The GMAT exam provides candidates with the tools needed to complete the exam. Personal calculators, paper, and unapproved writing materials are not permitted.
Review the policies below to understand what note-taking and calculation tools are available during your exam.
Calculator Policy
Personal calculators and calculator-enabled devices are not permitted during the GMAT exam., unless approved by the GMAC Accommodations team.
The following items may not be used:
- Handheld calculators
- Mobile phones
- Smart watches
- Tablets
- Calculator applications
- Any other device capable of performing calculations
The Data Insights section includes an on-screen calculator that is built into the exam. No calculator is available during the Quantitative or Verbal sections.
Note-Taking at a Test Center
Candidates testing at a test center may not bring their own paper, notebooks, pens, or pencils into the testing room.
Test centers provide a note-taking booklet and marker for use during the exam.
These materials must remain in the testing room and must be returned at the conclusion of the exam.
Note-Taking During the Online Exam
Candidates taking the GMAT online exam may not use paper, notebooks, pens, or pencils.
Instead, online test takers may use an erasable whiteboard that meets GMAT requirements.
For complete whiteboard requirements, see: Whiteboard Options
Prohibited Materials
The following items are not permitted for note-taking or calculations during the exam:
- Scratch paper
- Notebooks
- Sticky notes
- Pens and pencils brought from home
- Personal calculators
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Smart watches
Possession or use of unauthorized materials may result in dismissal from the exam or other actions under GMAT testing policies.