{"id":1885,"date":"2025-11-03T12:58:01","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T12:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theentrypass.com\/resources\/?post_type=faqs&#038;p=1885"},"modified":"2025-11-03T12:58:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T12:58:02","slug":"can-i-use-a-calculator-on-the-gre","status":"publish","type":"faqs","link":"https:\/\/theentrypass.com\/resources\/faq\/can-i-use-a-calculator-on-the-gre\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Use a Calculator on the GRE?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Wondering &#8220;can I use a calculator on the GRE?&#8221; The answer is <strong>yes, but only for one of the two Quantitative Reasoning sections<\/strong> in the 2025 shorter GRE format (1 hour 58 minutes total). ETS provides a basic <strong>on-screen calculator<\/strong> during the second Quant section\u2014simple functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square roots. No graphing, no memory, no scientific functions. The first Quant section bans calculators entirely, forcing mental math and estimation. This split design tests both speed and accuracy under real-world constraints\u2014average Quant score is 153.4, but top programs like MIT or Stanford want 165+. Indian engineers often ace both sections, while humanities majors struggle without practice. This guide explains calculator rules, limitations, and 2025 strategies to master GRE Quant with or without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GRE Calculator Rules: When and What You Get in 2025<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The GRE General Test has <strong>two Quant sections<\/strong> (21 questions each, 35 minutes):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Section 1<\/strong>: No calculator\u2014pure mental math, scratch paper allowed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Section 2<\/strong>: On-screen calculator appears automatically. The calculator is basic: 4 operations, square root, parentheses, and decimal point. No formulas, no history. You <strong>cannot bring your own<\/strong>\u2014ETS disables personal devices. At-home test-takers use the same digital tool via ProctorU. <a href=\"https:\/\/theentrypass.com\/resources\/faq\/what-level-of-math-is-on-the-gre\/\">Subject Tests (Math, Physics) allow <strong>physical scientific calculators<\/strong><\/a> (TI-84 style), but not for General GRE.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why ETS Limits Calculator Use: The Real Test of GRE Quant Skill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Banning calculators in Section 1 prevents over-reliance\u2014ETS wants to see <strong>number sense<\/strong>, not button-pushing. Hardest GRE Quant questions involve estimation (e.g., &#8220;Is 37% of 82 closer to 30 or 35?&#8221;), fractions (3\/7 vs. 0.43), or data interpretation where exact decimals waste time. Top scorers (165+) solve 80%+ mentally, using the calculator only for final verification on 2\u20133 problems per section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the GRE On-Screen Calculator Looks Like and How to Use It<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A small pop-up window with large buttons\u2014click or type numbers. Example: For 68 \\sqrt{68} 68\u200b, input 68 \u2192 \u221a \u2192 ~8.25. Transfer results via mouse or keyboard. Practice on <strong>ETS PowerPrep<\/strong> mocks\u2014the exact interface. Pro tip: Don\u2019t use it for simple math (2 \u00d7 18 = 36)\u2014it slows you down 10\u201315 seconds per problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mental Math Strategies When You Can\u2019t Use a Calculator on GRE<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Master these to ace Section 1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Estimation<\/strong>: 48 \u00d7 51 \u2248 50 \u00d7 50 = 2500 (actual 2448).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fractions to Decimals<\/strong>: Memorize 1\/7 = 0.142, 3\/8 = 0.375.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Percentages<\/strong>: 15% of 80 = 10% (8) + 5% (4) = 12.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Squares<\/strong>: Know 11\u00b2\u201320\u00b2 (121\u2013400).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scratch Paper<\/strong>: Jot only key steps\u2014don\u2019t recalculate. With practice, finish Section 1 in 30 minutes, leaving buffer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Use (and Avoid) the Calculator in GRE Section 2<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Use it <strong>only<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long multiplication\/division (e.g., 2,847 \u00f7 37).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Square roots or decimals in data sets. <strong>Avoid<\/strong> for: basic operations, fractions, or time traps\u2014every click costs 5\u201310 seconds. Top scorers use it on &lt;5 questions total.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prep Tips to Excel With or Without GRE Calculator in 2025<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Practice Dual Modes<\/strong>: Do half your drills (Manhattan Prep, Magoosh) without calculator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time Yourself<\/strong>: 21 questions in 35 minutes\u2014aim 1.5 min\/problem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Master Estimation<\/strong>: Khan Academy + GregMat ($5\/month).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mock Weekly<\/strong>: 5+ ETS PowerPrep\u2014mimic exact rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review Errors<\/strong>: 80% of mistakes are arithmetic, not concepts. With 10\u201315 hours\/week for 8 weeks, jump from 150 to 165+ Quant\u2014enough for Purdue, UIUC, or NYU MS.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, <strong>yes\u2014you can use a calculator on the GRE<\/strong>, but only in Section 2, and smart test-takers barely need it. Train your brain, not the buttons.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","faq-categories":[],"class_list":["post-1885","faqs","type-faqs","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Can I Use a Calculator on the GRE? | The Entry Pass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Can I use a calculator on the GRE? Yes\u2014on-screen for one Quant section only in 2025. 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