What Calculators Are Allowed on Act

Understanding the ACT calculator policy is crucial for test-takers. Bringing an unauthorized calculator can lead to its confiscation or even dismissal from the test center. The ACT aims to ensure a fair testing environment, and certain calculator features are deemed to provide an unfair advantage or pose a security risk.

General Guidelines for ACT Calculators

Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are permitted, provided they do not have certain prohibited features. The key is to ensure your calculator is designed for mathematical computations and not for communication, data storage, or advanced symbolic manipulation that goes beyond standard graphing calculator capabilities.

Prohibited Calculator Features

The ACT explicitly prohibits calculators with the following features:

• Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality: These calculators can perform symbolic manipulation, solve equations algebraically, and simplify expressions, which is not allowed. Examples include TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP 48GII, HP 50g.
• QWERTY keyboard: Calculators resembling a laptop or cell phone keyboard are not permitted. This includes models like the TI-92, Voyage 200, HP 40G, HP 48GII, HP 49G, HP 50g.
• Wireless communication capabilities: Any calculator with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data features is strictly forbidden.
• Paper tape: Calculators that print out calculations are not allowed.
• Making noise: If your calculator makes noise that cannot be turned off, it is not permitted.
• Requiring an electrical outlet: Calculators that need to be plugged into a wall socket are not allowed.
• Camera, scanner, or phone functions: Devices with these capabilities are prohibited.
• Pen input or stylus: Calculators that require a stylus for input are generally not allowed.
• Tablet or laptop functionality: Any device that functions as a tablet or laptop is prohibited.

Commonly Allowed Calculators

Many popular models are generally allowed. These often include:

• Texas Instruments: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions), TI-Nspire (non-CAS version).
• Casio: fx-9750GII, fx-9860GII, fx-CG50.
• Hewlett Packard: HP Prime (non-CAS mode, if applicable and verifiable), HP 35s, HP 39gs.
• Sharp: EL-520W, EL-W516X.

Always ensure your specific model is not a CAS version if it's from a series that also offers CAS (e.g., TI-Nspire vs. TI-Nspire CAS).

Tips for Test Day

• Check your calculator beforehand: Don't wait until test day to confirm your calculator's eligibility.
• Bring extra batteries: Calculators are not provided, and dead batteries can severely impact your performance.
• Know how to use it: Practice with your calculator extensively before the test.
• Clear memory: Some proctors may ask you to clear your calculator's memory before the test.

When in doubt, always consult the official ACT website or the specific rules provided in your ACT registration materials. The calculator checker below can help you quickly assess if your calculator is likely allowed.

ACT Calculator Eligibility Checker

function getRadioValue(name) { var radios = document.getElementsByName(name); for (var i = 0; i < radios.length; i++) { if (radios[i].checked) { return radios[i].value; } } return null; } function calculateEligibility() { var hasCAS = getRadioValue("hasCAS"); var hasQWERTY = getRadioValue("hasQWERTY"); var hasWireless = getRadioValue("hasWireless"); var hasPaperTape = getRadioValue("hasPaperTape"); var hasCameraPhone = getRadioValue("hasCameraPhone"); var requiresOutlet = getRadioValue("requiresOutlet"); var makesNoise = getRadioValue("makesNoise"); var resultDiv = document.getElementById("eligibilityResult"); var isAllowed = true; var reasons = []; if (hasCAS === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("It has Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality."); } if (hasQWERTY === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("It has a QWERTY keyboard."); } if (hasWireless === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("It has wireless communication capabilities (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular)."); } if (hasPaperTape === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("It has paper tape (prints calculations)."); } if (hasCameraPhone === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("It has camera, scanner, or phone functions."); } if (requiresOutlet === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("It requires an electrical outlet."); } if (makesNoise === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("It makes noise that cannot be turned off."); } if (isAllowed) { resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#e6ffe6"; resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#4CAF50"; resultDiv.style.color = "#333"; resultDiv.innerHTML = "Likely Allowed! Your calculator appears to meet the ACT's general requirements. However, always double-check the official ACT website for the most current and specific rules."; } else { resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#ffe6e6"; resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#f44336"; resultDiv.style.color = "#333"; resultDiv.innerHTML = "Not Allowed. Your calculator is likely prohibited on the ACT because:" + reasons.join("") + "Please consult the official ACT website for detailed rules and a list of approved calculators."; } }