TEA 2026 policy · grades 3-8
STAAR Reference Sheets
& Calculator Policy 2026
Calculator policy by test
| Test | Calculator | Reference materials |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 Math | Not allowed | Grade 3 Mathematics Reference Materials (measurement conversions) |
| Grade 4 Math | Not allowed | Grade 4 Mathematics Reference Materials (perimeter, area, conversions) |
| Grade 5 Math | Not allowed | Grade 5 Mathematics Reference Materials (perimeter, area, volume, conversions) |
| Grade 6 Math | Not allowed | Grade 6 Mathematics Reference Materials (area, volume, conversions) |
| Grade 7 Math | Not allowed | Grade 7 Mathematics Reference Materials (linear equations, circles, area, volume, interest, conversions) |
| Grade 8 Math | Graphing calculator required (built into the online test) | Grade 8 Mathematics Reference Materials (linear equations, surface area, volume, Pythagorean theorem, interest) |
| Grade 5 Science | Not allowed | None (TEA gives no grade 5 science reference materials) |
| Grade 8 Science | Calculator required (four-function at minimum) | Grade 8 Science Reference Materials (density, speed, net force; periodic table) |
| Grades 3-8 Reading (RLA) | Not allowed | None |
Source: TEA — STAAR Calculator Policy Students with an approved calculator accommodation may use one where it is otherwise not allowed.
The reference sheets, grade by grade
TEA's own pages, as they appear inside the online test (and inside our practice tests). Click a page to open it full size.
Grade 3 Math
Grade 3 Mathematics Reference Materials (measurement conversions)
Grade 4 Math
Grade 4 Mathematics Reference Materials (perimeter, area, conversions)
Grade 5 Math
Grade 5 Mathematics Reference Materials (perimeter, area, volume, conversions)
Grade 6 Math
Grade 6 Mathematics Reference Materials (area, volume, conversions)
Grade 7 Math
Grade 7 Mathematics Reference Materials (linear equations, circles, area, volume, interest, conversions)
Grade 8 Math
Grade 8 Mathematics Reference Materials (linear equations, surface area, volume, Pythagorean theorem, interest)
Grade 8 Science
Grade 8 Science Reference Materials (density, speed, net force; periodic table)
Source: TEA — STAAR Released Test Questions (reference materials are in each online test)
Questions parents ask
Can my child use a calculator on STAAR?
Only on grade 8 math and grade 8 science, where TEA's 2026 policy requires one (a graphing calculator for grade 8 math; at least a four-function calculator for grade 8 science, built into the online test). Grades 3-7 math and grade 5 science allow no calculator unless the student has an approved accommodation.
Is the STAAR reference sheet on the test?
Yes. For math (every grade 3-8) and grade 8 science, the reference materials are built into the online test, one click away. Grade 5 science and the reading tests have none.
What is on the STAAR math reference sheet?
It depends on the grade: grade 3 has measurement conversions; grades 4-7 add perimeter, area and volume formulas (grade 7 adds circles and interest); grade 8 has linear equations, surface area, volume, the Pythagorean theorem and interest.
Should my child memorize the formulas?
No need for the ones on the sheet — but they should know the sheet well enough to find a formula in seconds and know which one fits. Our practice tests open the same TEA pages during the test, so your child practices with them.
Free STAAR practice tests in TEA's 2026 format
Each practice test copies TEA's 2026 released test question by question: the same standards, question types and points, TEA's reference materials and calculator rules, and every answer explained. Pick a grade to see real questions from it.