Can You Use a Calculator on the ACT? Policy Checker
ACT Calculator Eligibility Checker
Enter your calculator’s features below to check if it’s likely allowed on the ACT Math test based on the official policy. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official ACT website.
What is the ACT Calculator Policy?
The ACT calculator policy outlines which calculators are permitted and prohibited during the mathematics section of the ACT test. The goal is to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage through calculator technology. You are allowed to use a calculator on the ACT math test, but not all calculators are permitted. Understanding whether you can use a calculator on the ACT that you own is crucial before test day.
The policy generally allows most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators, as long as they do not have prohibited features like QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, or certain Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). Knowing if you can use a calculator on the ACT is your responsibility.
Common misconceptions include believing all graphing calculators are allowed or that no CAS calculators are permitted. In reality, some CAS calculators are allowed if their CAS functionality can be disabled.
ACT Calculator Rules and Prohibited Features
The ACT explicitly prohibits calculators with certain features. If your calculator has any of the following, you generally can not use a calculator on the ACT with these features:
- Calculators with built-in or add-on QWERTY keyboards (like those on a computer).
- Calculators that are part of a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or any other portable/handheld computer.
- Calculators that can communicate wirelessly (infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).
- Calculators that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to function.
- Calculators that make noise or can print.
- Calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS) that cannot be disabled, or specific models like the TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G, HP Prime, and Casio ClassPad series.
It’s vital to check the latest ACT calculator policy on their official website before the test.
| Feature/Type | Generally Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Four-function | Yes | Basic arithmetic. |
| Scientific | Yes | For trigonometric, logarithmic functions etc., without prohibited features. |
| Graphing | Yes | Allowed if they don’t have prohibited features (like QWERTY or certain CAS). |
| QWERTY Keyboard | No | Prohibited. |
| Wireless Communication | No | Prohibited. |
| Part of Phone/Laptop | No | Prohibited. |
| Needs Electrical Outlet | No | Prohibited. |
| Makes Noise/Prints | No | Prohibited. |
| Most CAS Calculators (TI-89, etc.) | No | Prohibited. |
| CAS (e.g., TI-Nspire CAS with test mode) | Yes (with modification) | CAS must be disabled or put into test mode. |
Allowed Calculators on the ACT
Most standard graphing calculators like the TI-83, TI-84 series, and many Casio or HP models (without the prohibited features) are allowed. Scientific calculators and basic four-function calculators are also permitted. The key is the absence of the specifically prohibited features. You can use a calculator on the ACT math section if it meets these criteria.
Calculators Allowed with Modification
Some calculators with CAS, notably certain versions of the TI-Nspire CAS, are allowed ONLY if the CAS functionality is disabled (e.g., by using the “Press-to-Test” feature or a similar mode that blocks CAS). It’s your responsibility to ensure these features are correctly disabled before and during the test. If you are unsure, you might not be able to can use a calculator on the ACT with these features enabled.
How to Use This ACT Calculator Policy Checker
- Examine your calculator and identify its features.
- Answer the questions in the checker above based on your calculator’s capabilities.
- If your calculator has CAS, determine if it’s one of the explicitly prohibited models or if it has a feature to disable CAS (like TI-Nspire test mode).
- The tool will give you an indication based on the ACT’s general rules.
- The primary result will state “Likely Allowed,” “Not Allowed,” or “Allowed with Modification/Conditions.”
- Always double-check with the official ACT website for the definitive and most current list and rules, as the policy can change.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Eligibility
Several factors determine if you can use a calculator on the ACT:
- QWERTY Keyboard: Calculators with typewriter-like keyboards are banned.
- Communication: Any wireless communication capability is prohibited.
- Device Type: Calculators integrated into phones, tablets, or laptops are not allowed.
- Power Source: Calculators requiring an external power outlet are not permitted.
- Noise/Printing: Calculators that make noise or have printing capabilities are forbidden.
- Computer Algebra System (CAS): Many CAS calculators are prohibited by name (e.g., TI-89). Some are allowed only if CAS is disabled. The ability to manipulate and solve algebraic expressions symbolically is the concern.
- Specific Model Prohibitions: The ACT explicitly lists certain models (like the TI-89, TI-92, HP 50G) as prohibited due to their advanced features or CAS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ACT Calculators
- Can I use a TI-84 Plus on the ACT?
- Yes, the TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus CE are generally allowed as they do not have the prohibited features like a QWERTY keyboard or a prohibited CAS.
- Can you use a calculator on the ACT science section?
- No, calculators are only permitted during the Mathematics Test of the ACT. They are not allowed on the Reading, English, Science, or Writing sections.
- What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator?
- If you are found with a prohibited calculator, it will likely be confiscated, and you may be dismissed from the test, and your scores could be canceled.
- Is the TI-Nspire CX CAS allowed?
- The TI-Nspire CX CAS is allowed only if its CAS functionality is disabled using the “Press-to-Test” mode, making it function like a non-CAS TI-Nspire CX.
- Are all scientific calculators allowed?
- Most scientific calculators are allowed, provided they don’t have any of the prohibited features (like wireless communication or CAS). You can use a calculator on the ACT if it’s a standard scientific one.
- Do I need the most expensive calculator for the ACT?
- No, a calculator familiar to you that performs the necessary functions (graphing, scientific functions) is sufficient. You don’t need the most advanced or expensive one, especially if it has prohibited features.
- Can I share my calculator during the test?
- No, sharing calculators is not permitted during the ACT.
- Where can I find the official ACT calculator policy?
- Always refer to the official ACT website for the most current and detailed calculator policy.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Official ACT Calculator Policy: The definitive source for rules.
- ACT Math Practice Tests: Prepare for the math section.
- Choosing the Right Calculator for the ACT: A guide to selecting an allowed and effective calculator.