Yes. Desmos is allowed on the SAT, and you do not have to bring it. College Board builds a Desmos calculator into Bluebook, the digital testing app. It has a graphing mode and a scientific mode, and you can switch between them on every Math question. You may also bring an approved handheld calculator, but CAS models are banned.
Short answer: the SAT version of Desmos is a test-safe copy of the free Desmos calculator. It arrived with the digital SAT. College Board's March 2024 launch release lists "the built-in graphing calculator" as one of the digital SAT's changes. The digital SAT started outside the US in March 2023 and in the US in March 2024. For technique guides, a practice calculator and a printable cheat sheet, start at our Desmos SAT hub.
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Start 1-day free trial →Is Desmos allowed on the SAT? What the official policy says
Yes. College Board's SAT Suite calculator policy lists the Desmos calculator first in its list of acceptable calculators. Its wording:
- "Bluebook contains an embedded Desmos calculator with two options" (graphing or scientific). "Students can toggle between the two."
- "You may use your own approved handheld calculator or take advantage of the Desmos calculator embedded in Bluebook."
- "Students can toggle between scientific and graphing options at any point in the Math section."
You can use Desmos, a handheld calculator, or both. College Board's Assessment Framework (version 4, September 2026) says the built-in Desmos calculator "is available for the entire Math section."
Which version of Desmos is on the SAT?
The SAT uses the College Board testing version of Desmos. It looks and works like the free calculator on desmos.com, with a few features turned off.
Desmos publishes a one-page guide to the College Board calculators. It is marked "Updated for SY2026-2027," which means the 2026-27 school year. It says:
- The four-function and scientific calculators "do not differ from the ones on desmos.com."
- On the graphing calculator, "Images, folders, and notes are disabled on your test."
- The test calculator "automatically checks Log mode" for some exponential, logarithmic and power regressions.
The Desmos assessment FAQ adds that on a testing calculator you cannot import graphs, add images, log into an account, or save and share links. It also says the features for each test are usually set once a year, in the summer. So an update on desmos.com during the school year usually does not show up on that year's test.
The same FAQ says the SAT testing calculators are on the Desmos Testing page. Our guide to the College Board version of Desmos shows how it differs from desmos.com in more detail.
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When was Desmos added to the SAT?
The built-in graphing calculator arrived with the digital SAT. College Board has not posted a separate date for when Desmos itself was added, as far as we could find. Its own news releases give this timeline:
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| January 25, 2022 | College Board announced the digital SAT. "Calculators will be allowed on the entire Math section." | College Board news release |
| March 2023 | The digital SAT launched outside the US. | College Board, March 12, 2024 release |
| March 9, 2024 | First digital SAT Weekend test in the US. The release lists "the option to use the built-in graphing calculator." | Same release |
| September 2026 | The Assessment Framework (version 4) names it: "A built-in Desmos calculator is available for the entire Math section." | Assessment Framework PDF |
| Fall 2026 | Bluebook update: "Students can resize the calculator." | Bluebook new features |
Before that, the paper SAT had a separate no-calculator part. The framework says the single digital Math section "has replaced the separately timed no-calculator and calculator-allowed portions" of the paper test.
Where is Desmos in Bluebook?
Desmos is part of Bluebook, so you do not open a website or another app. College Board's Bluebook testing tools page says: "On the SAT, PSAT-related assessments, and certain AP Exams, you'll have access to a Desmos calculator. You can drag it anywhere on the screen."
Three things to know before test day:
- You can resize it now. Bluebook's fall 2026 update says the Desmos calculator, reference sheets and images "are easier to use and see," and students "can resize the calculator."
- Your work does not carry over. The Desmos FAQ warns that "content in one calculator won't carry over to content in the other calculator." Check which mode you are in before you type.
- You can try it first. Bluebook's practice page says a test preview "lets you experience digital testing and try out all the tools." Full-length practice tests are in Bluebook too.
For a click-by-click walkthrough, read our Bluebook app guide and our post on when to switch between scientific and graphing.
Can you bring your own calculator instead of Desmos?
