PSAT 8/9 Calculators: Bluebook Options and 5 Handhelds

You can use the graphing or scientific Desmos calculator built into Bluebook for PSAT 8/9 Math, or bring an acceptable handheld. A separate graphing-calculator purchase is optional. Check College Board’s current calculator policy before choosing a device.

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This guide compares five existing handheld options by type and classroom fit. It does not rank speed, promise a score, or establish which seller has the lowest current price.

Which calculators are allowed on PSAT 8/9?

College Board permits non-CAS graphing, scientific and basic four-function handheld calculators, subject to its restrictions. It no longer maintains a list of specifically permitted graphing models. Check the exact device and its installed software.

• CAS calculators and symbolic-algebra apps or programs are prohibited. TI-Nspire CX II CAS is different from the non-CAS CX II.
• Remove stored documents and programs with algebra functionality; turn off sound.
• Use a working battery-powered handheld, without a power cord. Do not share calculators.
• Use it only in Math, not Reading and Writing.

The SAT Suite policy is not automatically the same as AP or ACT policy. Check each test’s own rules.

Try Bluebook’s built-in calculator before buying

Bluebook offers both graphing and scientific calculator modes. Try the Math tools in its test preview and official practice before deciding whether an additional handheld would help you.

During practice, notice which workflow feels clearer: entering an expression, changing a graph window, checking a table, or evaluating a fraction. Choose by your ability to use the tool accurately, not by how many functions its packaging lists.

Five handheld calculators to compare

The retailer links are preserved below. Confirm the exact model, selected variant, seller, condition, current price and return terms before purchasing. The descriptions summarize manufacturer information, not hands-on comparative testing.

1. TI-84 Plus CE

TI describes a color-screen graphing calculator. Compare it if your class already uses the TI-84 family and you want to keep a familiar workflow. The CE and CE Python variants are different products; check the selected listing.

Read the TI-84 Plus CE manufacturer information

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2. TI-Nspire CX II

TI offers both CX II and CX II CAS versions. For this test, the distinction matters: College Board prohibits the CAS model. The existing retailer link names the CX II graphing calculator; verify the exact selected variant before ordering.

Read the TI-Nspire CX II manufacturer information

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3. Casio fx-CG50 PRIZM

Casio describes the fx-CG50 as a graphing scientific calculator with graph, equation and matrix tools. Compare its menus with the calculator you already know; extra features alone do not make it a better test-day choice.

Read the Casio fx-CG50 PRIZM manufacturer information

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4. Casio fx-9750GIII

Casio identifies this model as a graphing calculator with Natural Textbook Display and programming support. Do not buy it on the assumption that it costs half as much as another model; compare current offers and your classroom needs.

Read the Casio fx-9750GIII manufacturer information

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5. TI-30XS MultiView

TI identifies a four-line scientific calculator with fraction/decimal conversion and statistics. It does not provide a graphing window. Compare it if you prefer handheld arithmetic and will use Bluebook for graphing.

Read the TI-30XS MultiView manufacturer information

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Practice the actions you will actually use

Before test day, enter fractions and grouped expressions, switch between a table and graph where available, and check whether you need degrees or radians. Estimate first so an input error is easier to spot. You do not need to use a calculator for every question.

For example, enter (18 + 12) ÷ 5 and check that the result is 6. Without parentheses, 18 + 12 ÷ 5 gives 20.4. This is an original input-check example, not an official PSAT question.

Continue with PSAT 8/9 Math review

Open the PSAT 8/9 Math Hub for related lessons, formulas and study resources. Start PSAT 8/9 Math practice for the existing public practice starting point.

PSAT 8/9 calculators: allowed vs. not allowed

Use this table as a quick check before test day. The rules come from College Board’s SAT Suite calculator policy, which covers the PSAT 8/9.

How to tell if your calculator has CAS

• Look for “CAS” in the model name. If it is there, leave it at home.
• Type x + x. If the screen returns 2x instead of an error or a number, it does symbolic algebra.
• Ask it to solve x² = 2. An exact answer like ±√2 is a CAS sign. A decimal like 1.414 is normal.

Calculators go under your desk during Reading and Writing. Bring fresh batteries, since cords are not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a calculator allowed on the PSAT 8/9?

Yes. You can use a calculator on every question in the Math section. The Bluebook testing app includes a Desmos graphing and scientific calculator, so you do not need to bring your own. If you prefer a handheld, an approved non-CAS graphing, scientific, or four-function model is allowed. Calculators are not allowed during Reading and Writing.

Is a TI-84 allowed on the PSAT 8/9?

Yes. TI-84 Plus models, including the TI-84 Plus CE, are graphing calculators without a computer algebra system, so they fit College Board’s policy. Clear any programs that do symbolic algebra before test day, turn off sound, and make sure the batteries are charged, because you cannot plug it in during the test.

Can I use a TI-Nspire on the PSAT 8/9?

It depends on the exact model. The non-CAS TI-Nspire CX II is allowed. The TI-Nspire CAS and the TI-Nspire CX II CAS are banned because they can do symbolic algebra. The two versions look alike, so check the label on the front of the calculator for the letters CAS before you pack it.

Do I need to bring my own calculator to the PSAT 8/9?

No. Desmos is built into Bluebook and works for every math question. Bringing your own is optional. It makes sense only if you already know it well, because the test is not the time to learn new buttons. If you plan to use Desmos, practice with it in Bluebook’s practice tests first.

Does College Board still publish a list of approved calculators?

No. College Board no longer keeps a list of specific approved graphing models. Instead, it describes which types are acceptable and names the CAS models and features that are banned. If your calculator is a non-CAS graphing, scientific, or four-function model without a keyboard, camera, or wireless features, it should be fine.