GRE Calculator allowed?

"Is on-screen calculator allowed on GRE General test?" is the most frequently asked question by test-takers. However, if you try to search for it you will find dubious answers. Some claim GRE calculator is allowed on the GRE, some say you're prohibited to use it.

The problem is that back in old GRE (before August 2011) indeed the calculator was not allowed to be used during the test. But, after the GRE format was changed (now it is called Revised GRE General Test) test-takers got access to the on-screen GRE calculator. It is simple four function calculator, which obeys the order of operations, has sign, square root and memory functions. Besides, there's possibility to use brackets when calculating the expression.

The GRE calculator was allowed because ETS decided to simplify the computational part of the test and focus more on quantitative reasoning, since actually this is the main priority of the Quantitative part of the GRE. But you should be very careful, although GRE calculator is allowed during the test the problems won't get easier to solve.

Don't use GRE calculator only because it's allowed!

Actually, GRE Quantitative part got even more convoluted and complicated for Revised GRE, since now test-makers, when writing problems, keep in mind that GRE calculator is allowed and will take every possibility to convince you that the calculator is necessary to solve the problem, and for many problems it can actually significantly slow you down. It is true that even though calculator can speed up your computations, it can also foster dependence, making it hard for you to spot the shortcuts/workarounds in the GRE problems.

On GRE only two-three questions indeed require the use of calculator, other can be much faster solved using your critical thinking skills. For example, Problem Solving questions will involve more algebra than calculating, and Quantitative Comparison questions will require more reasoning than calculating. So, don't rush to use calculator on GRE!

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About GRE Calculator Blog

From this blog you will learn everything you need to know about GRE calculator to improve your time management and increase problem solving speed during the actual GRE.

As you may know, ETS starting from August 2011 has added on-screen calculator to the Quantitative section of the Revised GRE General Test. From now on you'll be able to use it to speed up your calculations, however you need to remember that GRE is testing your quantitative reasoning skills and just because you have calculator doesn't mean you will pass GRE Quantitative section with a good score.

In fact, sometimes it may actually slow you down in some types of problems, since GRE test-makes write new questions with calculator in mind and that means sometimes they will try to deceive you and make the problem look like the GRE calculator is necessary to solve it, however in most cases there's a workaround you could use to avoid all the unnecessary calculations. Hence, it's very important to learn when you should use GRE calculator and when it is better to use your brain ;)

Remember, the number one obstacle that has the biggest impact on your score is time and only correct time management will help you to succeed in your GRE. And learning strategies and techniques on calculator usage is important part of it.

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GRE Calculator Use

You will be provided with a basic on-screen calculator during the Quantitative section of the GRE test. To maximize your score you'll need to use GRE calculator smartly and the main thing to remember here is to be strategic. Just do not use the calculator because it's available! It may make more sense to use scratch paper for simple calculations. For example, you don't need calculator to calculate 2800/10, 40-530, 210*4, etc. Also if you work with fractions and you need to provide an answer in a fraction vs a decimal, do not use GRE calculator. You will almost certainly waste precious time trying to make conversions, instead just proceed with calculations on scratch paper. Other things to you need to know:

1) The GRE calculator keeps order of operations

You need to remember the order of operations PEMDAS (parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction) when you are working with the calculator. To better remember this acronym just use this saying: "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally". So be careful, if you don't put your numbers in the right order during calculations, you'll get the wrong result. In case you are not familiar with the order operations on GRE calculator, you can download GRE Calculator app for Windows/Mac.

2) For Fill In questios there is an ddition button on GRE calculator: "Transfer Display"

So, to transfer your calculation into the answer box you can use the button called "Transfer Display". While this can save some time, you should be careful, since sometimes the question is asking to round the final answer and and always check whether the right numbers transferred into the answer box (you can estimate final result mentally).

3) "Error" message can be displayed sometimes

Because the GRE calculator can only display up to 8 digits and works only with real numbers sometimes you'll see the "Error". To get rid of it you'll need to hit clear the "C" button.

4) All button work the same way as a regular four function calculator

There are the sign button, the square root button, the memory buttons and the parentheses buttons. As with any part of the GRE, you should practice using these functions before you ever step into the test center. The best way to do that is to practice with the help of free GRE Calculator online. Remember, the calculator can be one more tool to boost your problem solving speed and maximize your final GRE score.

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