Yes, if it is not a CAS calculator. CAS stands for computer algebra system. It means the calculator can solve equations or factor expressions in symbols. The College Board policy says: "Calculators with CAS (computer algebra system) functionality are no longer allowed for tests within the SAT Suite of Assessments."
| Question | Desmos in Bluebook | Your own handheld |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed on the SAT? | Yes, built in | Yes, if it is non-CAS |
| Need to bring it? | No | Yes, with fresh batteries |
| Graphing? | Yes, plus a scientific mode | Only if it is a graphing model |
| Banned examples | None | TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime, Casio ClassPad |
| Allowed during Reading and Writing? | Built for the Math section | No, it must go under your desk |
| If your handheld fails? | Desmos is your backup | Policy: "you can continue testing using the built-in Desmos calculator" |
A few more rules from the policy. You must remove programs that solve or factor algebra, and remove stored documents. Phone calculator apps, calculators with QWERTY keyboards, and laptops or tablets (unless approved as an accommodation) are not allowed. Note that a TI-Nspire without "CAS" in its name is fine. College Board also says it "no longer" keeps a list of allowed graphing calculators. It only lists banned ones.
Our SAT calculator policy page lists every banned model College Board names and shows a quick test for CAS on your own calculator.
Is Desmos itself a CAS? No. The Desmos FAQ says: "Desmos is not considered a computer algebra system (CAS)." It graphs and calculates, but you still have to read and use what it shows.
The rules can change. The policy says calculator rules "may change as frequently as once a year." Changes are shared in time for each August SAT Weekend test. Check the policy page before you test.
How should you practice with the SAT version of Desmos?
College Board's own advice is to explore the Math section in a test preview, take a Bluebook practice test, or use the Desmos website. Then practice on bank questions.
- Learn the moves. Our step-by-step posts show the exact Desmos methods: how to solve for x on Desmos, ratios and percentages on Desmos, and when to use regression on the SAT.
- Know when to skip it. Some questions are faster by hand. See when not to use Desmos on SAT math.
- Use real test questions. The October 2026 SAT Math Question Bank and the September 2026 SAT Math Question Bank sort questions by domain, so you can practice the ones where Desmos helps most. Every bank is listed on our SAT question bank page.
- Test it under time. Create a free account to take one full-length adaptive SAT section free. You get a real Module 1 to Module 2 route and a scaled score. You can also browse all Digital SAT practice tests.
How we built this page
We read College Board's SAT Suite calculator policy, the Bluebook testing tools, practice and fall 2026 new-features pages, the Assessment Framework for the Digital SAT Suite (version 4, September 2026), and two College Board news releases (January 25, 2022 and March 12, 2024). We also read the Desmos assessment FAQ and Desmos's College Board calculator guide marked "Updated for SY2026-2027." Every quote above comes from those pages. Verified 2026-10-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Desmos on the SAT?
Yes. College Board's calculator policy lists the Desmos calculator embedded in Bluebook as an acceptable calculator. It has graphing and scientific options, and you can switch between them at any point in the Math section.
When was Desmos added to the SAT?
The built-in graphing calculator came with the digital SAT. The digital SAT launched outside the US in March 2023 and in the US on March 9, 2024. College Board has not posted a separate date for when Desmos itself was added.
What version of Desmos is used on the SAT?
The College Board testing version. Desmos's guide, updated for the 2026-27 school year, says the scientific calculator matches desmos.com, while the graphing calculator disables images, folders and notes and turns on log mode for some regressions.
Can I bring my own calculator to the SAT if Desmos is built in?
Yes, as long as it is not a CAS calculator. Graphing, scientific and four-function calculators are allowed. Models such as the TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS and HP Prime are banned. If your calculator fails, you can keep testing with the built-in Desmos.
Is Desmos a CAS calculator?
No. The Desmos assessment FAQ says Desmos is not considered a computer algebra system, because it does not solve equations algebraically or simplify expressions the way a CAS calculator does.
Can I use Desmos on the Reading and Writing section?
College Board describes the built-in Desmos calculator as available for the entire Math section. Handheld calculators must go under your desk during the Reading and Writing modules.
Related Concepts
Sources and Citation Targets
- College Board: SAT Suite Calculator Policy
- College Board: Bluebook Testing Tools
- College Board: Bluebook New and Updated Features (fall 2026)
- College Board: Practice on Bluebook
- College Board: Assessment Framework for the Digital SAT Suite, v4 (Sept 2026)
- College Board news release, March 12, 2024
- College Board news release, January 25, 2022
- Desmos: Assessment Resources and FAQ