Use this tool to determine if your calculator is likely approved for the ACT test. Select the features your calculator possesses, or enter its model name for a quick check against common prohibited devices.
function checkApproval() {
var modelName = document.getElementById("modelName").value.trim().toLowerCase();
var hasCAS = document.getElementById("hasCAS").checked;
var hasQWERTY = document.getElementById("hasQWERTY").checked;
var requiresOutlet = document.getElementById("requiresOutlet").checked;
var makesNoise = document.getElementById("makesNoise").checked;
var hasPaperTape = document.getElementById("hasPaperTape").checked;
var hasWireless = document.getElementById("hasWireless").checked;
var hasCellPhoneFeatures = document.getElementById("hasCellPhoneFeatures").checked;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("approvalResult");
var statusMessage = "";
var isApproved = true;
// List of commonly prohibited models (case-insensitive)
var prohibitedModels = [
"ti-89", "ti-92", "voyage 200", "hp 48gii", "hp prime",
"casio classpad 300", "casio classpad 330", "casio classpad 400",
"casio fx-cg500", "ti nspire cx cas", "ti nspire cx ii cas"
];
// Check against specific prohibited models first
if (modelName !== "") {
for (var i = 0; i < prohibitedModels.length; i++) {
if (modelName.includes(prohibitedModels[i])) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Your calculator model (" + modelName.toUpperCase() + ") is explicitly prohibited by the ACT due to advanced features like CAS or specific model restrictions.";
break;
}
}
}
// If not already marked as not approved by model name, check features
if (isApproved) {
if (hasCAS) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) capabilities are prohibited.";
} else if (hasQWERTY) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Calculators with QWERTY (typewriter-like) keyboards are prohibited.";
} else if (requiresOutlet) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Calculators that require an electrical outlet are prohibited.";
} else if (makesNoise) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Calculators that make noise are prohibited. Ensure any sound features can be completely disabled.";
} else if (hasPaperTape) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Calculators with paper tape are prohibited.";
} else if (hasWireless) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Calculators with wireless communication capabilities (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infrared) are prohibited.";
} else if (hasCellPhoneFeatures) {
isApproved = false;
statusMessage = "NOT APPROVED: Calculators with cell phone features are prohibited.";
}
}
if (isApproved) {
if (modelName === "") {
statusMessage = "LIKELY APPROVED: Based on the features you selected, your calculator appears to be approved. Always double-check the official ACT website for the most current policy and specific model restrictions.";
} else {
statusMessage = "LIKELY APPROVED: Your calculator model (" + modelName.toUpperCase() + ") and selected features suggest it is approved. Always double-check the official ACT website for the most current policy and specific model restrictions.";
}
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = statusMessage;
resultDiv.style.color = isApproved ? "green" : "red";
resultDiv.style.fontWeight = "bold";
}
.calculator-container {
font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
padding: 25px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
}
.calculator-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 20px;
font-size: 1.8em;
}
.calculator-container p {
color: #555;
margin-bottom: 20px;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.calc-input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.calc-input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #333;
font-weight: bold;
}
.calc-input-group input[type="text"] {
width: calc(100% – 20px);
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 1em;
}
.checkbox-group {
border: 1px solid #eee;
padding: 10px;
border-radius: 4px;
background-color: #fff;
}
.checkbox-group input[type="checkbox"] {
margin-right: 8px;
vertical-align: middle;
}
.checkbox-group label {
display: inline-block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: normal;
color: #444;
cursor: pointer;
}
button {
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
padding: 12px 20px;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 1.1em;
display: block;
width: 100%;
margin-top: 20px;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
}
button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.calc-result {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
background-color: #e9ecef;
text-align: center;
font-size: 1.2em;
min-height: 50px;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
word-break: break-word;
}
.calc-result strong {
font-weight: bold;
}
Understanding ACT Calculator Policy: What's Allowed and What's Not
Taking the ACT test requires careful preparation, and that includes knowing which calculator you can bring. The ACT has specific rules about calculator usage to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantages. Using an unapproved calculator can lead to your scores being canceled, so it's crucial to understand the guidelines.
Why Does the ACT Have Calculator Rules?
The ACT aims to assess your readiness for college-level work. While calculators are permitted for the Math section, they are meant to aid in computation, not to solve problems for you. Certain advanced features can give students an unfair edge or allow them to store prohibited information, which is why restrictions are in place.
Key Prohibited Calculator Features
The most common reasons a calculator is disallowed on the ACT revolve around these features:
Computer Algebra System (CAS): Calculators with CAS can perform symbolic manipulation, solve equations algebraically, and simplify expressions. Examples include the TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, HP 48GII, HP Prime, and Casio ClassPad series. These are strictly prohibited.
QWERTY Keyboards: Any calculator that has a full QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboard is not allowed. This is to prevent the storage and retrieval of notes or formulas.
Wireless Communication: Calculators with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, or any other wireless communication capabilities are banned. This prevents communication with other devices or access to external information.
Cell Phone Features: Calculators that double as cell phones or have any phone-like features are, understandably, not permitted.
Requires Electrical Outlet: Your calculator must be battery-powered. Devices that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet are not allowed.
Makes Noise: Calculators that produce sound (e.g., beeps, spoken output) are prohibited unless all sound features can be completely disabled.
Paper Tape: Calculators that print or have paper tape are not allowed.
Commonly Approved Calculators
Most basic four-function, scientific, and many graphing calculators are approved. Popular approved models include:
Texas Instruments: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions including CE), TI-Nspire (non-CAS versions)
Even with approved models, it's essential to ensure any programs or data stored on the calculator are cleared before the test, as proctors may ask you to do so.
Using the ACT Calculator Approval Checker
Our tool above helps you quickly assess your calculator's eligibility. Simply enter your calculator's model name (if known) and select any prohibited features it might possess. The checker will provide an immediate indication of its approval status based on the ACT's general guidelines.
Important Note: While this tool provides a strong indication, it is always best practice to consult the official ACT website (act.org/calculator-policy) for the most up-to-date and definitive information regarding their calculator policy. Policies can change, and specific model restrictions may be updated.
Tips for Test Day
Check Batteries: Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries or carry spares.
Know Your Calculator: Practice with your approved calculator extensively before test day so you are comfortable and efficient with its functions.
Clear Memory: Be prepared to clear your calculator's memory if requested by a proctor.
No Sharing: You cannot share calculators with other test-takers.
By understanding and adhering to the ACT's calculator policy, you can avoid unnecessary stress on test day and focus on achieving your best score.