Graphing Calculators for AP Precalculus

The AP Precalculus Exam requires using a graphing calculator on Part B of Section I Multiple Choice and Part A of Section II Free Response. A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available through Bluebook during the AP Exam.

Graphing calculators for AP Precalculus must be able to:

• Perform calculations (e.g., exponents, roots, trigonometric values, logarithms)
• Graph functions and analyze graphs
• Generate a table of values for a function
• Find real zeros of functions
• Find points of intersection of graphs of functions
• Find minima/maxima of functions
• Find numerical solutions to equations in one variable
• Find regressions equations to model data (linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, exponential, logarithmic, sinusoidal, and plotting residuals)
• Perform matrix operations (e.g., multiplication, finding inverses)
  • Note: Unit 4 (Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices) is not assessed on the AP Exam. Teachers using the Desmos graphing calculator can use the web-based Desmos Matrix Calculator when teaching matrices.

Technology should not replace the development of symbolic manipulation skills. When algebraic expressions and equations are accessible with precalculus-level algebraic manipulation, students are expected to find zeros, solve equations, and calculate values without the help of technology. Most of the AP Exam will need to be completed without the use of technology. However, selected multiple-choice and free-response questions will require students to use a graphing calculator to complete the tasks delineated above. 

Accessible technology that has the capabilities expected for AP Precalculus is available for students who are blind or visually impaired. This technology should be used during the course, and an accommodation request to use this technology on the AP Exam must be made through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). 

Approved Calculators for the AP Precalculus Exam  

The graphing calculators listed below—a subset of the full list of approved calculators—have the expected built-in capabilities for AP Precalculus.

Note: Throughout the school year, students may use the web-based or app-based Desmos graphing calculator in place of or in addition to a handheld graphing calculator. The Desmos graphing calculator has the expected capabilities that are required for the AP Precalculus Exam. Only the built-in Desmos graphing calculator through Bluebook can be used during an AP Exam, not the web-based or app-based calculator.

Only graphing calculators from the full list of approved calculators are permitted on the AP Precalculus Exam. Students may bring any graphing calculator on the approved list to the exam—any model within each series is acceptable.

This information is current as of September 2024.