Think your phone on airplane mode is harmless? Or that your smartwatch “doesn’t even do anything”?
Think again. When it comes to SAT devices, one small mistake can cost you your score – yes, even if you didn’t mean to break the rules.
Every year, students walk out of the SAT feeling confident about the questions… only to have their scores canceled because of an electronics violation. Let’s make sure that’s not you.
Here’s a clear, stress-free breakdown of what devices you’re allowed to bring to the SAT and what must stay far, far away.
The One Electronic You Can Bring: Your Calculator
For the SAT Math (Calculator) section, calculators are allowed – but only specific ones.
What’s allowed:
- Scientific calculators
- Graphing calculators
Brands like Texas Instruments (TI), Casio, HP, and Sharp are all approved, as long as the calculator follows College Board rules.
What’s NOT allowed:
- Calculators with QWERTY keyboards
- Calculators with internet access, Bluetooth, or wireless capabilities
- Devices that can record audio or video
College Board maintains an official list of approved calculators, which you should always double-check before test day. You can find it directly on their website here.
EH Tutoring tip: Bring extra batteries or a backup calculator if possible. A dead calculator mid-test is the last thing you need.
The SAT provides a built-in Desmos graphing calculator for the Math section, so students don’t need to bring their own for those questions. Desmos helps with graphing equations and analyzing functions efficiently, making familiarity with it important before test day. (Read our full guide on using Desmos for the SAT here.)
Other Electronics: A Hard No
Let’s be very clear here; this is where most students get into trouble.
Prohibited SAT devices include:
- Smartphones (even turned off)
- Smartwatches (including Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, etc.)
- Tablets or iPads
- Earbuds or headphones
- Fitness trackers of any kind
Even if these devices are not in use – or are “just in your pocket” – having them nearby can invalidate your SAT score. What happens instead? You’ll be asked to power them off and store them away in a designated area, usually outside the testing room. If a prohibited device goes off, lights up, vibrates, or is seen during testing? Your test may be dismissed and canceled.
Here is the full official policy link from the College Board.
Writing Tools: Keep It Classic
Despite everything going digital these days, the SAT still believes in old-school basics.
What to bring:
- #2 pencils only (bring at least 2–3, sharpened)
- Erasers (attached to the pencil or separate)
Not allowed:
- Pens for the answer sheet
- Mechanical pencils
- Highlighters, markers, or colored pens
Even though the SAT Essay has been discontinued for most students, pencils are still required, so don’t assume anything else will work.
Scratch Paper: Provided, Not Personal
You don’t need to (and can’t) bring your own paper.
- Test centers provide scratch paper or graph paper
- You must use only what is given to you
- Personal notebooks, sticky notes, or loose paper are not allowed
Use scratch paper wisely, especially for Math and Reading notes.
Snacks, Water, and Break-Time Items
Good news: you won’t have to power through the entire test hungry.
Allowed during breaks:
- Snacks
- Water or drinks
- Medication (if needed)
Not allowed at your desk:
- Food or drinks during test sections
- Open snack containers during active testing
EH Tutoring reminder: Choose snacks that give steady energy – not sugar crashes.
Why SAT Device Rules Matter More Than You Think
The SAT is less forgiving than it looks. Most violations aren’t intentional; they’re accidental. A buzzing phone. A forgotten smartwatch. A calculator that’s “too smart.”
Knowing the SAT devices policy ahead of time removes unnecessary anxiety and protects all the hard work you’ve already put in.
At EH Tutoring, we always remind students: The goal on test day is zero surprises.
When your logistics are handled, your focus stays exactly where it belongs i.e., on answering questions with confidence.
Final Advice: Prep the Night Before, Not the Morning Of
Before test day:
- Lay out everything you’re bringing
- Remove prohibited devices completely
- Double-check calculator eligibility
- Review College Board’s official checklist
Because the SAT doesn’t reward creativity with rules. It rewards preparation.