Are You Allowed To Use A Calculator On The Act

Is Your Calculator Allowed on the ACT?

Use this tool to check if your calculator model is likely allowed or prohibited based on the official ACT Calculator Policy.

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Disclaimer: This tool provides guidance based on the known ACT Calculator Policy. Always double-check the official ACT website for the most up-to-date and definitive rules before test day.

How it works: We compare your calculator’s model and features against the ACT’s list of prohibited and permitted characteristics, including Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), QWERTY keyboards, and wireless capabilities.

What is the ACT Calculator Policy?

The ACT Calculator Policy outlines the rules and regulations regarding the types of calculators students are permitted to use during the mathematics section of the ACT test. It specifies which calculators are allowed, which are prohibited, and the conditions under which certain calculators may be used. The goal is to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage due to calculator capabilities.

Anyone taking the ACT test who plans to use a calculator during the math section should be familiar with the ACT Calculator Policy. Misunderstanding or violating the policy can lead to a calculator being confiscated or even dismissal from the test.

A common misconception is that all graphing calculators are allowed, or that if a calculator was allowed on the PSAT or SAT, it’s automatically allowed on the ACT. This is not always the case, as the ACT has specific restrictions, particularly concerning Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) and QWERTY keyboards, making the ACT Calculator Policy distinct.

ACT Calculator Rules Explained

The ACT Calculator Policy is quite specific. Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

• Prohibited Calculators: Calculators with built-in or downloaded Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality are generally prohibited. This includes popular models like the TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS (though the non-CAS Nspire is allowed), HP 48GII, HP 49G, HP 50G, HP Prime (when CAS is enabled), and many Casio ClassPad models. Calculators with QWERTY (typewriter-like) keyboards are also banned. Additionally, calculators that can communicate wirelessly, make noise, use a power cord, have a paper tape, or function as part of a phone or tablet are not allowed.
• Allowed Calculators: Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are permitted as long as they don’t have the prohibited features mentioned above. The TI-83, TI-84 Plus family (including CE), and the non-CAS TI-Nspire are widely used and allowed.
• Calculators Requiring Modification: Some calculators with infrared data ports or other communication features must have these features covered with heavy tape. Certain models with CAS might be allowed if the CAS is completely disabled in a way that test center staff can verify (though this is rare and risky).
• It’s Your Responsibility: Ultimately, the student is responsible for ensuring their calculator complies with the ACT Calculator Policy.

Key Calculator Feature Status for ACT

Feature/Capability	Status	Common Examples
Basic Four-Function	Allowed	Standard simple calculators
Scientific Functions	Allowed	TI-30X IIS, Casio fx-115ES PLUS
Graphing (without CAS)	Allowed	TI-83, TI-84 Plus family, TI-Nspire (non-CAS), Casio fx-9750GIII
Computer Algebra System (CAS)	Prohibited	TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP 50g, HP Prime (CAS mode)
QWERTY Keyboard	Prohibited	Some older organizers/calculators
Wireless Communication	Prohibited	Devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Needs External Power	Prohibited	Calculators requiring an outlet
Pen/Stylus Input	Prohibited	Some PDA-like devices

Referencing the official ACT Calculator Policy document is crucial before test day.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Student with a TI-84 Plus CE

A student brings a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE to the test. This calculator is a graphing calculator but does NOT have a built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS) and lacks a QWERTY keyboard or wireless capabilities. According to the ACT Calculator Policy, this calculator is allowed.

Example 2: Student with a TI-89 Titanium

Another student has a Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium. This calculator is powerful and includes a CAS. Because of the CAS functionality, the TI-89 Titanium is explicitly prohibited by the ACT Calculator Policy. The student would not be allowed to use it.

Example 3: Student with a Casio fx-115ES PLUS

A student uses a Casio fx-115ES PLUS, which is a scientific calculator. It does not graph and does not have CAS or any other prohibited features. This calculator is perfectly acceptable under the ACT Calculator Policy.

How to Use This ACT Calculator Policy Checker

1. Select Brand: Choose your calculator’s brand from the dropdown menu. If it’s not listed, select “Other”.
2. Enter Model: Type in the model number or name of your calculator as precisely as possible.
3. Check Features: Look at your calculator and check the boxes for any listed prohibited features it might have (CAS, QWERTY, etc.).
4. View Results: The “Primary Result” will indicate if your calculator is “Allowed,” “Prohibited,” or if you need to “Check Official List / Likely Allowed/Prohibited” based on the information. The “Details” section will explain why.
5. Consult Official Policy: Always click the link to the official ACT Calculator Policy to confirm, especially if the result is not definitively “Allowed” or “Prohibited” by our checker. Our tool is a guide, but the official ACT website is the final authority.

The chart dynamically updates based on the features you select, giving a visual representation of how prohibited features impact the likelihood of your calculator being banned according to the ACT Calculator Policy.

Key Factors That Affect ACT Calculator Allowance

• Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is the most significant factor. Calculators with CAS, which can perform symbolic algebra (like factoring or solving equations with variables), are almost always prohibited under the ACT Calculator Policy.
• QWERTY Keyboard: Calculators with typewriter-like keyboards are not allowed.
• Wireless Communication: Any device capable of wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared unless covered) is banned.
• Power Source: Calculators needing an electrical outlet are prohibited. They must be battery-operated.
• Pen/Stylus Input: Devices that use a pen or stylus for input are generally not allowed.
• Noise and Paper Tape: Calculators that make noise or have a paper tape are prohibited.
• Official Prohibited List: The ACT maintains a list of specific models that are not allowed, even if they don’t obviously fall into the above categories. Always check the latest ACT Calculator Policy document.
• Non-CAS Versions: Some calculator series have both CAS and non-CAS versions (like the TI-Nspire). The non-CAS version is usually allowed, while the CAS version is not. Be sure which one you have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the TI-84 Plus CE allowed on the ACT?

Yes, the TI-84 Plus CE is allowed as it does not have CAS or other prohibited features according to the current ACT Calculator Policy.

2. Can I use a calculator with CAS if I disable it?

Generally, no. The ACT Calculator Policy prohibits calculators with built-in CAS. While some calculators offer modes to disable CAS, it’s risky and may not be easily verifiable by test center staff, leading to it being disallowed. It’s safer to use a non-CAS calculator.

3. What if my calculator is not on any list?

If your calculator isn’t explicitly mentioned as allowed or prohibited, check it against the list of prohibited features (CAS, QWERTY, wireless, etc.). If it has none, it’s likely allowed, but check the official ACT Calculator Policy document or contact ACT for clarification.

4. Are all scientific calculators allowed?

Most standard scientific calculators are allowed as they don’t have the prohibited features like CAS or QWERTY keyboards.

5. What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator?

If you bring a calculator that violates the ACT Calculator Policy, it will likely be confiscated by the test supervisor, and you may have to take the math section without a calculator, or in some cases, your scores could be canceled.

6. Can I share a calculator?

No, sharing calculators during the ACT test is not permitted.

7. Do I need the most expensive calculator?

No, a calculator that you are comfortable with and that is allowed by the ACT Calculator Policy is sufficient. A standard scientific or a non-CAS graphing calculator like the TI-84 is more than adequate for the ACT math section.

8. Where can I find the official ACT Calculator Policy?

The most up-to-date ACT Calculator Policy is always available on the official ACT website (act.org). We’ve linked to it within the checker results.