The ACT allows the use of calculators on the Mathematics Test to help students solve problems more efficiently. However, not all calculators are permitted. The ACT has specific guidelines to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantage, focusing on preventing devices that could store extensive notes, access external information, or perform advanced symbolic manipulation beyond the scope of the test.
Why Are There Restrictions?
The restrictions are primarily in place to maintain the integrity and fairness of the exam. Calculators with advanced features like Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), QWERTY keyboards, or internet access could potentially give some students an unfair advantage by allowing them to store formulas, access external resources, or solve problems symbolically that are intended to be solved conceptually.
General Guidelines for Permitted Calculators
Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed, provided they do not have any of the prohibited features. Common examples of permitted graphing calculators include the TI-84 Plus CE, Casio fx-9750GIII, and HP Prime (non-CAS mode). Basic scientific calculators like the TI-30XS MultiView are also widely accepted.
Prohibited Calculator Features and Models
The ACT strictly prohibits calculators with certain features or specific models. It is crucial to check your calculator against this list before test day:
Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality: These calculators can perform symbolic manipulation, such as solving equations with variables or simplifying algebraic expressions. Examples include the TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP 48GII, HP 50g, and Casio ClassPad series.
Calculators with QWERTY keyboards: Any calculator that resembles a computer keyboard is not allowed. Examples include the TI-92, Voyage 200, and some HP 40G/48G/49G/50G models.
Handheld, tablet, or laptop computers, including PDAs: This includes any device that functions primarily as a computer.
Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices.
Calculators built into cell phones or other electronic communication devices.
Calculators with a paper tape.
Calculators that make noise.
Calculators that have a power cord.
Calculators that can communicate wirelessly with other calculators or devices.
Calculators that have a camera.
Calculators that have a scanning function.
Calculators that can access the internet.
Using the ACT Calculator Eligibility Checker
Use the tool below to quickly assess if your calculator is likely permitted for the ACT. Simply enter your calculator model and select any features it possesses. Remember, this tool provides a general guide; always refer to the official ACT website for the most current and definitive policy.
ACT Calculator Eligibility Checker
Enter your calculator model and select its features to determine if it's likely permitted on the ACT.
function checkCalculatorEligibility() {
var calculatorModelInput = document.getElementById("calculatorModel").value.toLowerCase();
var hasCAS = document.getElementById("hasCAS").checked;
var hasQWERTY = document.getElementById("hasQWERTY").checked;
var isComputerDevice = document.getElementById("isComputerDevice").checked;
var hasPaperTape = document.getElementById("hasPaperTape").checked;
var makesNoise = document.getElementById("makesNoise").checked;
var hasPowerCord = document.getElementById("hasPowerCord").checked;
var hasWireless = document.getElementById("hasWireless").checked;
var hasCamera = document.getElementById("hasCamera").checked;
var hasScanning = document.getElementById("hasScanning").checked;
var hasInternet = document.getElementById("hasInternet").checked;
var isPermitted = true;
var reasonsNotPermitted = [];
// Check for specific prohibited models (case-insensitive partial match)
var prohibitedModels = [
"ti-89", "ti-92", "ti-nspire cas", "hp 48gii", "hp 50g", "casio classpad",
"voyage 200", "hp 40g", "hp 48g", "hp 49g"
];
for (var i = 0; i < prohibitedModels.length; i++) {
if (calculatorModelInput.includes(prohibitedModels[i])) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("Your calculator model (" + calculatorModelInput.toUpperCase() + ") is specifically prohibited by the ACT.");
break; // No need to check further models if one is found
}
}
// Check for prohibited features
if (hasCAS) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It has Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality.");
}
if (hasQWERTY) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It has a QWERTY keyboard.");
}
if (isComputerDevice) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It is a handheld computer, tablet, laptop, or phone.");
}
if (hasPaperTape) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It prints on paper tape.");
}
if (makesNoise) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It makes noise.");
}
if (hasPowerCord) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It requires a power cord.");
}
if (hasWireless) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It can communicate wirelessly.");
}
if (hasCamera) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It has a camera.");
}
if (hasScanning) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It has a scanning function.");
}
if (hasInternet) {
isPermitted = false;
reasonsNotPermitted.push("It can access the internet.");
}
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var resultMessage = "";
if (isPermitted) {
resultMessage = "✔ Your calculator is LIKELY PERMITTED for the ACT.";
resultMessage += "Always double-check with the official ACT website for the most current guidelines.";
} else {
resultMessage = "❌ Your calculator is NOT PERMITTED for the ACT.";
resultMessage += "Reason(s):
Please ensure you bring an approved calculator on test day. Refer to the official ACT website for a complete list of prohibited calculators and features.";
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = resultMessage;
}