These are the best PSAT-approved calculators for 2026, and every one is allowed under College Board’s current policy for the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9. The digital PSAT also has the Desmos calculator built in, so you only need your own if you’re faster with it.
Our picks at a glance:
- Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE – Best Overall
- Texas Instruments TI-84 Evo – Newest TI-84
- Casio fx-9750GIII – Best Budget Graphing Calculator
- Texas Instruments TI-34 MultiView – Best Scientific Calculator
- Casio fx-300MS Plus (2nd Edition) – Best Budget Scientific Calculator
Preparing for the PSAT? See the best PSAT prep books and best PSAT prep courses.
Do You Need a Calculator for the PSAT?
Not necessarily. Every PSAT (the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9) is taken in College Board’s Bluebook app, which has the Desmos calculator built in with graphing and scientific modes. You can use it for the entire Math section; the old no-calculator section is gone. Practice on the free Desmos graphing calculator or in Bluebook’s practice tests if you plan to rely on it.
You can still bring your own calculator, and many students do because they’re faster with one they use in class. If it fails during the test, you can switch to Desmos.
Best Graphing Calculators for the PSAT
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE
The TI-84 Plus CE is the graphing calculator most high school math classes use, so it’s the one teachers and tutorials assume. It has a full-color backlit display and MathPrint, which shows fractions and expressions in textbook form, and it converts decimals to fractions in a keystroke. It has no CAS, so it’s allowed on the PSAT, SAT and ACT, and it will last you through AP Calculus.
- Color backlit display with MathPrint
- Converts decimals to fractions
- Allowed on the PSAT, SAT and ACT
Texas Instruments TI-84 Evo
The TI-84 Evo is Texas Instruments’ newest TI-84. TI says it’s three times faster than earlier models, with 50% more graphing space and a simpler, icon-based layout, and that it’s approved for the SAT, ACT, AP and IB exams. It usually costs less than the TI-84 Plus CE.
- Newest TI-84 model
- Faster processor and larger graphing area (TI’s figures)
- Approved for the SAT, ACT, AP and IB, according to TI
Casio fx-9750GIII
A more budget-friendly high resolution graphing calculator that is easy to navigate with its icon based menu and large display.
The Casio fx-9750GIII is the best graphing calculator for less money, with a natural textbook display and Python programming. It replaced the fx-9750GII that older guides recommend, and it’s allowed on the PSAT, SAT and ACT.
- Budget graphing calculator
- Natural textbook display
- Python programming
Best Scientific Calculators for the PSAT
A scientific calculator is plenty for the PSAT, especially with Desmos built in for graphing. It’s also the cheaper choice if you’re a 9th or 10th grader who’ll want a graphing calculator later.
Texas Instruments TI-34 MultiView
The TI-34 MultiView is our favorite scientific calculator for the PSAT. Its four-line display lets you scroll back and edit earlier entries, MathPrint shows fractions, roots and exponents in textbook form, and its table feature lists (x, y) values for a function, which is handy on PSAT function questions.
- Four-line display with scrolling and editing
- MathPrint mode
- Table and fraction features
Casio fx-300MS Plus (2nd Edition)
The Casio fx-300MS Plus (2nd Edition) is the budget pick: a two-line display with trigonometry, statistics and fractions, powered by solar with a battery backup.
- Two-line display
- Trig, statistics and fraction functions
- Solar power with battery backup
Calculators Not Allowed on the PSAT
The PSAT follows the same calculator policy as the SAT, which bans calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS):
- Texas Instruments: all TI-89 and TI-92 models, the TI-Nspire CAS and TI-Nspire CX II CAS, and any model with “CAS” in its name (non-CAS TI-Nspire models are allowed)
- HP: HP Prime, HP 48GII, and all 40G, 49G and 50G models
- Casio: ClassPad 300, 330 and 400, ClassPad II (fx-CP400), ClassPad fx-CG500, Algebra fx 2.0, and all CFX-9970G models
Also banned: calculators with QWERTY keyboards, wireless, Bluetooth or cellular connections, cameras or recording, pen input or paper tape, plus tablets, laptops and phone calculator apps.
PSAT Calculator Rules
- You can use a calculator for the whole Math section, but not during Reading and Writing, when it goes under your desk.
- Remove any stored documents and any programs with algebra functionality.
- Turn off all sound, and use battery power only, with no power cords.
- Don’t share calculators.
- Four-function calculators are allowed but not recommended, because most don’t follow order of operations.
PSAT Calculator Tips
- Use the calculator you know. Practice with it in class and on PSAT practice tests before test day.
- Don’t reach for it on every question. Some Math questions are faster in your head, and College Board says so too.
- Plug in answer choices. On “solve for x” questions, store each choice as x and check which one works.
- Use absolute value and tables to test answer choices on function questions.
For more strategy, see our PSAT tips.
PSAT Calculator FAQ
Can you use a calculator on the whole PSAT?
On the whole Math section, yes. The digital PSAT no longer has a no-calculator section. You can’t use one during Reading and Writing, when it has to stay under your desk.
Do you need your own calculator for the PSAT?
No. The Desmos graphing and scientific calculators are built into the Bluebook app for the entire Math section. Bring your own permitted calculator only if you work faster with it.
Is the TI-89 allowed on the PSAT?
No. College Board bans calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) across the SAT Suite, including every TI-89 and TI-92 and the TI-Nspire CAS. The same rules apply to the PSAT and the SAT.
Can I use my PSAT calculator on the SAT?
Yes. The PSAT and SAT share one calculator policy, so any calculator that’s allowed on the PSAT is allowed on the SAT too.
What’s Next?
Moving on to the SAT or ACT? See the best calculators for the SAT and the best ACT calculators, and check the PSAT test dates.