Can We Use A Calculator On The Gre

GRE Calculator Availability Checker

Select the GRE section you’re interested in to see if a calculator is provided.

What is the GRE Calculator Policy?

The question, “can we use a calculator on the GRE?”, is common among test-takers. The answer is yes, but with specific conditions. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, administered by ETS, provides an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. You cannot bring your own calculator to the test center or use one during the Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing sections.

The provided GRE calculator is a basic one, allowing for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root calculations, along with memory functions (M+, MR, MC). It’s designed to reduce the emphasis on complex computation and allow test-takers to focus on reasoning and problem-solving skills, which are core to the GRE math section.

It’s crucial to understand that while the GRE on-screen calculator is available, over-reliance on it can be detrimental. Many questions in the Quantitative Reasoning sections are designed to be solved more efficiently with logical reasoning, estimation, or number property knowledge rather than direct calculation. Familiarity with the on-screen interface and knowing when to use the calculator on the GRE versus when to use mental math or other strategies is key.

GRE On-Screen Calculator: When and How is it Provided?

The GRE calculator is only accessible during the Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE General Test. It is NOT available during the Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing sections.

• Availability: The calculator icon appears on the screen during the Quantitative sections. You can click it to open the calculator, move it around the screen, and use it as needed.
• Type: It’s a basic on-screen calculator with functions for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), square root (sqrt), and memory (M+, MR, MC, C, CE). It also includes a decimal point and a change sign (+/-) button.
• Interface: You operate it using your mouse to click the buttons. There is no keyboard input for the calculator itself, though you use the keyboard for the test questions.

The policy ensures a level playing field, as everyone has access to the same basic tool. You are strictly prohibited from bringing your own physical calculator into the testing room. Trying to use an unauthorized calculator is a violation of test rules.

Calculator Availability Table

GRE Section	On-Screen Calculator Available?	Type of Calculator
Quantitative Reasoning (all parts)	Yes	Basic on-screen (with square root and memory)
Verbal Reasoning	No	Not applicable
Analytical Writing	No	Not applicable

Table: On-screen calculator availability across GRE sections.

Practical Examples of Using the GRE Calculator

While the GRE calculator is basic, it can be helpful for arithmetic you don’t want to do by hand, especially with less “friendly” numbers.

Example 1: Percentage Calculation
A question asks for 17.5% of 380. Instead of multiplying 0.175 by 380 mentally or on scratch paper, you can use the GRE on-screen calculator: 0.175 * 380 = 66.5.

Example 2: Square Root
If you need to find the side of a square with an area of 1849 square units, and you don’t recognize 1849 as a perfect square, the calculator’s square root function is useful: √1849 = 43.

However, many GRE math questions involve variables or require understanding number properties, where the calculator on the GRE offers limited help. For instance, comparing quantities like (x+1)² and x² + 1 depends on the value of x, not just calculation.

How to Use This GRE Calculator Availability Checker

1. Select the Section: Use the dropdown menu to choose the GRE section (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, or Analytical Writing) you are curious about.
2. View the Result: The tool will immediately update to show whether the on-screen calculator is provided for that section, its type, and availability details.
3. Understand the Context: Read the additional information about the type of calculator and any restrictions.
4. Reset: Click “Reset” to go back to the default view.
5. Copy Info: Click “Copy Info” to copy the displayed information to your clipboard.

This tool quickly answers the question “can we use a calculator on the GRE” for each specific section.

Key Factors Regarding the GRE Calculator

• Test Format: The GRE is computer-delivered, which allows for the integrated on-screen calculator.
• Section Specificity: The GRE calculator is ONLY for Quantitative Reasoning. This is because the math section tests numerical manipulation and problem-solving where basic calculation aid is deemed fair, while Verbal and Writing sections do not require it.
• Calculator Type: It’s a basic calculator. No scientific or graphing functions are available, reflecting the GRE’s focus on reasoning over complex computation. Understanding the GRE quantitative guide helps.
• Time Management: Fumbling with the on-screen calculator can waste time. Practice using it during your prep (e.g., via ETS PowerPrep tests) to become efficient. Read about GRE test day tips for more on time management.
• Strategic Use: Don’t use the calculator on the GRE for every calculation. If mental math, estimation, or number properties can solve it faster, use those methods.
• No Personal Calculators: This is a strict rule. Bringing your own calculator is not allowed and can lead to score cancellation. Learn more about the GRE rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use my own calculator on the GRE?

No, you cannot use your own calculator on the GRE General Test under any circumstances. Only the on-screen calculator provided during the Quantitative Reasoning sections is permitted.

2. Is the calculator available for all GRE math questions?

Yes, the on-screen GRE calculator is available throughout both Quantitative Reasoning sections of the computer-delivered GRE General Test.

3. Is the GRE calculator the same as a TI-84 or scientific calculator?

No, the GRE on-screen calculator is much more basic. It performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square roots, and has memory functions. It is not a scientific or graphing calculator.

4. Does the GRE at home test have a calculator?

Yes, the GRE General Test at home also provides the same on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning sections, just like the test center version.

5. Is it better to use the calculator or do mental math on the GRE?

It depends on the question and your comfort level. For simple arithmetic or when numbers are easy to work with, mental math or scratch paper might be faster. For more complex arithmetic or less friendly numbers, the GRE calculator can be useful. The key is to be strategic. Overusing the calculator can slow you down.

6. What if I have a disability that requires a specific calculator?

If you have a documented disability and require accommodations, you need to contact ETS Disability Services well in advance of your test date to request accommodations, which might include an alternative calculator in some very specific cases, though the standard is the on-screen one.

7. How can I practice with the GRE on-screen calculator?

The best way to practice is by using the ETS PowerPrep Online practice tests, which simulate the actual test environment, including the on-screen calculator. Familiarize yourself with its interface before test day. Explore our GRE prep courses for more practice.

8. Is the calculator available on the GRE Subject Tests?

Calculator policies for GRE Subject Tests vary by subject. Some allow specific types of calculators, while others don’t. You must check the specific requirements for the Subject Test you are taking. The on-screen calculator discussed here is for the GRE General Test. Check our GRE FAQ for more details.