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CareerHike News • Oct 9, 2026 • 3 min read

CAT on Screen Calculator

Can we use calculator in CAT Exam?’ is a commonly asked question by exam aspirants. The candidates are provided with an on screen calculator with the…

By Harish Chauhan • CareerHike

Can we use calculator in CAT Exam?’ is a commonly asked question by exam aspirants. The candidates are provided with an on screen calculator with the help of which they can solve questions in the exam. Use of CAT exam on screen calculator is necessary to solve Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation questions, quickly and accurately.

Although, candidates have the access to CAT exam on screen calculator, many prefer to do mental calculation or rough work on a sheet of paper. Since, different candidates have different preferences, both onscreen calculator and rough sheets are provided in CAT exam.

The CAT exam introduced an on-screen calculator in 2015. Prior to that, candidates had no access to any calculation tools. The CAT exam transitioned to an online format in 2009; before that, it was a paper-based test. The on-screen calculator is faster and more convenient than performing calculations manually on paper. For the CAT 2026 exam, the Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation sections will require the use of this calculator. To make the best use of this feature, aspiring CAT candidates should practice CAT questions using the on-screen calculator.

How to use CAT exam on screen calculator?

The onscreen calculator provided in the CAT 2026 exam will operate the same way as any onscreen calculator. Candidates will have to use the computer mouse to do calculations on screen. The numerical figures and mathematical signs will be seen in the calculator window and the result will be displayed onscreen.

How to practice CAT on screen calculator?

  • The best option to practice CAT exam on screen calculator is mock test. Since the CAT mock tests are a replica of the actual exam, the on screen calculator is present in the mock test too.
  • The official CAT Test and exam day guide, which is released a few days before the CAT exam are also a good option to check how the CAT on screen calculator works and learn to practice it.
  • Why Use CAT exam on screen calculator?

    CAT is an exam of speed and accuracy. There is negative marking too, so you can’t take a chance with any question you attempt. You have to ensure that you know the correct answer. Manual calculation on rough sheet is time taking and there is a chance of miscalculation due to the stress of difficulty level and time running out. In such a scenario, a calculator is more reliable. You can calculate faster and save a lot of time.

    Options other than CAT exam on screen calculator

    Vedic Maths: If you are well versed with Vedic Maths, it’ll be easier to make simple calculation faster than the calculator. Knowing the short cuts and tricks related to important Quant formulas will save the time of typing numbers and symbols in the CAT on screen calculator.

    Puzzles and Mind Games: Practice several types of Mathematical puzzles and mind games to develop quick calculation abilities. Alongside, memorise table up to 20, square and square roots, cube and cube roots, so that you don’t need to spend time on doing simple multiplication and division in the CAT 2026 exam.