ACT Calculator Policy Checker
Use this tool to quickly determine if your calculator model is permitted for use on the ACT test. It's crucial to ensure your calculator complies with ACT's strict policies to avoid issues on test day.
Enter Calculator Model Name/Number:
Check Status
Understanding the ACT Calculator Policy
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. The math section of the ACT allows the use of calculators, but with very specific restrictions. Understanding these rules is paramount for test-takers, as bringing a prohibited calculator can lead to its confiscation or even dismissal from the test center.
Why the Strict Policy?
The ACT aims to assess a student's mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills fairly. Calculators that offer advanced symbolic manipulation (Computer Algebra System – CAS), wireless communication, or access to external files could provide an unfair advantage, compromising the integrity of the test. Therefore, the policy focuses on ensuring all students operate on a level playing field.
General Guidelines for Permitted Calculators:
Most basic four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed.
Calculators must be battery-operated and not require an electrical outlet.
They must not make noise.
They cannot have paper tape.
They cannot have wireless communication capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
They cannot have a QWERTY (typewriter-like) keyboard.
They cannot have a pen input device or stylus.
They cannot have a camera or scanning capability.
They cannot access the internet.
They cannot store documents or files.
Commonly Permitted Calculators:
Many popular graphing calculators are generally allowed, including:
Texas Instruments: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions including CE, Silver Edition), TI-Nspire (non-CAS versions, often requiring "press-to-test" mode or memory clearing).
Casio: fx-9750GII, fx-CG50 (PRIZM).
Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime, HP 39gs, HP 40gs.
Sharp: EL-9600.
Commonly Prohibited Calculators:
These calculators are strictly forbidden due to their advanced features:
Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality:
Texas Instruments: TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS (all versions), Voyage 200.
Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII, HP 49G, HP 50g.
Casio: ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, fx-CP400 (ClassPad II).
Calculators with QWERTY keyboards: e.g., TI-92, Voyage 200.
Any handheld, laptop, tablet, or wearable computer.
Phones or smartwatches.
Calculators that can connect to the internet or other devices wirelessly.
Calculators Permitted with Restrictions:
Some calculators are allowed but require specific settings or memory clearing:
TI-Nspire (non-CAS): Must be put into "press-to-test" mode before the test, or its memory must be cleared. Test proctors may check this.HP 48G series: Memory must be cleared.
Before Test Day:
It is highly recommended to:
Check the official ACT website: The most up-to-date and definitive list of permitted and prohibited calculators is always on the official ACT website.Practice with your calculator: Familiarize yourself with its functions and how to use it efficiently for the types of problems found on the ACT.Replace batteries: Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries or a full charge. Bring spare batteries if possible.Clear memory (if required): For calculators with restrictions, ensure you follow the guidelines for clearing memory or setting "press-to-test" mode.
Using this checker is a good first step, but always cross-reference with the official ACT guidelines to ensure full compliance.
