One of the most common questions we get from FE exam candidates is: "Which calculator can I use?" It's a critical question because bringing the wrong calculator to your exam will result in you not being allowed to test.
NCEES maintains a strict list of approved calculators, and it's shorter than you might expect. Many popular scientific and graphing calculators are NOT allowed. This guide covers everything you need to know about calculator requirements for all FE Civil exam topics.
Critical Warning: If you arrive at the testing center with an unapproved calculator, you will NOT be allowed to take the exam, and you will lose your exam fee. Always verify your calculator model before exam day.
Complete List of NCEES Approved Calculators (2026)
NCEES uses an umbrella rule rather than listing every individual model. The current 2026 policy (verified at ncees.org/exams/calculator) permits only these three families:
The NCEES umbrella rule (2026):
- Casio: any model with
fx-115orfx-991in its name - Hewlett Packard: only the
HP 33sandHP 35s— no other HP models - Texas Instruments: any model with
TI-30XorTI-36Xin its name
Below are popular models that fit within those families. Always cross-check the model number on your physical calculator against the umbrella rule before exam day:
Approved Calculators
Allowed| Brand | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X IIS | Very popular, two-line display, scientific/trigonometric functions |
| Texas Instruments | TI-36X Pro | One of the most used by engineers; statistics, roots, logarithms, advanced functions. Highly recommended |
| Texas Instruments | TI-30XS MultiView | "MultiView" variant of TI-30X series; useful for fractions and long expressions |
| Casio | FX-991EX | Advanced scientific calculator with "Natural Textbook Display" - expressions look like in the book. Ideal for engineering |
| Casio | FX-115ES PLUS | Classic and widely used among engineering students; complete functions for trigonometry, algebra, statistics |
| Casio | FX-115MS | Another option from the fx-115 series, more basic than EX but valid for FE |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 35s | HP approved calculator; scientific and statistical calculations with RPN or algebraic mode option |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s | Another approved HP option with two-line display, scientific and statistical functions |
Why the model name matters: NCEES enforces the umbrella by checking the printed model designation on your calculator. The TI-30Xa, TI-30X IIS, TI-30X IIB, TI-30XS MultiView, and TI-30XS Pro are all TI-30X family and therefore approved. The TI-34 or TI-Nspire are not — they don't carry the TI-30X or TI-36X prefix. Same logic applies to Casio fx-115 and fx-991 variants. When in doubt, read the model code on the front of the unit.
Popular Calculators That Are NOT Allowed
Many engineers are surprised to learn that their favorite calculator from college is not permitted. Here are some commonly used calculators that are NOT approved:
Not Approved Calculators
Not Allowed| Brand | Model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-84 Plus | Graphing calculator - not approved |
| Texas Instruments | TI-89 | Graphing/CAS calculator - not approved |
| Texas Instruments | TI-Nspire | Graphing/CAS calculator - not approved |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 48G/49G/50G | Graphing calculator - not approved |
| Casio | FX-9750 | Graphing calculator - not approved |
| Any | Calculators with QWERTY keyboards | Communication capability - not approved |
Why are graphing calculators banned? NCEES prohibits calculators with graphing capabilities, QWERTY keyboards, or the ability to store text. This ensures all examinees have equivalent tools and prevents potential cheating.
Our Top Recommendations
Based on functionality, reliability, and value, here are our top picks:
Best Overall Choice
The most powerful approved calculator with exceptional functionality for engineering calculations. Natural Textbook Display makes expressions look like in the book.
Casio FX-115ES Plus
- Natural textbook display
- 280+ functions
- Matrix & vector calc
- Solar + battery
TI-36X Pro
- MathPrint display
- Equation solver
- Unit conversions
- Physical constants
HP 35s
- RPN & algebraic modes
- 800 storage registers
- 100+ functions
- Two-line display
TI-30X IIS
- Two-line display
- Edit/replay entries
- Scientific functions
- Solar + battery
Important Tips for Exam Day
1. Get Familiar with Your Calculator
Don't buy a new calculator a week before the exam. Get it at least a month in advance and use it for ALL your practice problems. Incorporate calculator practice into your FE exam study techniques so you can perform common operations without thinking.
2. Bring Fresh Batteries
Replace your calculator batteries before exam day, even if your calculator is working fine. The last thing you need is your calculator dying mid-exam. Many candidates bring a backup calculator as well.
3. Know Your Calculator's Quirks
Each calculator has its own way of handling:
- Degree vs. radian mode (check this FIRST on exam day!)
- Order of operations
- Memory storage and recall
- Complex number calculations
- Matrix operations
4. Verify Your Model
Before exam day, double-check that your exact calculator model is on the NCEES approved list. The proctor will inspect your calculator before you enter the testing room. See our complete FE exam day tips guide for what else to expect at the testing center.
Pro tip: Take a photo of the official NCEES calculator policy page on your phone. If there's ever a question at the testing center, you have documentation ready.
Calculator Skills You Should Master
Before your exam, make sure you can quickly perform these operations on your approved calculator:
- Mode switching: Toggle between degree and radian modes instantly
- Memory functions: Store and recall values efficiently
- Trigonometric functions: Sin, cos, tan and their inverses
- Logarithms: Natural log (ln) and log base 10
- Exponents: Powers, roots, and scientific notation
- Statistics: Mean, standard deviation (if needed)
- Unit conversions: If your calculator has this feature
Practice with the Calculator You'll Use
The best way to master your calculator is to use it while solving FE-style practice problems. Start practicing with PECivilClick today.
Start PracticingFinal Checklist
- Verify your calculator is on the NCEES approved list
- Practice with your exam calculator for at least 2-3 weeks before the exam
- Replace batteries 1-2 days before the exam
- Consider bringing a backup approved calculator
- Know how to switch between degree and radian modes
- Clear all memory/programs before arriving (proctor may check)
Your calculator is one of the few tools you can bring into the FE exam. Make sure you choose wisely, practice extensively, and arrive on exam day with confidence in your equipment.