GRE On-Screen Calculator: How to Use It – In Detailed Explanation
Preparing for the GRE can feel challenging, but with the right strategy, you can hit your target score- no matter your math background. An essential part of this strategy is mastering the GRE calculator. Although it might look simple, this built-in tool can make a massive difference in speed and accuracy during the exam.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need about the GRE calculator online- from its basic functions to its advanced features. We’ll also share smart tips on using the calculator more efficiently and insights into the GRE percentile calculator to help you understand where you stand among test-takers.
About GRE
The Graduate Record Examination, or the GRE General Test, is essential to your journey to a good Graduate School or a Business School. It is a general test in the sense that a wide variety of programs in various Universities across the world accept GRE scores for admissions. And since the acceptability of the test score is far and wide, the GRE questions don’t test you on anything technical or subject-specific. The test assesses you across four parameters – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Critical Thinking and Analytical Writing. A good GRE score is also one of the key parameters for granting scholarships and fellowships.
GRE Exam Pattern
| Section | GRE Exam Pattern | Test Duration |
| GRE Analytical Writing (1 Section) | One “Analyze an Issue” task | 30 minutes |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning (2 Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions
2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 18 minutes
2: 23 minutes |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning (2 Sections) | Section 1: 12 questions
2: 15 questions |
Section 1: 21 minutes
2: 26 minutes |
| Total GRE Duration | — | 1 hour 58 minutes |
As you can see, if you do well in the first section and happen to go to the more difficult second section then there is no way you will get a score that is below 149, even if you get many questions wrong in the harder section. Likewise, if you muck up your first section and go to a rather easier second section then you won’t cross the threshold of 151 even if your responses to all the questions are spot on in the easier section.
So, yes, the harder section is a reward.
So, there are several questions that need to be considered: When to use the calculator, how to use the calculator, should you simplify equations before you go to the calculator, etc. To answer these questions wholly and substantially, we first need to take a deep dive into the Math/Quantitative section of the aforementioned exam.
Read Also: GRE Exam Pattern
GRE Quantitative Section Overview
| Category | Details |
| Topics Covered | – Arithmetic: operations, percentages, ratios, proportions
– Algebra: equations, inequalities, exponents, functions, sequences – Geometry: lines, angles, triangles, circles, basic concepts – Data Analysis: statistics, probability, graphs, data interpretation ❌ No trigonometry, calculus, or advanced engineering math |
| Level of Difficulty | – Focus on quantitative reasoning rather than advanced math
– Questions range from easy to moderately difficult – Tests ability to analyze data, apply core math concepts, and reason logically – Emphasis on application of fundamentals rather than complex theories |
| Question Types | 1. Problem Solving (Single Answer): 1 correct option out of 5 (◯ oval marker)
2. Problem Solving (Multiple Answers): 1 or more correct options out of 3–10 (☑ checkboxes) 3. Quantitative Comparison: Compare Quantity A & B, choose 1 out of 4 options (◯ oval marker) 4. Numeric Entry: Enter exact number using on-screen keypad (blank boxes ☐) |
| Calculator Use | – Physical calculators NOT allowed
– A basic on-screen ETS calculator is provided during the test |
GRE Calculator Features and Limitations
The GRE calculator provided during the exam is quite basic- similar to a simple calculator app you might find on your phone. However, it doesn’t function exactly like a basic calculator, which makes it essential to understand how the GRE on-screen calculator works before test day.
Key Features
- Input Methods: You can enter numbers using either your keyboard or mouse. Using the keyboard is usually faster and more accurate, but you should practice both to see what works best.
- Order of operations: The calculator correctly follows the PEMDAS rule. For example, entering 2+3*4 will return 14 instead of 20, unlike some basic calculators, which process strictly left to right.
- Memory function (M+): Pressing M+ repeatedly adds the current display value to the memory rather than replacing it. For example, if 40 is stored and 9 is on display, pressing M+ will store 49, not override it.
Limitations
- Only 8 digits displayed: The GRE calculator can’t handle numbers longer than 8 digits (e.g., 123, 456, 789), so you’ll often need to solve such problems manually.
