What Calculators Can You Use For The Act

Check Your Calculator’s ACT Permissibility

Use this tool to get an idea of what calculators can you use for the ACT based on the official policy. For the most definitive answer, always check the latest official ACT calculator policy and list of prohibited calculators.

This check is based on common interpretations of the ACT calculator policy regarding features like CAS, QWERTY keyboards, wireless capabilities, and power sources. Always consult the official ACT website for the definitive and most up-to-date policy and list of prohibited calculators.

What is the ACT Calculator Policy?

The ACT Calculator Policy outlines the rules and regulations regarding what calculators can you use for the ACT mathematics test. It specifies which types of calculators are permitted, which are prohibited, and the features that make a calculator unacceptable for use during the exam. The goal is to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage through calculator technology that goes beyond numerical calculations and basic graphing allowed by the ACT.

Students preparing for the ACT mathematics test should thoroughly understand this policy to avoid bringing a prohibited device on test day, which could lead to dismissal from the test center. The policy generally allows most 4-function, scientific, and graphing calculators, but explicitly prohibits those with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, or those requiring an external power source.

Common misconceptions include believing all graphing calculators are allowed (many with CAS are not) or that any scientific calculator is fine (some advanced ones might have prohibited features). It’s crucial to check your specific calculator model against the latest ACT guidelines.

ACT Calculator Policy Rules Explained

The ACT’s rules for determining what calculators can you use for the ACT are based on the calculator’s features and capabilities. It’s not a single formula but a set of criteria:

1. Permitted Calculators: Generally, you can use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it is not on the prohibited list and doesn’t have prohibited features.
2. Prohibited Features: Calculators with any of the following are NOT allowed:
   • Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality (e.g., ability to solve algebraic equations symbolically, perform symbolic differentiation or integration).
   • QWERTY (typewriter-like) keyboards.
   • Wireless or internet communication capabilities (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular).
   • Need for an external power source (must be battery-operated).
   • Calculators built into phones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches.
   • Calculators that make noise or print.
3. Specifically Prohibited Models: The ACT provides a list of specific calculator models that are prohibited, even if they don’t seem to have the above features overtly. This list often includes models like the Texas Instruments TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G, HP Prime, Casio fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400), ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, and Algebra fx 2.0. Always check the current list.
4. Modification: Calculators with prohibited features cannot be made permissible by modifying them (e.g., covering a QWERTY keyboard).

Here’s a table summarizing key features and their permissibility:

Feature/Capability	Meaning	Permitted on ACT?	Typical Calculators
Basic Arithmetic	+, -, ×, ÷, %, √	Yes	All permitted types
Scientific Functions	sin, cos, tan, log, ln, !, ^	Yes	Scientific, Graphing
Graphing	Plotting functions	Yes (if no CAS)	Graphing (e.g., TI-83, TI-84, Casio fx-9750GII)
CAS	Symbolic manipulation	No	TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS, HP 50G
QWERTY Keyboard	Typewriter-style keys	No	Some older/specialized devices
Wireless/Internet	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.	No	Phones, tablets, some advanced calculators
External Power	Needs to be plugged in	No	Not typical handheld calculators
Part of Phone/Laptop	Calculator app or function	No	Smartphones, laptops, tablets

Key features and their permissibility on the ACT.

Practical Examples: Permitted vs. Prohibited Calculators

Let’s look at some examples to understand what calculators can you use for the ACT:

Example 1: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE

• Type: Graphing Calculator
• CAS: No
• QWERTY: No
• Wireless: No
• Power: Rechargeable battery (allowed)
• Verdict: Likely PERMITTED. The TI-84 Plus series is generally allowed as it lacks CAS and other prohibited features.

Example 2: Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium

• Type: Graphing Calculator
• CAS: Yes (built-in Computer Algebra System)
• QWERTY: No
• Wireless: No
• Power: Battery
• Verdict: Likely NOT PERMITTED. The TI-89 series is explicitly prohibited by ACT due to its CAS functionality.

