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Choosing an acceptable calculator for IGCSE Mathematics exams can be confusing, especially with strict regulations enforced by CIE. While exam boards do not restrict students to a single specific make or model, bringing an unapproved device into the exam hall can lead to severe malpractice penalties.
In this guide, we break down official CIE guidelines for scientific and graphic calculators across Mathematics (0580), Additional Mathematics (0606), and International Mathematics (0607) to ensure you bring a fully compliant model on exam day.
CIE has provided the answers for this frequently asked question.
Due to the sheer number of different calculator models available worldwide, we cannot give specific details of which models or makes of calculators are permitted in our exams.
Where the use of calculators is allowed in examinations, calculators used must not be able to manipulate algebra; they must be purely numerical integration/differentiation. Calculators with any of the following facilities are prohibited, unless specifically stated otherwise in the syllabus:
Cambridge will regard the use of any such calculator as malpractice. Students requiring more information should contact the Examinations Officer at their school.
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Whilst graphical calculators are indeed an excellent tool for students to use in class, as part of our assessment we often assess the candidate?s ability to plot graphs accurately, that they understand how to draw a best-fit line, and can correctly calculate a gradient showing their working. These are basic skills, which would not be assessed if candidates were to return an answer from their calculator.
(There is an exceptional case for candidates taking International Mathematics (0607) )
To ensure your device qualifies as an acceptable calculator for IGCSE Mathematics, you must make sure it follows these fundamental exam hall rules:
Depending on which specific IGCSE Mathematics syllabus code you are taking, the rules regarding graphic display calculators differ.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and make sure the model that you are getting is not “Algebraic or graphical calculator”.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and get a calculator with “scientific functions”. Plus, get the confirmation from your school / exam centre for permitted models.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and make sure the model that you are getting does not contain “symbolic algebraic logic or other applications and programmes”.
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Amal Elsayed
Kuwait
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136 responses
Thanks for the update
You are most welcome Aiman.
Hello IGCSE Team,
My calculator is Canon F-718SG. It seems to comply with the regulations at first, but it has some functions like making tables, SD, Quad, Lin and Log functions. Is this allowed for Mathematics(0580)?
Thanks a lot.
Hey Hasitha,
That is a tricky question 🙂 … You might want to get the confirmation from your school / exam centre. They are the one have the final say on which model you could bring into the exam hall.
So, go ahead and ask them. They won’t bite 😉
Ah ok, Thank you.
The issue of calculators is well addressed as in past. I don’t think anybody would mistake the absolute views provided here henceforth.
Thanks a lot , but I am facing a different problem actually I don’t know how to get an A* in math even though I’m using the accepted calculator and I had solved lots of past exams but still I can’t figure out where I’m lacking?? Can you help me? Thanks in advance.
Dear igcse team
Can you please help me sir…………………..I am using casio model fx-991ES, can i use that model of scientific calculator for my final igcse 0580 maths examination.
Last year, in June 2015 I used fx-991ES PLUS in the final maths 0580 exams . So yea it is safe to use.
Hi Ashley,
We have made a post to answer your question. If you are still not sure about the model that you are using now, please get the confirmation from your school.
I am sitting for the 2015 IGCSE O/L Oct/Nov and I would like to know if Casio fx-82ES PLUS calculator is allowed for the Mathematics 0580 exam paper
Did you find whether you were allowed or not? I’m looking for the same answer.
Yes it it. My bro used it.
Dear IGCSE TEAM,
I wanted to know whether the calculator casio fx-991es is allowed in the additional exam.
thanks a lot.
Hello there,
Here is the note from CIE:
“Due to the sheer number of different calculator models available worldwide, we cannot give specific details of which models or makes of calculators are permitted in our exams.
Where the use of calculators is allowed in examinations, calculators used must not be able to manipulate algebra; they must be purely numerical integration/differentiation. Calculators with any of the following facilities are prohibited, unless specifically stated otherwise in the syllabus:
graphic display
data banks
dictionaries or language translators
retrieval or manipulation of text or formulae
QWERTY keyboards
built-in symbolic algebraic manipulations
symbolic differentiation or integration
capability of remote communication with other machines.
Cambridge will regard the use of any such calculator as malpractice. Students requiring more information should contact the Examinations Officer at their school.”
Thank you!
Hi, I am resitting papers in another school. I am sitting for IGCSE extended maths exams in a few days time. I was told I?m not allowed to use Casio Fx-570MS model calculator for my maths exam, but other schools such as my previous school allowed us to use. I?ve checked on the CIE website as my calculator is not against with the CIE rules for calculators. So, I?m wondering if I can use Casio Fx-570MS for the coming maths exam, as they said I?m not allowed to go in with Fx-570MS, I?ve bought Fx-350ES but it has limited functions and I?m not getting used to it. What should I do? Hope you can reply asap, thank you ?
Hello Yen,
If this calculator has graphic display, it is not allowed. Otherwise, please write to CIE directly to get approval.
Can Casio fx-991ES PLUS be used in igcse mathematics 0580 examination
Yes it is allowed in the 0580 exam because it does not have any graphical displays.
have you done the examination of 0580?