The Digital SAT includes a full Desmos graphing calculator built into the testing platform — available for the entire Math section. Most students use it incorrectly. Here's how to use it to actually gain points.
For official test dates, registration, and free practice, visit College Board or practice for free on Khan Academy SAT.
Desmos is a free online graphing calculator. The Digital SAT's built-in version can:
You can access it in a resizable window that appears alongside the question — you don't need to switch screens.
Avoid Desmos for questions where mental math is faster:
Opening Desmos, typing the expression, reading the result takes 20-30 seconds minimum. For simple calculations, this is slower than mental math.
Technique 1: Graphing systems of equations
If asked to find the solution to two linear equations, type both into Desmos. Click the intersection point to see exact coordinates.
Technique 2: Finding quadratic vertex
Type your quadratic → click the vertex point → read the minimum/maximum directly.
Technique 3: Testing answer choices
Type each answer choice into Desmos to see which one satisfies the equation — faster than manual substitution for complex problems.
You can bring an approved physical calculator (TI-84, etc.) alongside using Desmos. Most students who use Desmos exclusively score as well or better.
If you're very comfortable with your physical calculator and practice extensively with it, bring it. But don't bring one you've barely used — unfamiliarity with a calculator on test day is worse than no calculator.
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