On the GED math test, the calculator is the TI-30XS MultiView™, shown on screen, and you can use it only on Part 2. Science and Social Studies give the same on-screen calculator. This free lab lets you practise key sequences for negatives, fractions, percents, powers, roots and scientific notation on an original practice keypad.
How the calculator works on the GED test
Math has two parts. Part 1 is a limited number of questions with no calculator. You submit those answers before you move on to Part 2, where the calculator is allowed.
The test calculator is the TI-30XS MultiView™ scientific calculator. It is built into the test and shown on screen.
At a test center you may bring your own handheld TI-30XS MultiView for Math, Science and Social Studies. For math it stays in storage during Part 1. The math test includes a 3-minute break between parts, which is when you get it.
Online, you cannot use a physical calculator, scratch paper or notes. You use the on-screen calculator, scratch pad and whiteboard.
A calculator reference sheet is provided for most math items and for certain Science and Social Studies items. It shows the key order for fractions, mixed numbers, percents, powers, roots, scientific notation and the answer toggle.
Which GED math questions do not allow a calculator?
GED Testing Service says the first several math questions assess eight number-sense and computation skills without a calculator:
Order fractions and decimals, including negative ones (−0.7 is less than −0.2).
Use factors and multiples: least common multiple, greatest common factor and the distributive property.
Use the rules of exponents, such as 3⁴ × 3² = 3⁶ and (2³)² = 2⁶.
Find the distance between two numbers on a number line, including with absolute value.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, decimals and negative numbers.
Work with squares and square roots, including (−3)² = 9 but −3² = −9.
Work with cubes and cube roots, such as ∛(−64) = −4.
Spot expressions that are undefined: a zero denominator or the square root of a negative number.
Key sequences to practise
A negative number: −7 − (−12) × 3. Keys: (−) 7 − ( (−) 1 2 ) × 3. Common mistake: Using the subtract key for “negative”.
Grouping a fraction bar: (84 − 19) ÷ (7 + 6). Keys: ( 8 4 − 1 9 ) ÷ ( 7 + 6 ). Common mistake: Leaving out the parentheses, so only 19 is divided.
Fractions: 5/6 − 3/8. Keys: 5 n/d 6 − 3 n/d 8. Common mistake: Typing 5 ÷ 6 − 3 ÷ 8 works but shows a decimal. Use n/d, or the toggle, when you need a fraction.
Mixed numbers: 3 1/4 × 2 2/3. Keys: 3 u n/d 1 n/d 4 × 2 u n/d 2 n/d 3. Common mistake: Multiplying the whole numbers and fractions separately.
Percent of a number: 35% of 480. Keys: 3 5 % × 4 8 0. Common mistake: Forgetting the % key, which makes the answer 100 times too big.
Square of a negative: (−6)². Keys: ( (−) 6 ) x². Common mistake: Leaving out parentheses gives −6² = −36.
Root of a whole expression: √(5² + 9²). Keys: √ 5 x² + 9 x² ). Common mistake: Closing the root after 5².
Scientific notation: (4.2 × 10⁵)(3 × 10⁴). Keys: 4 . 2 ×10ⁿ 5 × 3 ×10ⁿ 4. Common mistake: Typing × 1 0 ^ by hand and losing the grouping.
Common calculator mistakes
Starting a negative number with the subtract key. On a calculator, subtract needs a number before it.
Skipping parentheses around a whole numerator, denominator or root.
Typing a percent as a whole number. 35% is 0.35.
Rounding in the middle of a problem. Keep every digit and round once, at the end, to the place the question asks for.
Trusting the screen without an estimate. A quick estimate catches a missed key.
A five-step calculator routine
Read what the question asks and write the whole expression first.
Estimate the answer in your head.
Enter the expression in one line, with parentheses for every group.
Compare the entry line with what you wrote before you press enter.
Check the result against your estimate, then round only at the end.
What the lab does
The lab gives an original problem, shows the key sequence on request, and evaluates your entry exactly, with fractions kept as fractions. Practice mode gives hints and names likely mistakes. Test-style mode checks five problems at once. A Part 1 switch hides the keypad for no-calculator practice.
TI-30XS MultiView is a trademark of Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments is not affiliated with GEDPilot and does not endorse it. The practice keypad on this page is an original design.
Can you use a calculator on the GED math test? Yes, on Part 2. Part 1 is a limited number of questions where a calculator is not allowed, and you submit those answers before you move on. The on-screen calculator is available for the rest of the test.
What calculator is used on the GED test? The TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator, built into the test on screen. At a test center you may also bring your own handheld TI-30XS MultiView. Online, you cannot use a physical calculator.
Do GED Science and Social Studies allow a calculator? Yes. Both give you the on-screen calculator and the calculator reference sheet. RLA does not use a calculator.
Is this practice keypad the same as the GED calculator? No. It is an original keypad that practises the same kinds of functions. Key positions and labels differ. Before test day, also study GED Testing Service’s free calculator reference sheet and the GED Test Calculator Tutorial that GED.com points to.
What is the difference between the negative key and the subtract key? The negative key, (−), makes one number negative, as in −7. The subtract key, −, takes one number away from another. Use the negative key at the start of an entry or right after another operation.
What is on the no-calculator part of GED math? Number-sense skills: ordering fractions and decimals, factors and multiples, exponent rules, number-line distance and absolute value, operations with rational numbers, squares and square roots, cubes and cube roots, and spotting undefined expressions.
How do I switch an answer between a fraction and a decimal? Use the answer toggle key. GED Testing Service’s reference sheet says it switches the result between fraction and decimal, exact square root and decimal, and exact pi and decimal. On this practice keypad the ⇄ key switches fraction and decimal.
Sources
Facts checked 2026-10-26. Confirm current rules on GED.com before you book.
Independent preparation materials. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ACE or GED Testing Service. GED is a registered trademark owned by ACE. Practice results do not predict an official GED score, and GEDPilot does not guarantee a passing score.