What Calculator Can You Use on ACT? – Policy Checker
Use this tool to check if your calculator is likely permitted on the ACT test based on the official policy. Enter your calculator’s details below.
Common Calculator Models & ACT Policy
| Calculator Model | Generally Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Four-Function | Yes | Must not have other prohibited features. |
| TI-30X IIS | Yes | Common scientific calculator. |
| TI-83, TI-83 Plus | Yes | |
| TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition | Yes | |
| TI-Nspire CX (Non-CAS) | Yes | Ensure it’s NOT the CX CAS version. |
| Casio fx-9750GII, fx-9750GIII | Yes | |
| Casio fx-CG50 (Prizm) | Yes | |
| TI-89 | No | Has CAS. |
| TI-92 | No | Has CAS and QWERTY. |
| TI-Nspire CX CAS, CX II CAS | No | Has CAS. |
| HP Prime | No | Has CAS. |
| HP 50g | No | Has CAS. |
| Casio ClassPad series | No | Has CAS, pen input. |
| Calculators on phones, tablets, laptops | No | These devices are prohibited. |
Table 1: General allowance status of common calculator models for the ACT. Always verify with the latest official ACT policy.
Chart 1: General ACT Allowance by Calculator Type.
What is the ACT Calculator Policy?
The ACT calculator policy outlines the rules regarding which calculators students can and cannot use during the ACT test, particularly the mathematics section. The policy aims to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage due to calculator capabilities. Figuring out what calculator can you use on ACT is crucial for test day preparation.
Students are allowed to use a calculator on the ACT mathematics test but are not required to do so. All problems can be solved without a calculator. However, using an approved calculator can be beneficial for speed and accuracy on certain questions. It’s vital to know what calculator can you use on ACT before test day.
The policy permits most basic four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators. However, it prohibits calculators with certain features, most notably those with a Computer Algebra System (CAS), QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, or those that need an electrical outlet. Understanding what calculator can you use on ACT involves checking both the calculator type and its specific features.
Who Should Use This Information?
Students preparing for the ACT, parents, teachers, and guidance counselors should familiarize themselves with the ACT calculator policy to ensure students bring an permitted device on test day.
Common Misconceptions
- “All graphing calculators are allowed”: False. Graphing calculators with CAS (like the TI-89 or TI-Nspire CAS) are generally prohibited. You need to know exactly what calculator can you use on ACT.
- “The test center will provide a calculator”: False. Students must bring their own permitted calculator.
- “Using a calculator is always faster”: Not necessarily. For some problems, mental math or manual calculation might be quicker than entering it into a calculator, especially if you’re not very familiar with your device.
ACT Calculator Policy Explained
The “formula” for determining if a calculator is allowed on the ACT is a set of rules and restrictions. There isn’t a mathematical formula, but a logical one:
Allowed if:
- It is a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator (with exceptions).
- It does NOT have any prohibited features (see below).
- It is not on the specifically prohibited list AND is not a device like a phone, tablet, or laptop.
Not Allowed if:
- It is on the prohibited calculator list (e.g., TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime).
- It has a built-in or add-on Computer Algebra System (CAS) and is not explicitly permitted (like TI-Nspire CX non-CAS).
- It has a QWERTY keyboard or keypad.
- It can communicate wirelessly (infrared, Bluetooth, etc.).
- It is pen-based or uses a stylus (like Casio ClassPad).
- It requires an electrical outlet, makes noise, or has a paper tape.
- It is part of a phone, tablet, laptop, or any electronic writing pad or watch.
Variables (Features) Table:
| Feature/Type | Meaning | Status on ACT | Typical Range/Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-Function | Basic arithmetic operations | Allowed | Basic, non-scientific calculators |
| Scientific | Trigonometric, logarithmic functions | Allowed | TI-30X IIS, Casio fx-115ES PLUS |
| Graphing (Non-CAS) | Graphs functions, no symbolic algebra | Allowed | TI-84 Plus CE, TI-Nspire CX |
| CAS | Computer Algebra System (symbolic manipulation) | Prohibited | TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime |
| QWERTY Keyboard | Typewriter-like keyboard | Prohibited | Some older models, TI-92 |
| Wireless | Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Prohibited | N/A on standard calculators |
| Pen/Stylus Input | Input using a pen or stylus | Prohibited | Casio ClassPad series |
Practical Examples
Example 1: TI-84 Plus CE
A student wants to know if their TI-84 Plus CE is allowed.
