Why calculator rules matter
Calculator access changes the kind of mistakes students make. With a calculator, the risk is often choosing the wrong operation or entering a value incorrectly. Without a calculator, the risk is often slow arithmetic or weak estimation.
Do not rely on memory or second-hand advice for official rules. Check ACER's current permitted testing aids and test-day information close to your test window.
How to practise with and without a calculator
For calculator-style practice, focus on setup: what is the whole, which values matter, and what operation is needed? For non-calculator-style practice, focus on splitting numbers, using benchmarks and estimating before calculating.
Mental arithmetic skills worth improving
- 10%, 5%, 25% and 50% benchmarks.
- Multiplying by 10, 100 and 1,000.
- Doubling and halving.
- Rounding to estimate totals.
- Simple fraction equivalents such as 1/4 = 25%.
Estimation and checking answers
Estimation is useful even when a calculator is available. If a school resource costs about $20 and you need 6 copies, you should expect a total near $120. If your exact answer is $12 or $1,200, stop and check the setup.
Official rule disclaimer
This page is general preparation advice. It does not state current official calculator rules. For official rules, permitted items and test-day requirements, use ACER's official LANTITE information and your candidate instructions.