Yes, a calculator is available for the Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE General Test, but with important restrictions. You cannot bring your own device ETS provides an on-screen basic calculator accessible via the computer interface during these sections only. The Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections do not permit calculator use, as they focus on language skills rather than numerical computation.
The on-screen calculator is simple and functional, supporting essential operations: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), division (÷), and square root (√). It displays up to eight digits and lacks advanced features like exponents, trigonometry, or memory storage beyond basic recall. This design emphasizes problem-solving and reasoning over rote computation, aligning with the GRE's goal of assessing analytical skills.
To access it, click the calculator icon on your screen; it appears alongside scratch paper (provided physically or digitally) for notes. Practice is key familiarize yourself during prep with ETS's free POWERPREP® software, which simulates the exact interface. Over-reliance can slow you down; many questions reward mental math or estimation for efficiency, especially with time limits (35 minutes per section, 20 questions each).
When to use it? Opt for the calculator on tedious tasks like long division, complex decimals, ratios, or square roots e.g., converting 6 miles per hour to feet per second (about 8.8 ft/s). Skip it for quick arithmetic to save seconds.
Note: This applies to the computer-based GRE (most common). For the at-home or paper-based rare versions, policies mirror this. Always check ets.org for updates, as formats evolve. Strategic use can boost scores pair it with strong fundamentals for success!