Example 3: Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz

• Type: Scientific Calculator
• CAS: No
• QWERTY: No
• Wireless: No
• Power: Battery/Solar
• Verdict: Likely PERMITTED. It’s a powerful scientific calculator but does not have CAS or other prohibited features.

Example 4: A Basic 4-Function Calculator

• Type: 4-Function
• CAS: No
• QWERTY: No
• Wireless: No
• Power: Battery/Solar
• Verdict: Likely PERMITTED. These are the most basic and are always allowed.

Always double-check your specific model against the latest official ACT prohibited list on their website before test day.

How to Use This ACT Calculator Policy Checker

1. Select Calculator Type: Choose the general type of your calculator from the dropdown.
2. Answer Feature Questions: Respond “Yes” or “No” to the questions about CAS, QWERTY keyboard, wireless capabilities, power source, and whether it’s part of another device.
3. Enter Model Name (Optional): If you know your calculator’s model name, enter it. The checker looks for keywords associated with commonly prohibited models like “TI-89”, “Nspire CAS”, etc.
4. Check Permissibility: The tool will instantly update the “Permissibility Status” based on your inputs.
5. Read the Results:
   • Likely Permitted: Based on your answers, the calculator does not seem to have features explicitly prohibited by the ACT. However, always verify with the official ACT list.
   • Likely Not Permitted: Your answers indicate the calculator has one or more prohibited features (like CAS or QWERTY) or is a device like a phone.
   • Check Official List/Uncertain: If the type is “Other” or if the model name contains terms often associated with prohibited calculators but you indicated no prohibited features, it’s best to check the official ACT list very carefully.
6. Review Intermediate Results: This section explains *why* the calculator is likely permitted or not, based on the features you selected.
7. Consult Official Policy: This tool is a guide. The official ACT website is the final authority on what calculators can you use for the ACT.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Permissibility

Understanding what calculators can you use for the ACT involves several key factors:

1. Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is a primary disqualifier. CAS allows calculators to manipulate symbolic expressions, which goes beyond the numerical calculations ACT permits.
2. QWERTY Keyboard: Calculators with typewriter-like keyboards are prohibited to prevent the storage of notes or formulas that resemble text.
3. Wireless Communication: Any form of wireless or internet connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared) is banned to prevent communication during the test.
4. Power Source: Calculators must be battery-operated. Those requiring an electrical outlet are not allowed.
5. Integration with Other Devices: Calculators that are part of phones, laptops, tablets, or smartwatches are strictly forbidden.
6. Official Prohibited List: The ACT maintains a list of specific calculator models that are not allowed, regardless of their apparent features. Always check this list.
7. Test Center Supervisor Discretion: Ultimately, the test center supervisor has the final say on whether a calculator is permitted. If your calculator is borderline or looks unusual, they might disallow it.
8. Memory and Programs: While many permitted graphing calculators allow storing programs and data, you are responsible for clearing any prohibited content before the test. Storing test content or formulas might be considered cheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ACT Calculators

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

Yes, the TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, and other models in the TI-83/84 family are generally permitted because they do not have a CAS.

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

It depends. The TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS) is usually allowed, but the TI-Nspire CX CAS is NOT allowed because of its Computer Algebra System.

3. What if my calculator has games or programs?

You are responsible for removing any unacceptable programs or data before the test. While the calculator itself might be allowed, having prohibited content could be an issue.

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

No. Phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches, along with their calculator apps, are strictly prohibited during the ACT.

5. Do I need a graphing calculator for the ACT math section?

No, a graphing calculator is not required. All problems can be solved without one, but a permitted graphing or scientific calculator can be helpful. Familiarity with your calculator is key.

6. What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator?

You will not be allowed to use it. You might have to take the math test without a calculator, or you could be dismissed from the test center.

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

On the official ACT website (act.org). Search for “calculator policy”.

8. Are calculators with fraction capabilities allowed?

Yes, calculators that can display and calculate with fractions are generally allowed, as long as they don’t have other prohibited features like CAS.