Can you use a calculator on the HESI A2?

It depends on your school. Elsevier lets each school turn the calculator on or off. When it is on, schools describe it as a calculator on the screen, so ask your program before you test.

Can you bring your own calculator to the HESI A2?

Usually not, but it varies. Georgia Southern, for example, says physical calculators aren't allowed but one is built into the test. Houston Christian allows a simple four-function calculator. Don't bring your own unless your school says you can.

What does the HESI A2 calculator look like?

Schools describe it as an on-screen calculator, often for the Math section. Two schools we checked say scientific and programmable calculators aren't allowed. We found no official list of its keys, so ask your school or testing site what your exam shows.

Is this the same calculator as the real HESI A2?

No. It is our own basic practice calculator. It may not have the same keys as the one your school turns on.

Should I practice without a calculator?

Yes, if your school turns it off or you don't know yet. Practice fractions, percentages and conversions by hand so you can work without it if you need to.

HESI A2 · Free tool

HESI A2 calculator: what your school decides

You may or may not get a calculator on the HESI A2, because Elsevier lets each school turn it on or off. When it is on, schools describe it as a calculator on the screen. Ask your program, and practice by hand too.

Our own basic practice calculator. It isn't Elsevier's, and your exam's may differ. You can also type on your keyboard after clicking it.

Questions to ask your school

Is the calculator on for my exam? Elsevier leaves this to the school.
Which sections have it? Some schools describe it for Math.
Can I bring my own? Three of the six schools we checked say no, one allows a simple four-function calculator, and two don’t say. Plan on no unless yours says yes.

Try these on the calculator

Work each one on the calculator, then by hand. Then open the answer.

Turn 5/8 into a decimal.

Keys: 5 ÷ 8 =

Answer: 0.625
Find 15% of 80.

Keys: 80 × 15 % =

Answer: 12
Work out 2.5 + 3 × 4.

Keys: 3 × 4 = + 2.5 =

Answer: 14.5. Do the multiplication first, because the order of your key presses matters.
Work out (12 × 3) + (7 × 5) using memory.

Keys: mc 12 × 3 = m+ 7 × 5 = m+ mrc

Answer: 71

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a calculator on the HESI A2?: It depends on your school. Elsevier lets each school turn the calculator on or off. When it is on, schools describe it as a calculator on the screen, so ask your program before you test.
Can you bring your own calculator to the HESI A2?: Usually not, but it varies. Georgia Southern, for example, says physical calculators aren't allowed but one is built into the test. Houston Christian allows a simple four-function calculator. Don't bring your own unless your school says you can.
What does the HESI A2 calculator look like?: Schools describe it as an on-screen calculator, often for the Math section. Two schools we checked say scientific and programmable calculators aren't allowed. We found no official list of its keys, so ask your school or testing site what your exam shows.
Is this the same calculator as the real HESI A2?: No. It is our own basic practice calculator. It may not have the same keys as the one your school turns on.
Should I practice without a calculator?: Yes, if your school turns it off or you don't know yet. Practice fractions, percentages and conversions by hand so you can work without it if you need to.

Keep going

Household and metric measures lessonThe conversions to memorize HESI A2 math practice testFree questions with an answer for each HESI A2 test day guideWhat to bring and what to ask your school

Sources

All accessed October 30, 2026.

HealthcareExams is an independent study resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by Elsevier. HESI is a registered trademark of Elsevier Inc.