HSPT calculator policy and what to bring on test day
Calculators are not permitted on the HSPT Mathematics section (64 questions, 45 minutes), and STS's manual says the same for Quantitative Skills. Scratch paper or the test booklet may be used, wrong answers are not penalized, and the standard test is a paper booklet with a bubble answer sheet. What else to bring is set by your school or diocese.
Updated October 24, 2026 · by AdmitTest
The calculator rule
STS's page for parents says "Calculators are not permitted for the Mathematics subtest" and that scratch paper or the test booklet may be used for figuring. STS's Interpretive Manual extends the rule to Quantitative Skills under standardized conditions. Accommodations are set by each school, so ask the school if your child has an approved need.
What that means for practice: do the math by hand. Fractions, decimals, percents and long division all come up, and the Mathematics section gives about 42 seconds per question (Mathematics guide). Our practice test is built to be solved without a calculator.
The other rules STS states
| Rule | What STS says |
|---|---|
| Guessing | No penalty: points are not subtracted for incorrect answers. Answer every item. |
| Timing | Each subtest has its own time limit, and the halfway point is announced. Do not spend too long on one item. |
| Answer sheet | Check continuously that the answer you mark matches the item number. |
| Directions | Read the directions for each subtest and each question carefully. |
| Review | If time remains, check your answers and make sure each item has only one mark. |
| Format | Paper booklet with a bubble answer sheet is the standard (STS). |
What to bring: ask your school
STS does not publish a list of what students bring; the school or diocese that registers your child does. Two examples of what sites say: the Archdiocese of Washington plans about 3 hours with two short breaks, and a Boston-area registration page says to bring a copy of the registration number. Beyond those we found no public rule we can cite, so ask the school these questions:
- What time should my child arrive, and where?
- Do you want pencils brought ("#2" is the usual bubble-sheet pencil), or do you supply them?
- Is photo ID or the registration confirmation required?
- Are phones, smart watches and snacks allowed, and when are the breaks?
Practice the same way
Take the practice test with the same rules: pencil and scratch paper, no calculator, no phone, and each section on its own clock. It is the fastest way to find out whether 45 minutes of math without a calculator feels comfortable.
Free full-length HSPT practice test. 298 questions in five timed sections, no sign-up. Your child's score by section and by skill when it ends.
Start the free testCommon questions
Can you use a calculator on the HSPT?
No. STS says calculators are not permitted for the Mathematics subtest, and its manual says calculators are not allowed on Quantitative Skills either under standardized conditions. Scratch paper or the test booklet may be used for figuring.
What do you bring to the HSPT?
Whatever your school's or diocese's instructions list. STS does not publish a bring list. Common items to ask about are #2 pencils with erasers, a photo ID, your registration confirmation and a snack, but each site sets its own rules, so confirm them.
Does the HSPT use a bubble sheet?
Yes. The standard HSPT is a paper booklet with a separate answer sheet, filled in with a #2 pencil. STS advises checking continuously that the answer you mark matches the item number.
Is there a penalty for guessing on the HSPT?
No. STS says points are not subtracted for incorrect answers, so every question should get an answer.
How long are the breaks?
The Archdiocese of Washington says the session includes two short breaks and about 30 minutes for handing out and collecting materials, and to plan on about 3 hours in all. It does not give the length of each break, and other sites may differ.