[Spalding]

This is very small but is it okay to study with a regular physical calculator? Or should I get used to the calculator provided in the study programs?

FAR - August 2014 - Passed
AUD - November 2014 - Passed
REG - May?
BEC - Feb 2015 - Passed

[Anonymous]

It really makes no difference – whatever you are comfortable with. The calculator on the exam is a simple calculator with a digital tape that shows your previous calculations.

[samdiegoCPA]

I use my ipod, ipad, phone, and the computer one, depending what are charged or near me. I don't think it matters! I HATE the computer one so I try to use that least.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Anonymous]

It doesn't make a difference really.

In the beginning I did use the one online just to get use to it. But for the most part I used a physical calculator when i was doing my study prep.

[Kimboroni]

Make sure to get to know the one you'll need for the test here, though: https://www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/cpaexam/forcandidates/tutorialandsampletest/pages/exam_tutorial_parallel.aspx

If you practice with one with fancier features, you might miss them when you get to the real exam. So at least be familiar with the real test's calculator's limitations.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Anonymous]

Personally I believe it makes a huge difference. I only practiced with a full keyboard which allowed me to speed through the mc. The tape feature is something that almost eleminates the need for the board and markers.

[Spalding]

^It doesn't seem like you can type in becker's calculator. Can you do this on the real exam?

FAR - August 2014 - Passed
AUD - November 2014 - Passed
REG - May?
BEC - Feb 2015 - Passed

[taxman89]

doesnt make a difference because for the calculator on the test you can operate it with your 10key on your keyboard (which is similiar to any calculator) so it wont matter

Aud-75 3x I knew i never liked you
Bec-77 1x being in the bubble is stressful
Reg-82 4x its not me its you...and no we cant be friends
Far-78 1x easiest section

[gt5717b]

I don't think it matters. Mastering the calculator tool in the exam is not terribly difficult. I used paper and pen for most of my calculations when studying or my iPhone. I like the paper and pen route because the more you write out the equations and calculations, the more ingrained the process will be for that particular type of question.

REG - 89
FAR - 84
AUD - 73, 86
BEC - 89

GA Licensed CPA

[Tux]

I believe it DOES matter which calculator you practice with.

I don't allow myself to use a regular calculator while studying. You have to get comfortable with the online calculator while you're practicing.

For me, the online one feels awkward and it slows me down, so I need to use it often in order to get faster with it and also to calculate my TIME based on using the online version.

Yes, I can go much faster with a regular calculator, so that's why I don't allow myself to use it during study. You need to practice it just like it will be in the exam.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Anonymous]

Always used a small pocket calculator for studying. Never had an issue with the prometric computer calculator.

[lude4life13]

Cmon guys, the speed of the test is going to depend way more upon whether you know the answer to the question, not if you can figure out how to use a ten key. Use the becker one of few times just to see it, but use whatever you want while you study….

[Author]

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