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You are not allowed to use a calculator on the MCAT. All math must be completed on scratch paper or in your head. However, this limitation can be a good thing.
No calculator means the math on the MCAT is relatively simple to complete because it must all be done by hand. In other words, there should be no new math concepts to learn in your MCAT study schedule.
Let’s cover everything you need to know about not using a calculator on the MCAT, why you don’t need to or aren’t permitted to, and MCAT preparation tips that can help you make up for not having a calculator.
Download our free MCAT Equations Sheet to get access to every Chem-Phys equation you’ll need to know for the MCAT. Memorize the Arrhenius Equation, Coulomb’s Law, and much more!
Why Calculators Aren’t Allowed
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is meant to test the skills required for medical school and as a practicing physician — not your mathematical skills, which is why no calculators are allowed.
In designing the exam, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) focuses on questions that assess your critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills, including your ability to perform basic calculations without the aid of a calculator.
There is no complex math, and so calculators are not needed or permitted.
Related Reading: MCAT Accommodations
Types of Math on the MCAT
The math on the MCAT is fundamental arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, exponents, square roots, basic logarithms, and scientific notation. It is not a test used to test your mathematician skills.
The MCAT section that involves the most mathematical calculations is the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section. The other sections may include some math, but not much.
How to Handle MCAT Math Without a Calculator
To prepare for MCAT math, where you can’t use a calculator, you can practice your basic mental math skills and develop skills in approximating answers for quicker calculations. Memorizing common conversions and formulas is also extremely helpful.
Taking a practice MCAT test can give you a good idea of what areas you need to focus your studies on. If the math in your practice test is difficult, spend a little more time boosting your basic math skills.
Make reviewing MCAT math tips part of your study strategy, so you’re not caught unprepared on test day.
FAQs
A 520 on the MCAT is very rare. If you get a 520 MCAT score, you’re in the 97th percentile or higher of all test takers, which makes your application very competitive even at the most prestigious and competitive medical schools.
Of course, you still need to put in the work for other parts of your application — craft a killer personal statement, get lots of clinical hours, write compelling descriptions for your Work & Activities section, keep your BCPM GPA high, and so on.
Every school is different. Check the average MCAT score for matriculants at your target school(s) to see where you need to score on the MCAT. Make an appropriate study plan.
Learn more about retaking the MCAT to get a higher score here.
Keeping track of your MCAT practice test scores can help improve your preparation by allowing you to:
- Accurately track progress.
- Identify weak areas in specific sections.
- Know how to refine your study strategies.
- Set realistic goals.
- Adjust focus from passive learning to targeted, high-yield active review.
Your MCAT score is probably one of the most important factors on your med school application. A good MCAT score (520+) makes you competitive for Ivy League institutions and gives you a very high chance of acceptance at most med schools.
Admissions boards may use MCAT scores to screen interview candidates or as a tie breaker between similar applicants.
MCAT prep programs and practice tests can get pretty close to the actual MCAT exam administered by the AAMC. These approximations can give you a good idea of how much more you need to study.
Look out for quality practice tests and study programs with good reviews from real pre-med students, and it should make this difficult test easier.
Get a Guaranteed Score Increase
If you’re worried about the math or any other part of the MCAT exam, we can help you prepare for test day with our 99th-percentile MCAT tutors. We’ll help you get familiar with the MCAT format, including MCAT question types and section breakdowns.
Work with a 99th-percentile tutor, and get a Guaranteed Score Increase when you sign up for a Silver, Gold, or Platinum MCAT tutoring package.
Ken Tao, PhD
Ken is the Director of MCAT and Research at MedSchoolCoach. He is an alumnus of UC Berkeley and Harvard University, boasts degrees in Bioengineering, Molecular and Cell Biology, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Ken previously worked with undergraduate students at Princeton Review where he was the only tutor certified in all subjects. Ken was one of the highest rated MCAT tutors ever and a teacher trainer. He founded Magoosh's MCAT division and has written content for dozen's of MCAT books and guides.
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