During the GRE test, you may be required to carry out large scale calculations to arrive at an answer. Most GRE test takers are not sure whether the test allows the use of a calculator. Read this article to know about the guidelines set by ETS on the use of calculators during the GRE. But before we move on to the guidelines, let us understand the GRE structure briefly.

What is the GRE?

The GRE or Graduate Record Examination is a standard test conducted globally by ETS and is accepted by universities and business schools all over the world. The exam is divided into three sections — Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.

Each of the sections of a GRE is further split into two sections. Your performance in the first part of the quant and verbal sections decides whether the next part — of these sections — will be of a higher difficulty level or lower, this process is what makes the GRE a section-adaptive test. Hence, if you perform well in the first part of the quant section, the next set of 30 questions will be of higher difficulty and the same is true for the verbal section. The quant and verbal reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130-170. Your total GRE score is 340 and this includes the score of only quant and verbal sections.

The two sections of the AWA section includes — analyse-an-argument and analyse-an-issue. The AWA section is an hour-long and is scored on a scale of 0-6. And, though this section isn’t part of your total score, to achieve an overall good GRE score, it is essential that you get excellent scores in this section as well. Most universities and business schools look at your scores overall, hence, each section of the GRE is important.

Now that you know a little about the GRE structure, let us understand ETS’s policy on the use of calculators on the GRE.

Does the GRE have a Calculator?

The simple answer to the question is – yes, the GRE does have a calculator. However, you’re not allowed to carry one into the exam centre. Rather, you will be provided one. Since the GRE is a computer-delivered test, the calculator will appear on the screen when the quant section of the test commences. You will be allowed to use this digital calculator the exam application provides.

You should practice using the digital calculator provided by the GRE by taking GRE mock tests during your preparation, this will help you get habituated to the overall test and its tools.

So, if you are worried whether a calculator will be allowed or not and how you will manage such huge calculations, then worry not, ETS has everything sorted out for you. The only thing you need to do is follow the rules and guidelines.