Can I use a Calculator on the AP Calculus Exam

What is the AP Calculus calculator policy? In short, each of the two sections of the test has two parts, one of which requires a calculator and the other does not permit one. In this article youll learn more about calculator use on the AP Calculus AB and BC test. Having a good calculator that you know how to use makes a huge difference on the AP exams. When Can I use my Calculator? Both the AP Calculus AB and BC tests follow the same format. Section / PartType of questionsNumber of questionsTime LimitCalculator permitted? IAMultiple Choice3060 minutesNo IBMultiple Choice1545 minutesYes IIAFree Response230 minutesYes IIBFree Response460 minutesNo As you can see, there are two parts on which a calculator may be used. In fact, the instructions for these parts state: A graphing calculator is required for some questions on this part of the examination. It may be possible to work out all of the problems without a calculator. However, certain built-in calculator features can save you valuable time on the test. AP Calculus Calculator Policy Generally speaking, any graphing calculator that does not have a computer keyboard layout, touch screens/pads, stylus input, etc. should be OK. Moreover, your calculator may not use Bluetooth or be able to connect to the internet (this rules out cell phones). Personally, I recommend a graphing calculator in the TI line, for example the TI-83, 84, 89, or Nspire. The newer TI-Nspire CX CAS and related calculators are especially suited for the test. These calculators include every AP Calculus calculator function that you may need on the test. Photo by Joerg Woerner. Here is an official list of approved calculators that you should consult before test day. Know Your Calculator On the other hand, theres no use getting the biggest and best calculator out there if you dont know how to use it. So if you are more familiar with the layout on your basic calculator, then by all means use that on the test instead. A good AP Calculus calculator does not have to be fancy or expensive. Using the Graphing Calculator Certain built-in features of your graphing calculator make some problems easy. For example, you can use the numerical integral function (or fnInt on older TI models) to instantly solve definite integral problems. Eulers Method (an AP Calculus BC topic) can be done directly on the Nspire. However, even though there is no Eulers Method feature (that I know of) on the older TI-83/84, you may still be able to find and store a program that does Eulers Method for you. According to official AP policy, Calculator memories do not need to be cleared before or after the exam. This means that you may store as much as you want in the calculator itself, including programs, to help you on the test! More Information Here you may peruse the official AP Calculus calculator policy. Then check out these useful Calculator Strategies for the AP Calculus Exam.