Short answer: No. You cannot bring your own calculator to the GRE General Test. ETS provides a simple on-screen calculator for the computer-delivered GRE, and for any paper-delivered administrations ETS supplies an approved calculator. Personal calculators, phone calculators, calculator watches, and other electronic devices with calculation capabilities are prohibited in the testing room.
Why ETS does not allow personal calculators
ETS restricts personal calculators to keep testing conditions uniform and to prevent security and cheating risks. Allowing different models with advanced functions would create an unfair advantage for some test takers. Prohibiting personal calculators also reduces the risk of stored information, programmable memory, or connectivity that could compromise test integrity.
Official policy overview
Computer-delivered GRE General Test
For the computer-delivered GRE General Test, ETS provides an on-screen calculator that you can use during Quantitative Reasoning sections. That calculator is basic, and it is available through the test software only when you are in the Quantitative section. You may not use your own calculator, phone, smartwatch, or any other personal electronic device for calculations.
Paper-delivered GRE General Test
In regions where the GRE General Test is offered in a paper format, ETS supplies an approved calculator for test takers. You must use that calculator if the test center permits calculator use. Personal calculators are not allowed at the test center.
GRE Subject Tests
GRE Subject Tests may follow different rules. Some subject tests are paper-based and historically have not allowed calculators. Policies can change, and allowed materials vary by test and administration, so check the specific subject test page on the ETS website before test day.
What the ETS on-screen calculator can and cannot do
The on-screen calculator provided for computer-delivered exams is intentionally simple. In general you can expect basic arithmetic functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and commonly a square-root function. It is not a scientific or graphing calculator. It does not offer advanced algebraic, trigonometric, or statistical functions that you would find on graphing calculators.
What happens if you bring a calculator
- Before the test: Test-center staff will tell you which items are prohibited. You will be instructed to leave personal calculators and electronic devices outside the testing room, typically in a secure locker or with staff.
- At check-in: If you fail to disclose a prohibited item or attempt to keep it, staff will follow test-center and ETS security procedures. That can include confiscation of the item and further administrative action.
- Consequences: Bringing prohibited items can interrupt testing and may result in administrative flags. In severe or suspicious cases ETS reserves the right to investigate and cancel your scores if a violation of test security is confirmed.
Practical test-day guidance
- Do not bring any calculator: Leave phones, personal calculators, smartwatch calculators, and other electronic devices at home or in your vehicle. Expect to store permitted items in a locker or with staff before entering the testing room.
- Bring valid ID and required materials: Follow ETS check-in instructions for acceptable identification and what items you may bring to your desk, usually only your ID and approved items such as eyeglasses and medications.
- Familiarize yourself with the on-screen calculator: Use official ETS practice tools and test simulators to practice with the same on-screen calculator you will get on test day.
- Practice estimation and mental math: Many Quantitative Reasoning problems are faster to solve without the calculator. Learn shortcuts for arithmetic, fraction manipulation, percent calculations, and estimation.
- Use scratch paper effectively: ETS supplies scratch paper or erasable boards. Organize work clearly and use the on-screen calculator only when it genuinely saves time or reduces error risk.
Test preparation tips related to calculator use
Practice with the same limitations
When you study, simulate test conditions by using only the ETS on-screen calculator or no calculator at all. This builds speed and confidence. Becoming comfortable with the on-screen tool prevents errors and time loss from unfamiliar interfaces.
When to use the calculator
Use the calculator for tedious arithmetic, long divisions, or when a calculation is error-prone by hand. Avoid using it for steps where mental math or algebraic simplification is faster. For example:
- Good calculator use: computing 17×24, or dividing large numbers where a mistake would cost time to correct.
- Poor calculator use: letting the calculator handle algebraic simplification that is faster with factoring, or relying on it for simple percentage adjustments you can do mentally.
Key mental-math strategies
- Reduce fractions first before multiplying to keep numbers small.
- Use factorization to simplify multiplication and division.
- Estimate to eliminate answer choices quickly on multiple-choice questions.
- Convert percentages into fractions or decimals when appropriate for faster work.
Common misunderstandings
- “I can use my phone’s calculator if I put it away.” No. Phones are electronic devices and are prohibited in the testing room. Using a phone calculator at any time during the test is disallowed.
- “Graphing calculators are okay if I disable features.” No. Graphing or programmable calculators are not permitted. ETS does not allow devices with memory or advanced functions that could store information.
- “I can get extra time if my calculator doesn’t work.” No standard accommodation. If you encounter technical problems with ETS-provided software or on-screen tools during the test, notify test-center staff immediately so they can follow troubleshooting and accommodation procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning section?
Yes, an on-screen calculator supplied by ETS is available in the computer-delivered Quantitative sections. You may not use any personal calculator.
Can I bring a calculator for the paper GRE?
For paper-delivered administrations, ETS provides an approved calculator when calculator use is allowed. You should not bring your own calculator to the test center.
Are calculator watches or smartwatches allowed?
No. Smartwatches and calculator watches are electronic devices with prohibited capabilities. They must be stored away before entering the testing room.
Can I use a calculator during the Verbal Reasoning section?
No. Calculator use is not necessary or supported for Verbal Reasoning. The on-screen calculator appears only in Quantitative sections when applicable.
What if I need a calculator for an approved accommodation?
If you have an approved testing accommodation that involves special tools or formats, ETS and the test center will arrange the necessary support. Submit accommodation requests through ETS well before your test date and confirm the tools that will be provided.
Final thoughts and next steps
Do not bring a personal calculator to the GRE. Plan to use the ETS-provided on-screen calculator for computer-delivered tests or the ETS-supplied calculator for paper administrations. The best preparation is to practice under the same limitations, build mental-math and estimation skills, and learn when calculator use helps and when it slows you down. For the most current and authoritative rules, confirm prohibited items and test-day policies on the official ETS website and in your test confirmation materials.
