The SAT is changing—and so is the way you can use calculators. One question we hear often is: “Is Desmos allowed on every SAT question?” If you’re prepping for the digital SAT, this blog breaks it down so you know exactly what to expect—and how to make the most of this powerful tool.
What Is Desmos?
Desmos is a free, online graphing calculator known for its intuitive interface and powerful visualizations. And now, it’s built right into the Bluebook app, the official digital SAT testing platform from the College Board.
Unlike traditional handheld calculators, the embedded Desmos calculator offers:
- Graphing of functions and inequalities
- Sliders to test values dynamically
- Quick solutions for systems of equations and intersections
- Easy-to-find y-intercepts, minimums, and maximums
- Built-in functions for mean, median, and more
So… Is Desmos Allowed on Every SAT Question?
Yes—Desmos is available on every math question in the new digital SAT.
But here’s the catch: it’s only accessible during the Math section, and it’s not available for Reading and Writing questions (even if you think math might help there!).
So while Desmos is a powerful tool, its usage is limited to the Math section only, and you won’t be able to access it during the rest of the exam.
How to Access Desmos on the SAT
You don’t need to download or install anything. Desmos is embedded in the SAT’s digital interface:
- Launch the Bluebook testing app
- Click the calculator icon during a math question
- The Desmos calculator pops up right on the screen!
This version is almost identical to the one found at desmos.com—making practice with the online tool extremely beneficial.
Why You Should Use Desmos (Strategically)
Desmos is especially helpful for:
- Graphing linear, quadratic, and exponential functions
- Solving systems of equations using visual intersections
- Understanding transformations with dynamic sliders
- Visualizing inequalities through shaded regions
- Speeding up SAT calculator questions that involve hard algebra
However, not every question needs Desmos. In some cases—like basic arithmetic or fractions—it might be faster to solve manually.
Pro Tip: Use Desmos during practice tests to find out which problems it helps you solve faster and more accurately.
When NOT to Use Desmos
Despite its power, Desmos isn’t always the best choice. Avoid using it:
- When questions involve ugly fractions or radicals
- For open-ended questions where algebra is faster
- When multiple answer choices require separate graphing
- In questions where symbolic manipulation is faster than visual guessing
It’s easy to lose time if you rely on Desmos for every question. Know when to skip it.
Can I Still Use a Handheld Calculator?
Yes! You can bring your own approved non-CAS handheld calculator, like the TI-84, but you don’t have to. The Desmos SAT calculator is already provided inside the test, giving every student equal access to advanced graphing capabilities.
Final Thoughts
To recap:
Desmos is allowed on every SAT Math question
It’s not allowed in Reading and Writing sections
You should practice with Desmos before test day
Use Desmos strategically—not just habitually
Knowing how to use Desmos on the SAT gives you a serious edge—but only if you use it smartly. Practice now, and walk into test day with confidence.
