The AP Exams Calculator Policy in 2025

The AP Exams Calculator Policy in 2025 Navigating the rules for Advanced Placement (AP) Exams can be as crucial as mastering the content itself. One of the most common areas of confusion is the calculator policy. Using the right calculator on the right exam can be a powerful asset, but using the wrong one—or using it incorrectly—can lead to unnecessary stress or even a disqualified score.

This guide breaks down the College Board’s AP Calculator Policy into simple, actionable information to ensure you walk into your exam fully prepared and confident.

Why Does a Calculator Policy Even Exist?

It’s a fair question. The College Board isn’t trying to make things harder. The policy exists for two main reasons:

Fairness: It ensures no student has an unfair advantage by using a calculator with features that could store large amounts of data or communicate with others.
Assessment Validity: The exams are designed to test your understanding of the subject matter, not your ability to use a specific technology. For example, the AP Calculus exam tests your conceptual knowledge of derivatives and integrals; the calculator is just a tool to help with complex computations.

The Golden Rule: Which Exams Allow Calculators?

This is the most important place to start. Calculators are only allowed on specific AP Exams, and only on certain sections of those exams.

Exams That DO Allow Calculators

Calculators are permitted on all or part of the following exams. You must check your specific exam’s description to see which sections are calculator-active.

AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Precalculus (Note: This exam has a unique policy where a graphing calculator is required for all sections.)

Exams That DO NOT Allow Calculators

No calculators are permitted on any other AP Exams. This includes popular subjects like:

AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP World History
AP United States History
AP European History
AP Psychology
AP Seminar
AP Research

Bringing a calculator into an exam that prohibits it is a testing violation.

What Types of Calculators Are Allowed?

Not all calculators are created equal in the eyes of the College Board. The policy is very specific.

Permitted Calculators (The “Green List”)

You can use:

Graphing calculators
Scientific calculators
Four-function calculators (though these are not recommended for complex exams like Calculus or Statistics)

Key Requirement: Your calculator must not have any computer algebra system (CAS) functionality unless you are taking the AP Calculus exam. Even then, there are restrictions (see below).

Prohibited Calculators (The “Red List”)

You are NOT allowed to use:

Phones, smartwatches, or any electronic communication devices. (This is the biggest rule!).
Tablets, laptops, or portable computers.
Models with a QWERTY keyboard (like the TI-92 or Casio FX-CG500).
Calculators with pen-input or stylus-driven screens (like the HP Prime or Apple Newton).
Calculators that make noise or require an electrical outlet.
Calculators with “paper tape” or that print answers.
Calculators that can access the internet.

The Special Case of CAS Calculators

Computer Algebra System (CAS) calculators (like the TI-Nspire CAS or HP 50g) can perform symbolic algebra, derivatives, and integrals. Their rules are specific:

Allowed For: AP Calculus AB and BC only.
Not Allowed For: AP Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics.

Why? On a Calculus exam, you are required to show your analytical work for derivatives and integrals. The CAS can do this automatically, which would invalidate the purpose of the test. However, since the Calculus curriculum includes using technology, they are permitted as long as you still show your setup. For Science and Statistics exams, the calculations required don’t involve symbolic manipulation, so a CAS is considered an unnecessary and potentially unfair advantage.

Practical Checklist for Exam Day

Bring an Approved Calculator: Ensure it’s on the permitted list. A graphing calculator is the safest, most versatile bet for most exams.
Bring a Backup (or Two): Bring a second approved calculator and/or fresh batteries. You cannot share calculators during the exam.
Clear Your Calculator’s Memory: Proctors may check that all memory has been cleared before and after the exam. You are not allowed to have any stored programs or formulas unless your teacher specifically confirms they are approved. When in doubt, clear it out.
Do Your Own Work: You may not use your calculator to store forbidden information (like formulas) or to communicate with another calculator. This is considered cheating.
Know the Sections: Remember that for most exams, only specific sections are “calculator-active.” The proctor will announce when you are allowed to take your calculator out and when it must be put away.

