The College Board has announced a major shift in calculator policy that all SAT and PSAT test-takers should know about. Beginning May 2025, calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality will no longer be permitted.
This aligns the SAT more closely with the ACT, which has long maintained a ban on CAS calculators. While this change might surprise students who’ve relied on these advanced tools in the past, the College Board emphasizes fairness and standardization as the driving reasons behind the update.
So what exactly is a CAS calculator? These devices go beyond basic math and graphing capabilities—they can symbolically manipulate algebraic expressions, solve equations for variables, and produce answers using symbols rather than just decimals. If your calculator can do things like factor polynomials or return square roots in radical form, it’s likely a CAS model. And if it says “CAS” in the model name, that’s a clear signal it’s on the do-not-bring list.
This doesn’t mean students are left without powerful options. The SAT’s digital testing platform, Bluebook™, comes embedded with the Desmos graphing calculator—an intuitive, robust tool that meets all policy guidelines. Additionally, students may still bring their own approved handheld calculators, including most non-CAS graphing calculators, scientific calculators, or four-function models (though the latter is not recommended). Just make sure whatever you bring is familiar—test day is not the time to try something new.
For students preparing for the upcoming SAT or PSAT, the takeaway is clear: double-check your calculator, learn to use Desmos if needed, and adapt your prep accordingly. Executive function skills like planning ahead, organizing materials, and managing technology use are more important than ever. If you’re working with a tutor, now’s the time to ask about integrating calculator strategies into your study sessions. A smooth testing experience starts with the right tools—and the knowledge to use them well.
