SAT Restricts Scientific Calculators and CAS Calculators Use Starting from June 2025

Big news for high schoolers and test-preppers: starting this June, the College Board is officially banning the use of Scientific and CAS Calculators in the SAT exam. If you’re wondering why that matters or what it means for your score, you’re in the right place. Let's break it all down—without the confusing jargon.

What Are Scientific Calculators and CAS Calculators?

Definition and Meaning

Scientific calculators and CAS calculators are not your average number-crunching machines. They’re like the Ferraris of the calculator world. These tools can do symbolic algebra—that means solving equations, simplifying expressions, factoring, and even taking derivatives.


How They Differ From Regular Calculators

While a basic calculator helps you do arithmetic or square roots, a scientific and CAS calculator practically does your math homework for you. It's powerful, sure—but maybe too powerful for a test that’s supposed to measure your actual math skills.

Why Did the College Board Make This Move?

Leveling the Playing Field

Not all students have access to Scientific and CAS calculators, which can cost a pretty penny. By removing them from the allowed list, the SAT aims to make the exam more equitable, so every student competes on a more even field.


Reducing Over-Reliance on Tech

Let’s be real: too many students rely on calculators to do what they should know themselves. This rule change nudges students back to mastering the fundamentals—like solving equations and understanding functions—without leaning too hard on a machine.


Ensuring Fair Assessment of Skills

The SAT is a standardized test. If one group of students has access to tools that solve problems for them, it’s not really a fair measurement, right? This move helps bring back the focus on problem-solving and logical thinking.


The Timeline: When Does the Ban Begin?

Mark your calendars: the ban on Scientific and CAS calculators use starts June 2025. That means if you’re sitting for the test from June onwards, your trusty TI-Nspire CX Scientific and CAS calculator or similar gadget will have to stay at home.

What Types of Calculators Are Still Allowed?

Permitted Calculator Types

Don’t panic—you’re not going to be stuck without a calculator at all. The College Board still allows many graphing and scientific calculators. Some popular approved models include:

• TI-84 Plus (non-CAS)
• Casio fx-9860GII
• Sharp EL-W516X
  
  

Some Examples of Calculator that are Excluded

To keep things crystal clear, here are some Scientific and CAS calculator models that are no longer allowed:

• TI-Nspire CX CAS
• TI-89 Titanium
• Casio ClassPad series

If your calculator can algebraically manipulate expressions or solve equations symbolically, it’s probably banned.

Subjects Most Affected by This Change in SAT Exam

Impact on Math Section

The SAT Math section includes two parts: one with a calculator and one without. The calculator section is where students used to rely heavily on CAS tools for functions like solving quadratic equations or simplifying expressions. That shortcut’s gone now.


Word Problems and Algebra

This change will make word problems and algebraic manipulation more challenging—especially for students who’ve been used to plugging everything into a Scientific or CAS calculator. Time to brush up on good old-fashioned pencil-and-paper problem-solving.

How Students Can Prepare Without Scientific or CAS Calculators

Brush Up on Mental Math

Mental math is your new superpower. Practice multiplication, division, and fraction work in your head. Start small and build from there—it’ll boost your confidence big time.


Practice with Approved Tools

Make sure you practice using the same calculator you’ll take to the test. Familiarity matters! If you’re switching from CAS calculators, give yourself time to adjust.


Use SAT-Specific Test Prep Platforms

Platforms like Khan Academy, Magoosh, and College Board’s official SAT prep resources are great. They simulate test conditions and help you practice with non-CAS tools and real SAT-style questions.

Tips for Parents and Tutors

Support Through Practice Tests
Encourage your child or student to take regular practice tests under timed conditions. Help them identify which problems are harder without Scientific and CAS calculator help and find workarounds.


Teaching Foundational Math Concepts
Now more than ever, it’s crucial to reinforce core concepts—things like solving equations, understanding graphs, and working with inequalities. Go back to the basics and build from there.


What Experts Are Saying
Educators and test-prep professionals are calling the move “a step in the right direction.” Many say the SAT is finally returning to what it should be: a true test of reasoning, not just calculator skills. Still, there are critics who feel the change adds more pressure to already stressed-out students.


Student Reactions Across the U.S.
Not surprisingly, students are split. Some say, “Finally! It’s about time they banned them,” while others are scrambling to learn how to do math without their go-to gadget. One student said, “It’s like losing my math comfort blanket.” Totally relatable.


Impact on International Students
International students—especially those in countries where Scientific and CAS calculators are part of the regular curriculum—might face a steeper learning curve. Many are now re-evaluating their test prep strategies and switching calculators to align with U.S. standards.

Does This Change Affect Digital SAT?

Yup, it does. The digital SAT—which was rolled out in 2023—is also affected by the ban. Whether you’re testing on paper or a screen, Scientific and CAS calculators are a no-go starting June.

Long-Term Implications for Standardized Testing

Could this move influence other exams? Absolutely. Tests like the ACT or AP might start revisiting their calculator policies. It’s part of a bigger trend toward emphasizing core understanding over mechanical shortcuts.

Conclusion: Time to Shift Gears

In a nutshell, the SAT’s new ban on CAS calculators is a game-changer. But it’s not the end of the world. Think of it as a chance to get stronger in math, to build real skills, and to walk into the test center with actual confidence—not just a fancy gadget. Shift gears, prep smart, and you’ll crush it.