Which calculators are allowed in A Level Maths?
A Level and International A Level Maths allow a calculator in every paper. It must not do symbolic algebra (CAS), symbolic differentiation or integration, or talk to other devices, and it must not hold stored formulas or text you can call up.
What the rules say
| Exam | Calculator rule |
|---|---|
| UK A Level (Edexcel 9MA0, AQA 7357, OCR H240) | JCQ rules: a calculator must not offer language translation, symbolic algebra manipulation, symbolic differentiation or integration, or communication with other machines or the internet, and must not give access to stored information such as databanks, dictionaries, formulae or text. Source: JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations 2026–27, section 10: Using calculators (PDF) |
| Exam mode (JCQ) | JCQ accepts a calculator's exam mode when it is switched on and it makes the calculator follow those rules, and the JCQ FAQ says it must stay on for the whole exam. The candidate is responsible for the calculator meeting the rules. Source: JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations 2026–27, section 10: Using calculators (PDF) · JCQ FAQs: Using calculators (PDF) |
| Edexcel International A Level (IAL) | Every unit allows a calculator, P1 included. The front of each paper: candidates may use any calculator permitted by Pearson regulations; it must not do symbolic algebra manipulation, differentiation or integration, or have retrievable mathematical formulae stored in it. Source: Pearson Edexcel International A Level Mathematics: question paper front cover (e.g. WMA11/01) |
| TMUA | No calculator. UAT-UK: calculators are not permitted in either test (ESAT or TMUA). Source: UAT-UK: Are calculators allowed in the ESAT or the TMUA? |
Casio says the fx-CG50, fx-991EX and fx-991CW are permitted in UK exams. For the TI-84 Plus CE and TI-Nspire CX II (non-CAS), check with your exams officer against the rules above.
Is my calculator allowed? A one-minute check
- No CAS. If the name has CAS in it (TI-Nspire CX II CAS) or it is a Casio ClassPad, it can do symbolic algebra, and that is not allowed.
- No keyboard, no wireless. A QWERTY keyboard, or a way to talk to other devices, rules it out.
- Nothing stored. Notes, programs or formulas you can call up are not allowed: reset it or use exam mode, as your school says.
- Ask your exams officer if you are not sure. They check calculators against the board's current rules.
Steps 1 to 3 are the rules in the table above, in short. They apply only to papers that allow a calculator.
Questions
Is a calculator allowed in the TMUA?
No. UAT-UK says calculators are not permitted in either test (ESAT or TMUA).
Can I use a graphic calculator in A Level Maths?
Yes, if it follows the JCQ rules: no symbolic algebra, no symbolic differentiation or integration, no communication with other machines or the internet, and no stored information you can call up. An exam mode that makes it follow the rules is accepted.
Is a calculator allowed in IAL P1?
Yes. Every Edexcel International A Level Maths unit allows a calculator, P1 (WMA11) included.
More calculator help for exam day
What else is free here
- A Level Maths topicsEach topic explained, with a worked example and practice questions.
- Past papers and mark schemesLinks to the boards' own papers, with a timer and topic practice.
- IAL revision notesOne page per topic across P1 to P4, S1 and M1.
- Formula sheets (PDF)Edexcel, AQA, OCR and IAL on one page each, showing what each board's booklet gives you.
Save your scores and practise the questions that use thisA free account remembers the questions you have done and brings you back to this page.
Join freeAlready have an account? Sign in
Sources
Every keystroke on this page comes from the manufacturer's own guide for that model, and every exam rule from the exam board's own document; each section names its source. Where we could not find a step in one of those documents, we have left it out. A Level Math Revision is independent and is not connected to Casio, Texas Instruments or any exam board.