PHARMUP · ASSESSMENT GUIDE

GPhC calculations.
Know what to expect.

A practical guide to the calculations paper, the topics to prepare for and choosing a calculator you feel confident using.

40 questions · 120 minutes · 3 minutes per question on average

Explore the calculations mocks

01 / THE PAPER

What is the calculations paper like?

Under the published 2026 format, Part 1 is a computer-based assessment of pharmacy and healthcare calculations, with 40 questions and a standard time allowance of two hours.

That works out at an average of three minutes per question. This is a pacing guide, rather than a separate time limit for each question. Some questions will take longer than others, so practise managing your time across the whole paper.

You enter numerical answers on screen. Read the required units and rounding instructions carefully before entering your answer.

When do you sit it?

In the published 2026 arrangements, calculations are Part 1 and the first assessment session of the day. You complete registration, identity and security checks before entering the assessment room and following the on-screen instructions.

Once Part 1 begins, the standard time allowance is two hours for calculations. A scheduled break follows before Part 2. Check your booking confirmation and sitting-specific instructions for arrival times and any approved adjustments to your timing.

About this guide: This information is based on the GPhC’s published 2026 assessment framework and November 2026 candidate guidance. Requirements may change for future sittings. Check the guidance for your own assessment when it is published, and review it again before exam day.

02 / WHAT TO PREPARE

Nine calculation categories

The GPhC’s 2026 framework identifies these nine categories. Each Part 1 assessment includes at least one calculation involving each:

  • Concentrations

  • Dilutions

  • Displacement volumes

  • Dose and dosage regimens

  • Infusion rates

  • Medical statistics

  • Pharmacoeconomics

  • Pharmacokinetics

  • Quantities to supply

Questions can involve multiple steps. Across these topics, practise converting units, rounding appropriately, using formulae and extracting information from supplied resources, as well as applying the methods to realistic scenarios.

03 / YOUR CALCULATOR

Which models are permitted?

The GPhC’s November 2026 candidate guidance lists these approved models:

  • Aurora DT210

  • Aurora HC133

  • Casio SL-300SV

  • Casio HS-8VA

  • Casio MX-8S-WE (also known as Casio MX-8S)

  • Casio MX 8B-WE (also known as Casio MX 8B)

  • Catiga CD-8185

  • Casio MS-80F

  • Casio SL-460L-W

  • Lexibook C208

Check the exact model number, rather than relying on the brand or appearance. A similar-looking calculator may have a different model number.

Bring your main calculator and a spare

Under that guidance, you can bring up to two approved physical calculators. Both must be approved models and will be checked by an invigilator. An on-screen calculator is also available, but test centres do not provide spare physical calculators.

For reference photographs, see pages 4–5 of the GPhC’s official November 2026 candidate guide. Check the permitted-model list for your own sitting before buying one.

A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Jasmine’s experience

I’ll be honest: I’ve found quite a few of the approved calculators frustrating to use! Small buttons or awkward key presses can make it surprisingly easy to enter something incorrectly, even when you know exactly how to do the calculation.

The best one I’ve used is the Catiga CD-8185. The buttons are large and press nicely, which makes it much more comfortable to use during practice.

I liked it so much that I bought a second one, in yellow this time. Cute, right? so I could take both with me.

My advice is to choose your calculator early and use it regularly throughout your preparation, including during timed mocks. Get familiar with the buttons and check that each key press has registered. If you’re taking a spare, practise with that one too.

Put your preparation into practice

Build accuracy and confidence with five GPhC-style calculations mocks, each with 40 questions, a 120-minute timer and detailed worked solutions.

Explore the GPhC calculations mocks →

Official sources

This PharmUp guide is independent and is not a substitute for the instructions for your own sitting.