- Model: TI-84 Plus CE
- Type: Graphing (Non-CAS)
- Prohibited Features: None (no QWERTY, wireless, CAS, etc.)
- Result: Allowed. The TI-84 Plus series is explicitly permitted by ACT. Knowing what calculator can you use on ACT means checking for models like this.
Example 2: TI-89 Titanium
A student has a TI-89 Titanium.
- Model: TI-89 Titanium
- Type: Graphing (with CAS)
- Prohibited Features: Has CAS.
- Result: Not Allowed. The TI-89 is prohibited because it has CAS. This is a clear case when understanding what calculator can you use on ACT is vital.
Example 3: A Basic Solar Calculator
A student has a simple solar-powered four-function calculator.
- Model: Generic basic calculator
- Type: Four-Function
- Prohibited Features: None
- Result: Allowed. Basic four-function calculators are permitted.
How to Use This Calculator Policy Checker
- Enter the Model: Type your calculator’s model name into the “Calculator Model” field.
- Select Type: Choose the general type from the dropdown. If it has CAS, select a CAS option.
- Check Features: Mark any checkboxes corresponding to features your calculator has.
- Check Results: The tool will indicate if the calculator is likely “Allowed,” “Not Allowed,” or if you should “Check ACT Website for Specific Model” based on the entered information and common ACT rules.
- Read Intermediate Results: See notes about the model, type, and features.
Always double-check the official ACT website for the most up-to-date policy and list of prohibited calculators, as rules can change. If your model isn’t explicitly listed as prohibited and doesn’t have banned features, it’s likely allowed, but verification is key for what calculator can you use on ACT.
Key Factors That Affect ACT Calculator Allowance
- Computer Algebra System (CAS): Calculators with CAS are generally prohibited as they can perform symbolic algebra (manipulate variables, solve equations symbolically).
- QWERTY Keypad: Calculators with typewriter-like keyboards are not allowed.
- Wireless Communication: Any form of wireless communication (Bluetooth, infrared) is banned.
- Pen Input/Stylus: Devices that use a pen or stylus for input are not permitted.
- Power Source: Calculators needing an electrical outlet are prohibited. Battery-operated is required.
- Noise/Paper Tape: Calculators that make noise or use paper tape are not allowed.
- Official Prohibited List: ACT maintains a list of specific calculator models that are not allowed, even if they don’t seem to violate other rules at first glance. It’s crucial to check this list when figuring out what calculator can you use on ACT.
- Device Type: Phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and electronic writing pads are never allowed as calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What if my calculator is not on the prohibited list but has CAS?
- A: If it has CAS and is not a version where CAS is disabled or removed for the ACT (and explicitly allowed), it’s likely prohibited. The TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS) is allowed, while the TI-Nspire CX CAS is not.
- Q: Can I use two calculators?
- A: No, only one calculator is permitted at a time during the test.
- Q: What if my calculator’s battery dies during the test?
- A: You should bring extra batteries and know how to change them quickly, or bring a backup permitted calculator. Proctors will not supply batteries.
- Q: Are there any restrictions on programs or data stored on the calculator?
- A: While ACT doesn’t explicitly require clearing memory before the math test (unlike some other tests for certain calculators), it’s wise to be aware that programs that give an unfair advantage or violate test security could be problematic. They generally prohibit programs with CAS functionality or those that contain test content.
- Q: Can I share my calculator?
- A: No, sharing calculators is not allowed during the test.
- Q: Is the TI-Nspire allowed?
- A: It depends. The TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS version) is allowed. The TI-Nspire CX CAS and CX II CAS versions are NOT allowed. Knowing what calculator can you use on ACT requires checking the exact model.
- Q: What if I bring a prohibited calculator?
- A: You will not be allowed to use it, and you may be dismissed from the test center.
- Q: Where can I find the official ACT calculator policy?
- A: On the official ACT website (act.org). Always refer to the latest policy published there.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- ACT Prep Guide: Comprehensive guide for ACT preparation.
- ACT Math Tips: Tips and strategies specifically for the ACT Math section, including calculator usage.
- ACT Test Dates: Find upcoming ACT test dates and registration deadlines.
- Calculator Reviews: Reviews of popular calculators, noting their ACT compatibility.
- Best Calculators for College: Information on calculators useful for college-level courses, many of which are also allowed on the ACT.
- SAT Calculator Policy: Understand the calculator rules for the SAT, which may differ from the ACT.