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box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
}
.act-calculator-checker-container h2 {
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text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 20px;
font-size: 26px;
}
.act-calculator-checker-container h3 {
color: #34495e;
margin-top: 30px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-size: 22px;
}
.act-calculator-checker-container h4 {
color: #34495e;
margin-top: 20px;
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-size: 18px;
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.act-calculator-checker-container p {
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.act-calculator-checker-container ul li, .act-calculator-checker-container ol li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
line-height: 1.5;
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.calculator-form {
background-color: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #e9e9e9;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 5px;
margin-bottom: 25px;
text-align: center;
}
.calculator-form label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #333;
font-size: 16px;
}
.calculator-form input[type="text"] {
width: calc(100% – 22px);
padding: 10px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.calculator-form button {
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color: white;
padding: 12px 25px;
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border-radius: 5px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 18px;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
}
.calculator-form button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.calculator-result {
margin-top: 20px;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
text-align: center;
min-height: 50px;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
word-break: break-word;
}
.result-permitted {
background-color: #d4edda;
color: #155724;
border: 1px solid #c3e6cb;
}
.result-prohibited {
background-color: #f8d7da;
color: #721c24;
border: 1px solid #f5c6cb;
}
.result-restricted {
background-color: #fff3cd;
color: #856404;
border: 1px solid #ffeeba;
}
.result-info {
background-color: #e2e3e5;
color: #383d41;
border: 1px solid #d6d8db;
}
.act-calculator-article {
margin-top: 30px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
}
function checkCalculatorStatus() {
var calculatorModelInput = document.getElementById("calculatorModel").value.trim().toLowerCase();
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("calculatorResult");
var statusMessage = "";
var resultClass = "result-info";
if (calculatorModelInput === "") {
statusMessage = "Please enter a calculator model name or number.";
resultClass = "result-info";
} else {
// Define permitted, prohibited, and restricted calculators
var permitted = [
"ti-83 plus", "ti-84 plus", "ti-84 plus ce", "ti-84 plus silver edition", "ti-84 plus c silver edition",
"ti-85", "ti-86", "ti-nspire (non-cas)", "ti-30x iis", "ti-30xs multiview", "ti-34 multiview",
"casio fx-9750gii", "casio fx-9860gii", "casio fx-cg50", "casio fx-115es plus", "casio fx-991ex",
"hp prime", "hp 39gs", "hp 40gs", "hp 35s", "hp 33s",
"sharp el-9600", "sharp el-w516x", "sharp el-520w"
];
var prohibited = [
"ti-89", "ti-92", "ti-nspire cas", "ti-nspire cx cas", "ti-nspire cx ii cas", "voyage 200",
"hp 48gii", "hp 49g", "hp 50g", "hp prime (cas mode)",
"casio classpad 300", "casio classpad 330", "casio fx-cp400",
"calculators with qwert", "calculators with computer algebra system", "calculators with cas",
"phone", "tablet", "laptop", "wearable computer", "smartwatch",
"calculators with paper tape", "calculators that make noise", "calculators requiring electrical outlet",
"calculators with wireless communication", "calculators with internet access",
"calculators with camera", "calculators with scanning", "calculators that store documents",
"calculators with files"
];
var restricted = [
"ti-nspire", // non-CAS version, but needs clarification
"hp 48g" // series, needs memory cleared
];
var foundStatus = "unknown";
var specificRestriction = "";
// Check for prohibited first (most critical)
for (var i = 0; i < prohibited.length; i++) {
if (calculatorModelInput.includes(prohibited[i])) {
foundStatus = "prohibited";
break;
}
}
if (foundStatus === "unknown") {
// Check for restricted
for (var i = 0; i < restricted.length; i++) {
if (calculatorModelInput.includes(restricted[i])) {
foundStatus = "restricted";
if (restricted[i] === "ti-nspire") {
specificRestriction = " (non-CAS version only, must be in 'press-to-test' mode or memory cleared)";
} else if (restricted[i] === "hp 48g") {
specificRestriction = " (memory must be cleared)";
}
break;
}
}
}
if (foundStatus === "unknown") {
// Check for permitted
for (var i = 0; i < permitted.length; i++) {
if (calculatorModelInput.includes(permitted[i])) {
foundStatus = "permitted";
break;
}
}
}
// Construct the message based on status
if (foundStatus === "permitted") {
statusMessage = "Status: PERMITTED. Your calculator model is generally allowed for the ACT test. Always double-check the official ACT website for the most current policy.";
resultClass = "result-permitted";
} else if (foundStatus === "prohibited") {
statusMessage = "Status: PROHIBITED. This calculator model or feature is NOT allowed for the ACT test. Using it may lead to confiscation or dismissal.";
resultClass = "result-prohibited";
} else if (foundStatus === "restricted") {
statusMessage = "Status: PERMITTED WITH RESTRICTIONS. Your calculator model is allowed, but requires specific actions (e.g., 'press-to-test' mode, memory cleared)." + specificRestriction + " Please verify official ACT guidelines.";
resultClass = "result-restricted";
} else {
statusMessage = "Status: UNKNOWN. We couldn't definitively determine the status for '" + calculatorModelInput + "'. Please check the official ACT website for the most accurate information or try a more specific model name.";
resultClass = "result-info";
}
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = statusMessage;
resultDiv.className = "calculator-result " + resultClass;
}