Both the ACT and SAT exams have undergone radical changes in recent years. As digital testing becomes more and more the norm, students, families, teachers, and college counselors are all adapting to the new tools and formats. One important shift, and one that directly impacts how students approach math, is the introduction of the Desmos calculator.
Desmos is a powerful, web-based graphing calculator that’s now built directly into both the digital ACT and SAT testing platforms. Students can use it during Math sections, which allow calculators, and for many, it has become a familiar and essential tool for regular classroom use. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when online learning was all too common, Desmos emerged as the go-to calculator for thousands of students who were working remotely. Today, it remains a staple in math classrooms across the country.
Get Familiar with the Desmos Calculator
While many students know of Desmos, few take the time to explore its full potential, especially when thinking about the specific test-day versions that differ between the ACT and SAT. Just like if you were training to run a marathon or a sprint or doing some trail running, you’re going to want some athletic shoes to wear in any of those situations. But as the use case varies, so should the type of shoe you wear. The same applies to academic preparation. For this reason, we encourage students to practice specifically with the Desmos calculator that they are going to use on test day. The look, feel, and even some functions vary between the ACT and SAT versions of Desmos, and those differences can make or break a student’s confidence and efficiency during the test.
The Desmos is a powerful tool that allows students to access a broad range of functions and clear graphing tools. For students just starting out with the calculator, we suggest this resource which includes a video introduction. Students then need to practice all types of skills with the calculator to build fluency when graphing functions, exploring equations, and visualizing relationships between numbers. With Winward Academy’s integration of the Desmos calculator in lessons, students can practice these skills while developing their content knowledge.
At Winward Academy, we help students prepare with precision. Our math lessons allow learners to practice using the exact Desmos calculator they’ll see on their chosen exam, whether ACT or SAT, so they can build familiarity, speed, and strategy long before test day.
Know the Differences Between Calculators
Understanding those small but meaningful differences can make a big impact on test day. Here’s how the ACT and SAT Desmos calculators compare:
| Feature | Desmos for the ACT | Desmos for the SAT |
| Access | Embedded directly within the digital ACT testing platform TestNAV | Built into the Bluebook™ SAT testing app |
| Appearance | Gray background and minimal color palette | Blue-tinted interface consistent with SAT platform |
| Memory & Saving | No memory between questions; calculator resets after each item to maintain test security | Also resets between questions; however, graph history can be accessed within a question until submission |
| Accessibility | Compatible with screen readers and keyboard shortcuts | Also accessible, with additional visual contrast options in Bluebook |
| Functionality | Includes graphing, tables, sliders, and regression tools — but some advanced options (e.g., inequalities shading) are disabled | Includes graphing, tables, sliders, and inequality shading; supports deeper function visualization |
| Trig Functions |  |  |
| Inverse Trig Functions |  |  |
| Statistics |  |  |
| Hyperbolic Trig Functions |  |  |
Be Ready for Test Day
While the core functions are similar, the context in which students use the Desmos calculator differs across exams. For this reason, we offer students the opportunity to use the Desmos calculator while taking digital practice tests on Winward Academy. This practice ensures students have an authentic testing experience under their belt before test day arrives.
- ACT Math covers a broad mix of algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics. For students preparing for the ACT, they should practice how to use the embedded Desmos graphing calculator efficiently for graph/table-based reasoning.
- SAT Math includes substantial algebra, functions, and data analysis. Students preparing for the SAT might focus on how to best use the graphing and table views to check their work swiftly under the time pressure.
For both tests, familiarity is essential. Students who know their way around the Desmos calculator, how to enter an equation efficiently, or even feel comfortable adjusting a window range under time pressure will have a measurable advantage. We encourage all students to spend time practicing with the tool they will need on test day so they are confident and ready to perform at their best.
Do you like what you’ve read? Please click the links to share with friends or colleagues who would also benefit from an overview of current K-12 education.
About Winward Academy – Winward Academy is one of the world’s leading innovators in the online education space, providing web-based academic support that enhances students’ knowledge, confidence, and competitiveness in middle and high school academics and in college applications. We help thousands of students every year by providing personalized, comprehensive ACT and SAT test preparation and extensive math curriculum support. The Winward Academy learning platform honors over 40 years of education and cognitive psychology research, incorporating proven techniques that promote effective learning.
Winward Academy’s unmatched reputation is wholly attributable to our students’ exceptional success and to the trust earned among students, parents, and schools around the world.