Subject-Specific Tips

Calculus & Physics: A graphing calculator is essential for plotting functions, finding roots/intersections, and evaluating definite integrals numerically.
Statistics: Your graphing calculator is your best friend for running statistical tests (like T-Tests and Chi-Square tests) and creating graphs. Know how to use these functions fluently.
Sciences (Bio, Chem, Enviro): A scientific calculator is often sufficient, but a graphing calculator can be helpful. The focus is on mathematical computations, not graphing.

Final Word of Advice

Your calculator is a tool, not a crutch. The exam questions are designed so that simply plugging numbers into a calculator will not get you the answer. You must understand the concepts and know what to calculate and why.

The best strategy?

Use the same calculator you use in class throughout the year to build familiarity.
Practice with it on all your homework and practice exams.
On exam day, make sure it’s approved, charged, and ready to go.

By understanding and following these rules, you can ensure your calculator is a help, not a hindrance, on your path to earning a great AP score.

Disclaimer: Policies can change. Always double-check the official College Board website for the most current AP Calculator Policy before your exam date.

FAQs: AP Exams Calculator Policy

Q1: Can I use my phone as a calculator during the exam?
A: Absolutely not. Using a phone, smartwatch, or any device that can communicate wirelessly or access the internet is strictly prohibited and will result in your exam score being canceled. Always bring a dedicated, approved calculator.

Q2: I have a TI-Nspire CAS (or other CAS calculator). Can I use it?
A: It depends on the exam.

Yes, you can use it for: AP Calculus AB and BC.
No, you cannot use it for: AP Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics.
When in doubt, it’s safer to use a non-CAS graphing calculator like the TI-84 Plus.

Q3: Are we required to clear the memory on our calculators before the exam?
A: Yes. Proctors are instructed to check that all calculators have all programs and apps memory cleared. You should be prepared to do this. You are not allowed to have any stored formulas, programs, or notes in your calculator.

Q4: What happens if my calculator dies during the exam?
A: This is why bringing a backup calculator is highly recommended. The College Board states that if your calculator fails, you are required to finish the exam without it. You cannot pause the test or get extra time. Proctors will not provide a calculator for you.

Q5: Can I borrow a calculator from another student during the test?
A: No. Sharing calculators during the testing period is not permitted. You must bring your own.

Q6: Is a four-function calculator (like a basic school calculator) good enough?
A: While it is technically permitted on exams that allow calculators, it is strongly discouraged for subjects like Calculus, Statistics, or Physics. These exams require functions like graphing, finding intersections, or running statistical tests that a four-function calculator cannot perform. You would be at a significant disadvantage.

Q7: I’m taking two exams that allow calculators on the same day. Do I need two calculators?
A: Not necessarily. You can use the same calculator for both exams, as long as it is approved for both subjects. For example, a TI-84 Plus is approved for all calculator-based exams. Just remember to clear its memory between exams if required.

Q8: Are there any specific calculator brands or models you recommend?
A: The College Board does not endorse specific brands, but the most common and reliable choices are:

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus (the gold standard for high school AP courses)
Casio FX-9750GII
HP Prime (non-CAS mode for non-Calculus exams)
Texas Instruments TI-30XS (a powerful scientific calculator for science exams)

The key is to use a calculator you are already familiar with from your class.

Q9: Can I use my calculator during the multiple-choice section? What about the free-response section?
A: You must follow the proctor’s instructions. For most exams that allow calculators, there is typically one section of multiple-choice and one section of free-response where a calculator is permitted. The proctor will explicitly say, “You may now use your calculator.” You cannot use it on sections designated as “non-calculator.”

Q10: My calculator has a stylus. Is that allowed?
A: No. Calculators with stylus-driven screens (e.g., HP Prime, Casio ClassPad) are explicitly prohibited because they are considered to have pen-input/stylus capabilities.

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