AP Exams Calculator Policy

Calculators can be used on all or some parts of the AP Exams listed here (and on no others).

• 4-function calculators are basic calculators that have functions limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, and percentage.
• Update for the 2025 AP Exams: For all exams that allow or require calculators, except AP Statistics, students can use the built-in Desmos graphing calculator through the Bluebook testing application. Note that for Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Precalculus, Desmos will only be available in the calculator-required parts of the exam. These exams continue to have parts where no calculator is allowed.
• For exams that allow or require graphing calculators, students should check the list of approved handheld graphing calculators; they may bring only approved models.
• Students may bring up to 2 permitted calculators. They should bring calculators they’re familiar with and that are in good working order.
• Calculators may not be shared.
• Calculator memories do not need to be cleared before or after the exam.
• If a student doesn’t want to use a calculator or if the option of providing a calculator isn’t feasible, the student may take an exam without one.

Courses and Calculator Use

Calculators are not allowed for any other AP Exams, including Computer Science A and Computer Science Principles, unless a student has an approved accommodation for use of a 4-function calculator.

2024-25 List of Approved Handheld Graphing Calculators

This list will be updated as necessary to include new approved calculators for 2025 AP Exams. Check this list periodically, and before the administration of the exams, to ensure that students have the most up-to-date information.

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. Only the built-in Desmos graphing calculator through Bluebook can be used during an AP Exam, not the web-based or app-based calculator.

* Graphing calculators with the expected built-in capabilities for AP Calculus are indicated with an asterisk. See the AP Calculus AB and BC Course and Exam Description (effective Fall 2020) for details. Only approved graphing calculators from the list are permitted for AP Calculus Exams.

This list only includes approved graphing calculators. There is not an approved list of scientific (nongraphing) calculators. Note that scientific (nongraphing) calculators must not have unapproved features or capabilities.

Proctors are required to check calculators before the exam. Therefore, it is important for each student to have an approved calculator. Calculators may not be shared, and communication between calculators is prohibited during the exam.

Students must not use calculator memories to take test materials out of the room. Students who attempt to remove test materials from the room by any method will have their exam scores canceled.

Unapproved Calculators and Technology

Students are not allowed to use any of the following*:

• Phones, smartwatches, or wearable technology of any kind
• Portable/handheld computers, tablets, laptops, electronic writing pads
• Models with QWERTY (i.e., typewriter-like) keypads as part of hardware or software (e.g., TI-92 Plus, Voyage 200)
• Models with pen-input/stylus capability (e.g., Palm, PDAs, Casio ClassPad)
• Models with wireless, Bluetooth, or cellular capability
• Models that require an electrical outlet, “talk,”*  or make noise, or have a paper tape
• Models that can access the internet
• Models that have cell phone capability or audio/video recording or playing capability
• Models that have a camera, scanning capability, or any other smartphone-type features
• Models with touch-screen capability that aren’t on the list of approved graphing calculators (e.g., Casio ClassPad)
• Hardware peripherals such as a stylus, keyboard, or wireless adapter with an approved calculator

* Unless approved by the College Board SSD office as an accommodation

For security reasons, some calculators require special instructions.

• Calculators with large display (characters ≥1") or display raised from the horizontal (tilted or hinged screen) may be visible to other students so seat students using these calculators at the back of the testing room.
• Calculators with infrared communication capabilities are permitted. However, because data can be exchanged between these calculators if they are aligned and close together, proctors should make sure that students keep their calculators sufficiently far apart and the infrared ports are not facing each other.
• Calculators with built-in physical constants, metric conversions, and physics, chemistry, or mathematics formulas are permitted. Calculator memories do not need to be cleared before or after the exam.
• The Hewlett-Packard 48-50 Series and Casio FX-9860 graphing calculators may use memory cards designed for use with those calculators.
• The Casio FX-CG500 calculator is permitted only without the use of the stylus.

School-Supplied Backup Calculators

Proctors should have a supply of extra AP-approved calculators and fresh batteries on exam day. You should be able to provide a substitute calculator when:

• A student arrives without a calculator
• A student arrives with an unacceptable calculator
• A calculator malfunctions during the administration

If the student is unable to use the offered calculator, or is unfamiliar with its operation, or you’ve run out of or don’t have spare calculators and still have students that need them, call AP Services for Educators immediately.