Learn keyboard or mouse patterns so you can place and correct digits quickly. The testing software may require mouse clicks rather than keyboard entry.
- Use the scratch paper or erasable noteboard provided by the test center to plan calculations, check work, and keep intermediate results clear.
Worked examples showing good calculator use
Below are two brief examples that show when the calculator helps and when mental methods win.
Example 1. When to use the calculator
Question: Calculate 367 × 58.
Why use the calculator: Doing this multiplication by hand takes time and invites copying errors. Entering the numbers and multiplying with the on-screen calculator yields the result quickly and accurately. Use the calculator and then double-check with a quick mental estimate: 370 × 60 is 22,200, so the exact product should be close to but less than that.
Example 2. When mental math is faster
Question: Which is larger, 3/4 or 7/10?
Mental approach: Convert or compare by cross-multiplication: 3 × 10 = 30, 7 × 4 = 28, so 3/4 is larger. No calculator needed and using one would waste time.
Common misunderstandings about the GRE calculator
- The calculator solves everything: the on-screen calculator performs arithmetic only. It will not perform symbolic algebra, factor polynomials, or test inequalities for you.
- You can bring any calculator: test centers do not allow personal calculators. Only the provided on-screen or center-supplied calculator may be used.
- Calculator makes questions trivial: ETS designs quantitative questions expecting only a basic calculator. Many questions are meant to be solved with reasoning and number sense, not heavy computation.
Study actions to prepare for the GRE calculator
- Practice with the ETS calculator: use official or reputable GRE practice tests that include the same calculator interface so you learn its quirks.
- Simulate timed sections: include the calculator in timed practice so you can estimate how much time calculator use adds to a question.
- Master mental math and estimation: good estimation skills help you spot calculator entry mistakes and decide whether computation is necessary.
- Practice numeric-entry questions: these require typing numbers into a field. Practice entering decimal places and negative signs correctly under time pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own calculator into the testing room?
No. Personal calculators are not allowed. ETS supplies an on-screen calculator for computer-delivered tests and provides a simple calculator for paper-delivered administrations where applicable.
Is the calculator available for all Quantitative questions?
Yes. The calculator is available during the Quantitative Reasoning sections, which include various question types such as quantitative comparison, multiple-choice, and numeric-entry. It is not available during Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing.
Will the calculator show past entries or a calculation history?
No. The ETS calculator is basic and does not keep a history like some advanced calculators. Use your scratch paper to track intermediate steps if you need to review work.
Should I rely on the calculator for accuracy?
Use the calculator to reduce arithmetic errors, but always estimate or do a quick mental check to confirm results. Typing mistakes and misplaced decimal points are common under time pressure.
Where can I confirm the current policy?
ETS controls official test policies. Verify calculator rules and other testing procedures on the ETS GRE website and with your test center before test day. Policies can change in special cases or for specific test administrations.
Final thoughts
The ETS on-screen calculator is allowed and can be a useful aid on Quantitative Reasoning questions. Learn the tool in advance, use it selectively, and develop the judgment to know when mental math or algebraic simplification is faster. Confirm specific rules for paper-delivered tests or special administrations with ETS and your test center ahead of time so there are no surprises on test day.
