Can You Use Calculator on ACT? Policy Checker & Guide

ACT Calculator Policy Checker

Can I Use My Calculator on the ACT?

Check if your calculator is likely allowed on the ACT test based on the official policy.

1. Is it a dedicated handheld calculator (not a phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, etc.)?

Only handheld calculators are considered.

2. Does it have a QWERTY (typewriter-like) keypad?

3. Does it have a built-in or downloadable Computer Algebra System (CAS)?

4. If unsure about CAS, what is the calculator model? (e.g., TI-89, TI-Nspire CX II-T CAS, HP Prime)

This helps identify models with known CAS or special rules.

5. Does it make noise, have a paper tape, or print?

Noisy or printing calculators are generally prohibited, though paper tape can sometimes be removed.

6. Can it communicate wirelessly (WiFi, Bluetooth, Infrared, etc.) or access the internet?

7. Does it need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work?

Feature Check Summary

What is the ACT Calculator Policy?

The ACT calculator policy outlines the rules and regulations regarding which calculators students can and cannot use during the ACT test, particularly the mathematics section. The goal is to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage through calculator capabilities. You can use a calculator on the ACT, but only if it meets the ACT’s specific guidelines.

Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are permitted, but there are crucial restrictions. Calculators with features like Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), QWERTY keypads, wireless communication, or those that are part of phones, laptops, or tablets are generally prohibited. It’s vital to know whether you can use your calculator on the ACT well before test day.

Who Should Check the Policy?

Every student planning to take the ACT who intends to use a calculator should thoroughly review the official ACT calculator policy and check their specific calculator model against it. Even if a calculator seems basic, it’s wise to confirm it doesn’t fall under any prohibited categories.

Common Misconceptions

“All graphing calculators are allowed”: Not true. Many advanced graphing calculators have CAS, which is prohibited (e.g., TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS) unless modified or it’s a non-CAS version.
“If it’s expensive, it’s banned”: Price isn’t the determinant; features are. Some very expensive calculators are allowed, while some moderately priced ones with CAS are not.
“I can just remove the batteries from my phone”: Phones, tablets, and laptops are never allowed as calculators, regardless of their state.

The ACT Calculator Rules Explained

The ACT aims to allow most standard calculators while prohibiting those that offer an unfair advantage. Here’s a breakdown of the rules to determine if you can use a calculator on the ACT:

Permitted Devices: Generally, you can use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. It must be a dedicated handheld device.
Prohibited Devices: You CANNOT use calculators that are part of cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, or any other electronic communication devices.
Prohibited Features:
- QWERTY Keypads: Calculators with typewriter-like keypads are not allowed.
- Computer Algebra Systems (CAS): Calculators with CAS are prohibited unless the CAS functionality is removed or disabled for specific models as per ACT guidelines (e.g., TI-89 requires specific modification/disabling).
- Noise/Tape: Calculators that make noise or have paper tape are not allowed, unless the tape and the ability to print are disabled/removed.
- Wireless/Internet: Calculators that can communicate wirelessly (infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) or access the internet are forbidden.
- External Power: Calculators needing an electrical outlet are not permitted.
Specific Models: Some models like the TI-89 and TI-Nspire CAS are explicitly mentioned as prohibited *unless* modified or configured in a specific way to disable CAS. Always check the official ACT list for your model. The non-CAS version of the TI-Nspire is usually allowed.

Prohibited Features and Examples Table

Summary of features that make a calculator prohibited on the ACT.
Prohibited Feature	Explanation	Common Examples/Models
Computer Algebra System (CAS)	Can perform symbolic manipulation (e.g., solve for x, factor polynomials).	TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime, HP 48GII, Casio ClassPad series
QWERTY Keypad	Full typewriter-style keyboard.	Calculators with text-entry capabilities beyond standard keys.
Wireless Communication	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infrared, etc.	Calculators that can link to other devices or networks.
Part of Other Devices	Calculator apps on phones, tablets, laptops.	Smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches.
Noise or Paper Tape	Distracting or can store information.	Printing calculators (unless tape removed).
Needs External Power	Requires being plugged in.	Desktop calculators requiring an outlet.

