Many students preparing for the Accuplacer placement test wonder: "Are you allowed a calculator on Accuplacer?" The answer is nuanced. Personal or handheld calculators are not permitted during the Accuplacer math sections. However, the test provides an on-screen calculator for specific questions where it's appropriate.
According to the official College Board guidelines (the creators of Accuplacer), you cannot bring your own physical calculator into the testing center. This policy ensures fair assessment of core math skills without external aids. Instead, for certain problems typically more complex ones in sections like Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) or Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) a calculator icon appears in the top-right corner of the screen. Clicking it activates a built-in on-screen calculator (often a basic four-function, square root, or even graphing tool depending on the question).
If no icon is visible, you must solve the problem manually no exceptions, except for approved accommodations. Students with documented disabilities may request permission to use a handheld calculator through official channels.
This Accuplacer calculator policy applies to the Next-Generation Accuplacer, the current version used in 2026. Basic arithmetic questions often prohibit calculators to test fundamental fluency, while advanced topics may allow them to focus on reasoning.
Tips to Prepare for Accuplacer Math Without Relying on a Calculator:
- Practice mental math and manual calculations for fractions, decimals, percentages, and algebra basics.
- Use free official Accuplacer practice tests on the College Board website to familiarize yourself with when the on-screen calculator appears.
- Review sample questions to build confidence in no-calculator scenarios.
Understanding the Accuplacer calculator rules helps reduce test-day anxiety. Focus on strong preparation many students excel by practicing core skills. For the latest updates, check the official Accuplacer site.