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Approved calculators

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The approved calculator for all courses is the Casio FX-82 (any model). You may use other calculators, but they must be labelled with an official 'Approved' sticker.

To find out if your calculator is eligible for an 'Approved' sticker, check both the:

Approved calculators list (PDF, 193.3 KB)Non-approved calculators list. (PDF, 105.3 KB)

If your calculator is defaced or marked so that the calculator model isn't readable, it will be considered non-approved and won't be permitted for use.

COVID-19 changes

For online invigilated exams

Calculators on the approved calculators list do not need an 'Approved' label.

If your calculator is a Casio FX-82 series or another UQ-approved calculator, you don't need to take any action.

For on-campus invigilated exams

It is compulsory for all approved calculators except the Casio FX-82 series to have an 'Approved' label.

I have an approved calculator

Take your calculator and your student ID card to a Student Centre. Staff at the Student Centre will stick an 'Approved' label to your calculator.

You cannot use a calculator without an 'Approved' label during an exam – even if it is on the Approved Calculators list.

It is compulsory for all approved calculators except the Casio FX-82 series to have an 'Approved' label.

'Approved' labels are tamper-evident, and cannot be removed without being destroyed. Any misuse of labels may result in a charge of student misconduct.

For end-of-semester exams, you must have your calculator approved and an ‘Approved’ label attached. It is recommended you do this by:

  • May 15 for Semester 1.
  • October 15 for Semester 2.

I have a non-approved calculator

You must use a different calculator, preferably from the Casio FX-82 series, or from the approved calculators list.

My calculator doesn't appear on either list

Check both the allowable features list and the non-allowable features list below.

If your calculator has any non-allowable features, you must use a different calculator. Please notify us, so we can add your calculator model to the Non-approved Calculators list.

If your calculator complies with the allowable features list, submit an application to have your calculator assessed.

Please provide as much information as possible, including links to official websites (e.g. a page about the calculator on the manufacturer's website, or a reputable retailer's website).

If we are unable to verify the information you have provided, you must make an appointment so we can evaluate your calculator. Please bring your calculator and documentation (e.g. the user manual) to the appointment.

You will be notified via an email to your student account of the outcome of your request.

If your calculator is approved, you must take your calculator and your student ID card to a Student Centre to have an 'Approved' label affixed.

You cannot use a calculator without an 'Approved' label during an exam – even if it complies with the allowable features list.

It is compulsory for all approved calculators except the Casio FX-82 series to have an 'Approved' label.

'Approved' labels are tamper-evident, and cannot be removed without being destroyed. Any misuse of labels will may result in a charge of student misconduct.

Please note, the approved calculator list will not be updated within two weeks of the commencement of end-of-semester exams.

In order to guarantee consideration of your calculator for use in the end of semester exams you must submit your application by:

  • May 15 for Semester 1
  • October 15 for Semester 2

Allowable features

All approved calculators must have a clearly identified manufacturer and model number, which is only used for calculators with identical features (i.e. the same model number can't be used for two calculators with different sets of features).

Allowable features are:

  • Basic arithmetic functions
  • Basic scientific functions (i.e. trigonometric, hyperbolic, logarithms, exponents, powers, roots)
  • Calculation of factorials, combinations, permutations, random number generation
  • Calculations / conversions of / operations on numbers in non-decimal bases (e.g. binary, octal, hexadecimal)
  • Support for different display / calculation modes (i.e. radians / degrees, engineering / scientific, degrees / minutes / seconds, polar / rectangular)
  • Support for statistical calculations (i.e. standard deviation, regression, distribution values)
  • Support for complex numbers
  • Support for calculations using fractions
  • Built-in physical constants and unit conversion factors.

This list may be updated to include additional features not stated at present.

Non-allowable features

Calculators with any of the following features will not be approved:

  • Programmable (i.e. calculators that can store and replay a sequence of operations). It is permissible for the calculator to store and recall the last performed calculation.
  • Text storage capabilities. It is permissible for the calculator to store numbers (e.g. intermediate results).
  • Calculators that permit the entry of a full alphabet (i.e. any calculator with a QWERTY keyboard or that allows entry of all letters from A to Z is not permitted).
  • Graphing capabilities.
  • Symbolic equation entry, storage and / or manipulation equation solving capability (e.g. for systems of simultaneous equations or numerical integration/differentiation).
  • Wired or wireless communication capabilities.
  • Calculators inscribed with text in a language other than English.
  • Calculators powered by anything other than internal batteries and / or solar power.
  • Calculators that emit a sound when used (which cannot be turned off).

This list may be updated to include additional features not stated at present.