TEAS calculator: the rules, and a place to practice
Yes, you can use a calculator on the TEAS. A basic one is built into the exam, in all four sections, and you can't bring your own. Practice on the calculator below so the keys feel familiar.
Our own practice calculator, with the same kinds of keys. It isn't ATI's, and some keys may work differently there. You can also type on your keyboard after clicking it.
TEAS calculator rules
| Which sections | All four. The calculator icon stays on screen for the whole exam. |
|---|---|
| How to open it | Click the calculator icon at the upper right of the question screen, next to Time Remaining. |
| Keys | Add, subtract, multiply, divide, percent, square root, decimal point, backspace and memory. |
| Your own calculator | Not allowed, at home or in person. That includes phone calculators and calculator watches. |
| Scientific or graphing | No. ATI says the math section is written with that in mind. |
| Paper exam | Very few schools still use it. If yours does, the proctor gives you a calculator. You still can't bring your own. |
Try these on the calculator
Each one practices a key you may not use often. Work it out, then open the answer.
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Turn 3/8 into a decimal.
Keys: 3 ÷ 8 =
Answer: 0.375
-
Find 18% of 250.
Keys: 250 × 18 % =
Answer: 45
-
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
-
Find the square root of 144.
Keys: 144 √
Answer: 12
-
Change 154 lb to kilograms. 1 kg is about 2.2 lb.
Keys: 154 ÷ 2.2 =
Answer: 70 kg
How to avoid calculator mistakes
- Press one operation at a time. Do multiplication and division first, then add or subtract.
- Turn fractions into division. There is no fraction key, so 3/8 becomes 3 ÷ 8.
- Use memory for two-part problems. Save the first result with m+ so you don't have to copy it.
- Clear before each problem. Press C, and mc if you used memory.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you use a calculator on the TEAS?
- Yes. A basic calculator is built into the exam and is available in all four sections. You open it with the icon at the upper right of the question screen.
- Can you bring your own calculator to the TEAS?
- No. ATI does not allow personal calculators, phone calculators or calculator watches on any TEAS exam, at home or in person.
- Is the TEAS calculator scientific?
- No. It is a basic calculator, not a scientific or graphing one. It has percent, square root, decimal point, backspace and memory keys.
- Is this the same calculator as the real TEAS?
- No. This one has the same kinds of keys, but it is our own. ATI says its practice tests use the calculator you will see on the real exam, so try it there too.
- Does the TEAS calculator follow order of operations?
- ATI's calculator article does not say. Ours works left to right, so 2 + 3 × 4 gives 20. Work one operation at a time, in the right order, and the order of the keys won't change your answer.
- Is there a calculator on the HESI A2?
- It depends on your school, because each school can turn it on or off. See our HESI A2 calculator page for the details.
Keep going
Sources
All accessed October 30, 2026.
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