Practical Examples

Example 1: TI-84 Plus CE

A student has a TI-84 Plus CE. They check:

Is it a handheld calculator? Yes.
QWERTY keypad? No.
CAS? No, the TI-84 Plus CE does not have CAS.
Noise/Tape/Wireless/Outlet? No.

Result: The TI-84 Plus CE is very likely allowed on the ACT as it does not have the prohibited features.

Example 2: TI-89 Titanium

A student has a TI-89 Titanium. They check:

Is it a handheld calculator? Yes.
QWERTY keypad? No.
CAS? Yes, the TI-89 has a built-in CAS.

Result: The TI-89 Titanium is PROHIBITED unless its CAS is disabled according to ACT’s specific instructions, often involving putting it into a specific mode or using software like TestGuard. The student must check the latest ACT policy regarding the TI-89.

How to Use This ACT Calculator Policy Checker

Answer the Questions: Go through each question in the checker above and select the appropriate answer based on your calculator’s features.
Provide Model (if unsure): If you’re unsure whether your calculator has CAS, provide the model name when prompted.
Review the Result: The checker will give you a “Likely Allowed,” “Prohibited,” or “Check Official Policy for Model” result based on your answers and known prohibited features/models.
Read the Reason: The reason provided will explain why a calculator is likely prohibited or needs further checking.
Always Double-Check: This tool provides guidance, but you MUST always consult the official ACT Calculator Policy for the most up-to-date and definitive rules before test day. The policy can change.

When you see “Check Official Policy for Model,” it means your calculator model is either known to have CAS or is close to models that do, and you need to verify its status and any modification requirements on the official ACT website.

Key Factors That Affect Whether You Can Use a Calculator on the ACT

Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is a major factor. Calculators with CAS are generally banned unless the feature can be verifiably disabled per ACT rules.
QWERTY Keypad: Any calculator with a typewriter-like keypad is not allowed.
Device Type: It must be a dedicated handheld calculator. No phones, tablets, laptops, etc.
Communication Capabilities: Any form of wireless communication or internet access is prohibited.
Specific Model Number: Some models are explicitly listed as prohibited or allowed with modifications. Knowing your exact model number is crucial.
Test Center Supervisor Discretion: Ultimately, the test center supervisor has the final say on whether a calculator can be used. If it looks suspicious or is not on the allowed list, it might be disallowed.

Understanding whether you can use your calculator on the ACT is your responsibility before the test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a TI-84 Plus on the ACT?: Yes, the TI-84 Plus (and TI-84 Plus CE, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition) is generally allowed as it does not have a prohibited CAS.
Is the TI-Nspire allowed on the ACT?: The non-CAS version of the TI-Nspire (like the TI-Nspire CX or CX II) is usually allowed. However, the TI-Nspire CAS and CX II-T CAS versions are prohibited unless CAS is disabled per ACT rules.
Can you use calculator on ACT science?: No, calculators are only permitted during the mathematics section of the ACT. They are not allowed on the Reading, English, Science, or Writing sections.
What if my calculator runs out of batteries during the test?: You are responsible for ensuring your calculator works and has sufficient battery power. Test centers do not provide batteries or replacement calculators. Bring extra batteries if your calculator allows.
Can I share my calculator?: No, sharing calculators is not allowed during the test.
What happens if I use a prohibited calculator?: If you are caught using a prohibited calculator, your test scores may be invalidated, and you could be dismissed from the test center.
Are there any calculators provided at the test center?: No, the ACT does not provide calculators. You must bring your own permitted calculator.
Where can I find the official ACT calculator policy?: You can find the most current policy on the official ACT website (www.act.org) by searching for “calculator policy”.

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