AP Exam Calculator Policy by Subject (2027)
Which calculators are allowed on each AP exam in 2027? 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.
2027 Calculator Policy Table
| AP Subject | Calculator allowed? | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB/BC | Part B only (Section I) | Built-in Desmos + handheld graphing |
| Precalculus | Part B only (Section I) | Built-in Desmos + handheld graphing |
| 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 |
| Environmental Science | Yes | Scientific/graphing |
| CSA / CSP | No | — |
| All History & English | No | — |
| Psychology / Human Geo / Gov | No | — |
Calculus & Precalculus: Part A vs Part B
On the real Bluebook exam, Section I MCQ is split:
- Part A: No calculator allowed (Desmos hidden)
- Part B: Graphing calculator required (built-in Desmos available)
Our practice exams mirror this with a Submit Part A → Part B flow and on-screen banners.
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 2027.
Related
- AP exam length by subject
- Desmos tips for SAT Math (Digital SAT)
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, and Psychology do not allow calculators.
Can you use Desmos on AP exams?
Yes on calculator-permitted AP exams in Bluebook. Calculus AB/BC and Precalculus include a built-in Desmos graphing calculator on Section I Part B only; Part A is no-calculator. You may also bring approved handheld graphing calculators.
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: August 2026.