What Calculator Can You Use On The Act

Check Your Calculator’s ACT Eligibility

Enter your calculator’s model and features to see if it’s likely allowed on the ACT.

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This tool checks against common ACT prohibitions: QWERTY keyboards, CAS, wireless, power cords, being part of other devices, pen-input, and specific prohibited models.

Prohibited Features Detected

What is the ACT Calculator Policy?

The ACT (American College Testing) has a specific policy regarding which calculators are permitted during the mathematics section of the test. Understanding what calculator can you use on the ACT is crucial for test day. The policy aims to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage due to calculator capabilities. Calculators are allowed on the Math test only.

In general, you can use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it is not on the prohibited list and doesn’t have any prohibited features. Calculators with built-in or downloaded computer algebra systems (CAS) are prohibited. Also, devices like cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, or any portable/handheld computer are not allowed, even if they have calculator functionality. Knowing what calculator can you use on the ACT beforehand saves you from surprises on test day.

Common misconceptions include believing all graphing calculators are allowed or that if a calculator was allowed on the SAT, it’s automatically allowed on the ACT. This is not always the case, as the ACT has its own specific list of prohibited models and features.

ACT Calculator Rules and Checks

The “formula” for determining if a calculator is allowed on the ACT is a set of rules and checks against prohibited features and models:

1. Prohibited Models Check: Is the calculator model explicitly listed as prohibited? (e.g., TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime, etc.)
2. QWERTY Keyboard Check: Does it have a typewriter-like keyboard?
3. CAS Feature Check: Does it have a Computer Algebra System?
4. Communication Check: Does it have wireless, Bluetooth, or internet capabilities?
5. Power Check: Does it require an external power source (power cord)?
6. Device Type Check: Is it part of another device like a phone or tablet?
7. Input Method Check: Does it use a stylus or pen for input beyond basic numeric entry?

If the answer to ANY of these is “Yes”, or if the model is on the prohibited list, the calculator is generally NOT allowed. Our checker above helps you evaluate what calculator can you use on the ACT based on these criteria.

Prohibited vs. Generally Permitted Features/Models

Feature/Model Type	Generally Prohibited	Generally Permitted (if no other prohibited features)
CAS (Computer Algebra System)	Yes (e.g., TI-Nspire CAS)	No (e.g., TI-Nspire CX)
QWERTY Keyboard	Yes	No
Wireless/Internet	Yes	No
Needs Power Cord	Yes	No (battery-operated)
Part of Phone/Tablet	Yes	No (standalone calculator)
Stylus/Pen Input	Yes (for characters/formulas)	No
Specific Models	TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G, HP Prime, Casio Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad series	TI-83, TI-84 Plus series (non-CAS), Casio fx-9750GIII, most scientific calculators

This table provides examples; always check the official ACT website for the most current list before test day.

Practical Examples

Example 1: TI-84 Plus CE

• Model: TI-84 Plus CE
• QWERTY: No
• CAS: No
• Wireless: No
• Power Cord: No
• Part of Device: No
• Pen Input: No
• Result: Likely Allowed (The TI-84 Plus CE is generally permitted as it lacks CAS and other prohibited features).

Example 2: TI-Nspire CX CAS

• Model: TI-Nspire CX CAS
• QWERTY: No
• CAS: Yes
• Wireless: No (standard model)
• Power Cord: No (rechargeable battery)
• Part of Device: No
• Pen Input: No
• Result: Prohibited (Due to the CAS feature).

How to Use This ACT Calculator Checker

1. Enter Model: Type your calculator’s model name into the “Calculator Model” field.
2. Answer Feature Questions: Select “Yes” or “No” for each question about your calculator’s features.
3. View Results: The “Primary Result” will update instantly to “Likely Allowed,” “Prohibited,” or “Check Specific Model.”
4. Check Intermediate Results: See which specific features or model checks triggered the result.
5. Read Explanation: Understand the basic rules applied.
6. Consult Official List: Regardless of the tool’s result, always double-check your specific model against the official ACT calculator policy on the ACT website, as policies can change. The tool helps identify common issues but the official site is the final authority on what calculator can you use on the ACT.

Key Factors That Affect ACT Calculator Allowance

• Specific Model Number: Some model lines have both allowed and prohibited versions (e.g., TI-Nspire CX vs. TI-Nspire CX CAS). The exact model is crucial.
• CAS (Computer Algebra System): Calculators with CAS, which can perform symbolic algebra, are strictly prohibited.
• QWERTY Keyboards: Any calculator with a typewriter-like keyboard is not allowed.
• Communication Features: Calculators with infrared, Bluetooth, wireless, or internet capabilities are forbidden.
• Power Source: Calculators that need to be plugged in are not allowed; they must be battery-operated.
• Integrated Devices: Calculators that are part of phones, laptops, or tablets are prohibited.
• Test Center Supervisor Discretion: While rare, a test supervisor may disallow a calculator if they believe it violates the spirit of the rules, even if not explicitly listed. It’s good to know what calculator can you use on the ACT and have a backup if unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a TI-84 Plus on the ACT?

Yes, the TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, and other TI-84 Plus family calculators are generally allowed on the ACT because they do not have CAS functionality.

2. Is the TI-Nspire allowed on the ACT?

It depends. The TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS version) is usually allowed, but the TI-Nspire CX CAS is prohibited due to its Computer Algebra System.

3. Are scientific calculators allowed on the ACT?

Yes, most standard scientific calculators are allowed as long as they don’t have prohibited features like CAS or a QWERTY keyboard.

4. What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator to the ACT?

If you are found with a prohibited calculator during the test, you may be dismissed, and your test scores could be invalidated. It’s vital to check what calculator can you use on the ACT before test day.

5. Can I use my phone’s calculator app?

No, phones, smartwatches, and any other communication devices are strictly prohibited during the ACT, including their calculator apps.

6. Do I need to clear the memory on my calculator before the ACT?

While the ACT doesn’t explicitly require clearing memory for allowed calculators, it’s a good practice, and some test centers might ask you to do so. You are not allowed to store test materials or notes in your calculator.

7. Where can I find the official ACT calculator policy?

The most up-to-date and official ACT calculator policy is always available on the official ACT website (act.org).

8. What if my calculator is not on the prohibited list but has a feature I’m unsure about?

If you’re unsure, it’s best to bring a more basic, clearly allowed calculator as a backup or contact the ACT directly for clarification well before test day. Knowing what calculator can you use on the ACT is your responsibility.