Can You Use a Calculator on the ACT Exam? Policy Checker

An essential tool and guide to determine if your calculator meets the official ACT® test day requirements.

ACT Calculator Policy Checker

Answer the following questions about your calculator to see if it’s likely permitted on the math portion of the ACT exam.

What is the ACT Calculator Policy?

The official ACT calculator policy is designed to ensure fairness and test security for all students. You are allowed to use a calculator on the Mathematics Test only, but it’s important to know that every problem on the ACT Math test can be solved without a calculator. Students must bring their own calculator; they are not provided at the testing center.

Generally, you may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it is not on the specific list of prohibited devices and does not have any forbidden features. Certain calculators are allowed only after being modified, such as removing programs or covering an infrared data port.

Prohibited vs. Permitted Calculators

The main restriction revolves around calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality. These are powerful calculators that can solve algebraic equations, simplify expressions, and perform other symbolic manipulations, which gives an unfair advantage. Below is a summary of explicitly prohibited models and general types.

Summary of ACT Calculator Regulations

Status	Calculator Type or Model
Prohibited	Texas Instruments: All models that begin with TI-89 or TI-92, and the TI-Nspire CAS.
Prohibited	Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime, HP 48GII, and all models starting with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G.
Prohibited	Casio: fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400), ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, Algebra fx 2.0, and models starting with CFX-9970G.
Prohibited	Calculators with QWERTY keyboards.
Prohibited	Laptops, tablets, cell phones, or any smart device.
Permitted	Graphing calculators like the TI-84 Plus series, TI-83, and TI-Nspire (non-CAS).
Permitted	Scientific calculators (e.g., TI-30XS MultiView, Casio fx-300ES Plus).
Permitted	Basic four-function calculators.

Chart visualizing the proportion of permitted vs. prohibited calculator feature types.

Practical Examples

Example 1: A Permitted Calculator

A student has a TI-84 Plus CE. Let’s run it through our checker:

• Inputs:
  • Is it a prohibited CAS model? No.
  • Does it have any prohibited features? No. The TI-84 Plus CE does not have a QWERTY keyboard, wireless capabilities, or other banned features.
• Result: ALLOWED. This is a very popular and widely permitted calculator for the ACT.

Example 2: A Prohibited Calculator

A student has a TI-89 Titanium. Let’s check its status:

• Inputs:
  • Is it a prohibited CAS model? Yes. The TI-89 series is explicitly banned because of its CAS functionality.
• Result: PROHIBITED. Even if it had no other forbidden features, being on the prohibited list makes it ineligible.

How to Use This ACT Calculator Policy Checker

Follow these simple steps to determine if your calculator is likely allowed:

1. Identify Your Calculator Model: Look at the top of your calculator to find its exact model number (e.g., “TI-30XS” or “Casio fx-9750GII”).
2. Answer the Questions: Go through the questions in the calculator above, selecting “Yes” or “No” or checking the boxes that apply to your device.
3. Click “Check My Calculator”: The tool will instantly analyze your inputs based on the ACT’s official rules.
4. Review the Result: The output will tell you if your calculator is likely “Allowed” or “Prohibited” and provide a brief explanation. If prohibited, it will state the reason.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Legality

Understanding these factors will help you choose the right calculator and avoid issues on test day.

• Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is the most significant restriction. Calculators with CAS are banned because they can perform symbolic algebra, which the ACT prohibits.
• QWERTY Keyboard: Any calculator with a keyboard in the standard QWERTY layout is not allowed.
• Communication Capabilities: Devices that can communicate wirelessly (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are strictly forbidden. This includes smartwatches and phones.
• External Power: Your calculator must be battery-operated. Devices that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet are not permitted.
• Noise and Printing: Calculators that make noise must be muted, and those with paper tape must have the tape removed before the test.
• Programs and Documents: For calculators that can store programs or documents, you must clear them before the test, especially any programs that add CAS functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a graphing calculator on the ACT?

Yes, most graphing calculators are allowed, provided they are not on the prohibited list (like the TI-89) and do not have CAS functionality. Models like the TI-84 Plus series are very common.

2. What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator?

Testing staff will not allow you to use it. You may be dismissed from the test, and your scores could be voided.

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

The standard TI-Nspire and TI-Nspire CX models are permitted. However, the TI-Nspire CAS model is explicitly prohibited.

4. Do I need to clear the memory on my calculator?

Yes, if your calculator can store programs or documents, you are responsible for removing them before the test. Specifically, all programs with CAS functionality must be deleted.

5. Can I use my phone’s calculator?

No, calculators on cell phones, tablets, or any other communication device are strictly forbidden.

6. Should I bring a backup calculator?

The ACT allows you to bring a backup calculator and extra batteries. It’s a good idea in case your primary calculator fails during the test.

7. Are there any modifications I need to make?

Some older calculators with an infrared data port (like the HP 38G series) require you to cover the port with opaque tape. Others may require you to turn off sound or remove paper tape.

8. Is the calculator policy different for the digital ACT?

For the digital ACT, a built-in Desmos calculator is provided on-screen. However, students are still allowed to bring their own approved handheld calculator if they prefer.