CMA Exam Calculator Rules

CMA exam calculator rules

Fret not!  You can use a calculator during the CMA exam!

But there are some rules and restrictions regarding which types of calculators you are allowed to bring.  Let’s take a look at them now so you can be prepared with the right calculator when exam day comes around.

According to IMA’s CMA Handbook, calculators for use during the exam must:

  • be small-battery or solar-powered electronic calculators
  • be restricted to a maximum of six functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and percentage are allowed.
  • not be programmable
  • not use any type of tape

Candidates may use the following calculators:

  • Texas Instruments BA II Plus
  • HP 12c
  • HP 12c Platinum
  • Hewlett-Packard 10BII

But which calculator should you choose?  Here are some pros and cons for each model to help you decide:

Texas Instruments BA II Plus

Pros:

  • $26 on Amazon
  • Very straightforward and user friendly
  • Many statistical features

Cons:

  • Might take more keystrokes to complete the same tasks as HP models
  • Less sensitive keyboard

HP Models

Pros:

  • Fewer keystrokes to accomplish tasks
  • Sturdy keyboard

Cons:

  • Older models
  • More expensive
  • Not as user friendly as the Texas Instruments BA II Plus calculator

As long as you keep these rules in mind when selecting a calculator to practice with and use during the exam, you’ll be alright.

Oh! And make sure that your calculator has fresh batteries on exam day! A dead calculator is definitely not what you need in the middle of your test.

Check out these tutorials on YouTube:

Texas Instruments BA II Plus
HP 12c
HP 10B II

Nathan Liao

Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 82,000 accounting and finance pros came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!

10 Comments on “CMA Exam Calculator Rules”

    1. Reply

      Hi Sarah,

      I recommend you to check directly with IMA (ima[at]imanet[dot]org) if you plan to use a model that is not listed in the CMA handbook or in this post. They have the last say in this 🙂

  2. Reply

    Hi,

    does this means we can use just these few that are mentioned in the text or any simple calculator that falls into description?

    ”
    be small battery or solar powered electronic calculators
    be restricted to a maximum of six functions –addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and percentage are allowed.
    not be programmable
    not use any type of tape
    “

    1. Reply

      Hi Werner,

      Texas Instruments BA II Plus PROFESSIONAL is not allowed. However, you can use Texas Instruments BA II Plus.

    1. Reply

      It depends on the model. Is that a programmable calculator? If it is, then it can’t be uses on the exam. Still, it’s best to check directly with IMA.

      Best of luck on your exams!

      1. Reply

        Hey Nathan,
        My calculator is 12 digit. It’s simple, not programmable. With all six functions as mentioned. But it doesn’t have npv or irr functions. It’s just a 12 digit calculator for addition, subtraction, percentage etc. Can I use this on exam? Like, in exam do we have questions that can’t be solved on that calculator. Is calculator with npv and irr functions is necessary to solve greatly. I am used to it. But not sure if questions with uneven cash flows comes. How do I gonna solve that. And 1 more question How much time it takes to learn BA II plus calculator functions? I am not used to it. I did not have it. So, thinking what if time runs out in exam. Wiating for your reply.. thankyou so much

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