AP Exam Calculator Policy by Subject (2026)
Which calculators are allowed on each AP exam in 2026? Complete policy table for all 24 AP subjects.
Short answer: Calculator rules vary by AP subject — Calculus, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, and Economics allow approved graphing or four-function calculators; CSA, English, History, and Gov exams do not.
2026 Calculator Policy Table
| AP Subject | Calculator allowed? | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB/BC | Yes | Graphing recommended |
| Statistics | Yes | Graphing required |
| Chemistry | Yes | Scientific/graphing |
| Physics 1/2/C | Yes | Scientific/graphing |
| Micro/Macro Economics | Yes | Four-function |
| Biology | Yes | Four-function, scientific, or graphing |
| Precalculus | Yes | Graphing |
| Environmental Science | No (exam) | — |
| CSA / CSP | No | — |
| All History & English | No | — |
| Psychology / Human Geo / Gov | No | — |
Before Exam Day
- Fresh batteries, cleared memory if required.
- Know which functions you need (Statistics: invNorm, tcdf; Calc: nDeriv, fnInt).
Practice
Timed AP practice tests with the same calculator you will use in May.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a calculator on AP exams?
It depends on the subject. STEM exams (Calc, Stats, Chemistry, Physics, Economics) allow approved calculators; CSA and CSP do not. History and English exams do not.
Is a TI-84 allowed on AP Calculus?
Yes. Graphing calculators like the TI-84 Plus are permitted on AP Calculus AB/BC, Statistics, Chemistry, and Physics exams.
Which AP exams do not allow calculators?
AP Computer Science A, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP History exams, AP Government, Human Geography, Psychology, and Environmental Science (check ES — no calculator on MCQ section).
Can you use Desmos on AP exams?
Not on AP exams — Desmos is built into the Digital SAT Math section only. AP exams use your own approved handheld calculator where permitted.
Are phone calculators allowed?
Never. Only approved standalone calculators; phones and smartwatches are prohibited.
Do Economics AP exams allow calculators?
Yes — a four-function calculator is allowed on AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (both sections).
Sources & verification
Content verified against official College Board materials: July 2026.