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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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136 responses
i have casio fx991ex calculator.
Is it permited in examination hall.
Hello Sarawanan,
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 during exams.
Please read the article above to understand better on what is allowed and what is not.
For the final confirmation, get confirmation from your exam centre for permitted models. They are the ones who have the final say on what is permitted.
Thank you.
is there derivatives in paper 2 of Maths? Please respond soon as there is paper tomorrow
Hello Bobby,
Please download the subject syllabus to understand what is expected of you. Please download them here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/
(Fx 99ies) is this calculator allowed?
Hello Jeet,
Please read the article above to understand better on what is allowed and what is not.
Furthermore, since there are many different calculators available worldwide, we cannot list all the specific models that are permitted during exams. We suggest that you get the final confirmation from your exam centre. Thank you.
Thanks for this useful information, I will definitely share with my students.
Hi Yuven,
You are very much welcome. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to leave us a message.
Is casio fx 991 ex classwiz allowed in CIE 0580 mathematics paper
Hi Abdullah,
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 during exams.
Please read the article above to understand better on what is allowed and what is not.
For the final confirmation, get confirmation from your exam centre for permitted model. They are the ones who have the final say on what is permitted.
I and my other friends are really very worried related to an issue of which calculator to use in CAIE examinations .
Is casio fx-82ES PLUS calculator allowed ?
I hope that i would be replied soon .
Thanks
Hello Muhammad,
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 during exams.
Please read the article above to understand better on what is allowed and what is not.
For the final confirmation, get confirmation from your exam centre for permitted model. They are the ones who have the final say on what is permitted.
My son used the Casio 991-EX model. The 82-ES should be fine but it is quite basic. If you need to find the roots of a quadratic, a good calculator can help you ‘game the system’ and check that your answer is correct (that you had to work out by factorizing / quadratic formula etc etc). My son bought 5 different models to the exam and let the examiner decide which one he could bring in!!!
hello IGCSE CENTER is Casio Classwiz FX-991 EX SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR (12digits) is permited to use in Mathematics exams of (0580) ,please tell me !!
Hello Harshdeep,
We are not CAIE, which is the exam board. Get the confirmation from your exam centre for permitted model. They are the ones who have the final say on what is permitted. Thank you.
Can I use a GDC for accouniting exams? Our teacher refuses to let us use it and she also considers them ‘cheating’, but I feel more comfortable using a GDC than using the type of calculator she selected. Any help?
Hi Reem,
The use of graphical calculators are not allowed. Whilst graphical calculators are indeed an excellent tool for students to use in class, the exams 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. However, there is an exception if you are taking International Mathematics (0607).
For the final confirmation, get confirmation from your Examination Officer from your school or exam centre for permitted model. They are the ones who have the final say on what is permitted.