Use this tool to determine if your calculator is likely permitted for the ACT test. Answer the questions below based on your calculator's features.
function checkCalculatorPermissibility() {
var isPermitted = true;
var reasonsNotPermitted = [];
var calcQWERTY = document.querySelector('input[name="calcQWERTY"]:checked');
var calcCAS = document.querySelector('input[name="calcCAS"]:checked');
var calcWireless = document.querySelector('input[name="calcWireless"]:checked');
var calcPaperTape = document.querySelector('input[name="calcPaperTape"]:checked');
var calcNoise = document.querySelector('input[name="calcNoise"]:checked');
var calcCamera = document.querySelector('input[name="calcCamera"]:checked');
var calcStylus = document.querySelector('input[name="calcStylus"]:checked');
var calcExternalDevice = document.querySelector('input[name="calcExternalDevice"]:checked');
var calcPowerCord = document.querySelector('input[name="calcPowerCord"]:checked');
if (!calcQWERTY || !calcCAS || !calcWireless || !calcPaperTape || !calcNoise || !calcCamera || !calcStylus || !calcExternalDevice || !calcPowerCord) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "Please answer all questions to determine permissibility.";
return;
}
if (calcQWERTY.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboard");
}
if (calcCAS.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality");
}
if (calcWireless.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("wireless/internet connectivity or Bluetooth");
}
if (calcPaperTape.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("paper tape");
}
if (calcNoise.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("noise-making or audible alarm");
}
if (calcCamera.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("camera or scanning capability");
}
if (calcStylus.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("electronic writing pad or stylus");
}
if (calcExternalDevice.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("it is a cell phone, smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or laptop");
}
if (calcPowerCord.value === 'yes') {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("it requires a power cord to operate");
}
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
if (isPermitted) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your calculator appears to be permitted for the ACT test.Remember to ensure it has fresh batteries and is in good working order before test day!";
} else {
var reasonsList = reasonsNotPermitted.length > 0 ? "
" + reasonsNotPermitted.join("
") + "
" : "";
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your calculator is likely NOT permitted for the ACT test due to the following features:" + reasonsList + "Please consult the official ACT calculator policy for full details and a list of prohibited models.";
if (calcCAS.value === 'yes') {
resultDiv.innerHTML += "Special Note on CAS: Some calculators with CAS functionality (e.g., TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime) are permitted ONLY if the CAS functionality is disabled. Ensure you know how to disable it if your model allows.";
}
}
}
.calculator-container {
font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 8px;
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
}
.calculator-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.calculator-container p {
color: #34495e;
line-height: 1.6;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.calc-input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
padding: 10px;
background-color: #eef;
border-radius: 5px;
border: 1px solid #dde;
}
.calc-input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #34495e;
}
.radio-group {
display: flex;
gap: 15px;
}
.radio-group input[type="radio"] {
margin-right: 5px;
}
.calculator-container button {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 12px 20px;
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 18px;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
margin-top: 20px;
}
.calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.calculator-result {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
background-color: #e9ecef;
border: 1px solid #ced4da;
color: #343a40;
font-size: 1.1em;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.calculator-result p {
margin: 0 0 10px 0;
}
.calculator-result p:last-child {
margin-bottom: 0;
}
.calculator-result .success {
color: #155724;
background-color: #d4edda;
border-color: #c3e6cb;
padding: 10px;
border-radius: 5px;
}
.calculator-result .error {
color: #721c24;
background-color: #f8d7da;
border-color: #f5c6cb;
padding: 10px;
border-radius: 5px;
}
.calculator-result .warning {
color: #856404;
background-color: #fff3cd;
border-color: #ffeeba;
padding: 10px;
border-radius: 5px;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.calculator-result ul {
list-style-type: disc;
margin-left: 20px;
padding-left: 0;
}
.calculator-result ul li {
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
Understanding the ACT Calculator Policy: Your Essential Guide
The ACT Math section is a critical component of your overall score, and knowing which calculator you can use – and how to use it effectively – is paramount. The ACT has a strict calculator policy designed to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantages. Using a prohibited calculator can lead to your test being invalidated, so it's crucial to be well-informed.
Why a Calculator Policy?
The ACT aims to assess your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, not just your ability to operate advanced technology. Prohibited calculators often have features that could solve problems for you, store formulas, or communicate with external devices, undermining the integrity of the test.
General Rules for Permitted Calculators
Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are generally allowed, provided they do not have certain prohibited features. Here's a breakdown of what's typically permitted:
Basic Four-Function Calculators: Simple calculators with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Scientific Calculators: Calculators that handle exponents, logarithms, trigonometry, and other advanced functions.
Graphing Calculators: Many graphing calculators are permitted, but specific models and features are restricted. Common examples include the TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all models), Casio fx-9750GII, and HP Prime (when in non-CAS mode).
Common Prohibited Calculator Features and Models
The following types of calculators and features are strictly forbidden:
Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality: These calculators can perform symbolic manipulation, solve equations algebraically, and simplify expressions. Examples include:
Texas Instruments: TI-89, TI-89 Titanium, TI-92, TI-92 Plus, Voyage 200, TI-Nspire CAS (unless in non-CAS mode)
Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G, HP Prime (unless in non-CAS mode)
Casio: ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, ClassPad 400
Calculators with QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboards: Any calculator that resembles a mini-computer keyboard.
Calculators that can connect to the internet, wireless networks, or Bluetooth: This includes any device capable of wireless communication.
Calculators with paper tape: Devices that print out calculations.
Calculators that make noise or have an audible alarm: All sound features must be turned off.
Calculators with a camera or scanning capability: Any device that can capture images or scan text.
Calculators that use an electronic writing pad or stylus: This includes models like the TI-Nspire CX CAS with its touchpad.
Cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, or any other communication device: These are never allowed.
Calculators that require a power cord to operate: All calculators must be battery-powered.
Tips for Test Day
Check Your Calculator in Advance: Use the checker above and consult the official ACT website to confirm your calculator is permitted.
Practice with Your Calculator: Become familiar with its functions and how to use it efficiently for various problem types.
Fresh Batteries: Always bring fresh batteries or a backup set. There are no spare batteries provided at the test center.
Know How to Clear Memory: While not always required, it's good practice to know how to clear your calculator's memory if requested by a proctor.
No Sharing: You cannot share calculators with other test-takers.
Proctor's Discretion: Ultimately, the test proctor has the final say on whether a calculator is permitted. If there's any doubt, have a backup plan or a simpler, clearly permitted calculator.
By understanding and adhering to the ACT calculator policy, you can avoid unnecessary stress on test day and focus entirely on demonstrating your math skills.