- No nested parentheses: You can only use one set at a time. For problems like 3*(5- (1+2)), you’ll have to simplify step by step before entering it.
- Small interface: On test day, the GRE on-screen calculator will appear much smaller than in practice versions, so it’s important to get comfortable using it in a limited space.
Pairing smart calculator use with practice on a GRE calculator online, a GRE score calculator, or a GRE percentile calculator can help you simulate real test conditions and can better track your performance. Many aspirants also use a GRE test score calculator after practice tests to estimate their scaled scores.
Read Also: GRE Syllabus
How do you use a GRE calculator?
But the calculator has to be used selectively. Not all questions require a calculator for you to solve them. As there would be a time crunch in the exam, you need to use the calculator in only those questions where it saves you time. Now, you may ask, wouldn’t a calculator always save time? That is a very good question. But the short answer is, No!
Let us understand this with the help of an example.
- x + 5 = 13, find the value of x?
Likewise,
400010 or 225 or 502 or (2)(120)
- When tackling chart and table-based questions, it is crucial to determine whether to calculate or approximate as part of the solving strategy. Comparing fractional values with complex denominators such as 53, 37, and so on can be efficiently done using a calculator, as these types of problems are already time-consuming due to the data provided in the question, which requires comprehension.
Consider the following example: Let’s assume you need to identify the answer choice with the greatest percentage increase, and you have obtained the following values for each answer option:
When analyzing the options, it becomes evident that options A and C can be eliminated due to their large denominators in comparison to options B and E. Additionally, option D was excluded based on manual calculations, as it yielded a negative value. Now, the decision lies between options B and D, where the denominators are relatively close.
Employing more mental math strategies might become tiresome, but a skilled test taker recognizes that this is the opportune moment to switch to an on-screen calculator. By utilizing a calculator, one can quickly divide and compare the two options.
In the first case, do you really need a calculator? No, right. But in the second scenario, a calculator would make the calculations easier and would also save time.
Remember to review and familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines provided by ETS regarding calculator usage in the GRE to ensure you are well-prepared on test day.
Read Also: GRE Preparation
GRE Calculator Strategy
| Strategy | How It Helps |
| 1. Prioritise Mental Math | Use mental math for simple problems (e.g., 4 × 8, 2400 ÷ 3) instead of relying on the GRE calculator. This saves time and reduces typing mistakes. |
| 2. Use the Keyboard | Enter numbers directly using the keyboard for speed. Shortcuts like *, +, -, /, and Enter are faster than clicking with the mouse. Note that Backspace or Delete won’t clear the display. |
| 3. Master Order of Operations (PEMDAS) | Apply parentheses carefully or break problems into steps on scratch paper. This ensures accurate results and helps avoid common mistakes with the GRE on-screen calculator. |
| 4. Watch Out for Error Messages | If the calculator gives an error (like exceeding 8 digits), the GRE question is solvable by logic or rules (e.g., exponent rules). Use reasoning, not brute force. |
| 5. Estimate Before Calculating | Make a quick mental estimate before entering values into the GRE calculator online. Compare your estimate with the calculator output to catch typos or misreads. |
Read Also: GRE Exam Date
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the GRE score calculated?
The GRE score is calculated by converting your raw scores (number of correct answers) into scaled scores. Both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored on a 130–170 scale, while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a 0–6 scale. Your total GRE score is the sum of the Verbal and Quantitative scores, ranging from 260 to 340.
When should I use the calculator in the GRE?
You should use the on-screen GRE calculator for problems involving large numbers, fractions, decimals, or square roots. Mental math or scratch paper is faster and less error-prone for simple calculations like 15 × 20 or 2400 ÷ 3. The key is to balance speed with accuracy.
What are the most common mistakes when using the GRE calculator?
The most common mistakes when using the GRE calculator include overusing it for simple math that can be done mentally, ignoring the order of operations (PEMDAS) when entering expressions, making typing errors by rushing, skipping estimation before calculating, and misinterpreting error messages such as digit overflow instead of simplifying the problem.
