Act Acceptable Calculators

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ACT Calculator Acceptability Checker

Use this tool to quickly determine if your calculator model meets the ACT's strict requirements for test day. Simply check the boxes that apply to your calculator.

function checkCalculatorAcceptability() { var hasCAS = document.getElementById("hasCAS").checked; var hasQWERTY = document.getElementById("hasQWERTY").checked; var hasWireless = document.getElementById("hasWireless").checked; var isCommunicationDevice = document.getElementById("isCommunicationDevice").checked; var hasCameraScanner = document.getElementById("hasCameraScanner").checked; var requiresOutlet = document.getElementById("requiresOutlet").checked; var makesNoiseTape = document.getElementById("makesNoiseTape").checked; var usesStylus = document.getElementById("usesStylus").checked; var isAcceptable = true; var reasons = []; if (hasCAS) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality are prohibited."); } if (hasQWERTY) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Calculators with a QWERTY keyboard are prohibited."); } if (hasWireless) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Calculators with wireless communication capabilities are prohibited."); } if (isCommunicationDevice) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Phones, smartwatches, and other communication devices are prohibited."); } if (hasCameraScanner) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Calculators with camera or scanning capability are prohibited."); } if (requiresOutlet) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Calculators requiring an electrical outlet are prohibited."); } if (makesNoiseTape) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Calculators that make noise or have paper tape are prohibited."); } if (usesStylus) { isAcceptable = false; reasons.push("Calculators that use a stylus (unless built-in and non-removable for basic touch) are prohibited."); } var resultDiv = document.getElementById("calculatorResult"); if (isAcceptable) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your calculator appears to be ACCEPTABLE for the ACT!Always double-check the official ACT policy for any updates."; resultDiv.className = "calculator-result acceptable-bg"; } else { var reasonList = reasons.length > 0 ? "
  • " + reasons.join("
  • ") + "
" : ""; resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your calculator is UNACCEPTABLE for the ACT.Reason(s):" + reasonList + "Please choose an alternative calculator."; resultDiv.className = "calculator-result unacceptable-bg"; } } .act-calculator-container { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; max-width: 700px; margin: 20px auto; padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 8px; background-color: #f9f9f9; box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); } .act-calculator-container h2 { text-align: center; color: #2c3e50; margin-bottom: 20px; } .act-calculator-container p { line-height: 1.6; color: #333; } .calculator-form .form-group { margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 10px; background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 5px; } .calculator-form label { display: flex; align-items: center; font-weight: normal; color: #555; cursor: pointer; } .calculator-form input[type="checkbox"] { margin-right: 10px; transform: scale(1.2); } .calculator-form 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-form button:hover { background-color: #218838; } .calculator-result { margin-top: 25px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: center; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5; } .calculator-result p { margin: 0 0 10px 0; } .calculator-result ul { text-align: left; margin-left: 20px; padding-left: 0; list-style-type: disc; color: #333; } .calculator-result li { margin-bottom: 5px; } .acceptable { color: #28a745; font-weight: bold; } .unacceptable { color: #dc3545; font-weight: bold; } .acceptable-bg { background-color: #e6ffe6; border: 1px solid #28a745; } .unacceptable-bg { background-color: #ffe6e6; border: 1px solid #dc3545; }

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 strict guidelines to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantage. Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid last-minute stress or, worse, having your calculator confiscated on test day.

Why the Strict Policy?

The ACT's calculator policy is designed to:

  • Ensure Fairness: Prevent test-takers from using devices that could provide an unfair advantage over others.
  • Maintain Test Security: Prohibit devices that could be used for communication, photography, or storing unauthorized information.
  • Focus on Math Skills: Ensure that students are demonstrating their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, not just their calculator's advanced features.

What Calculators Are Generally Allowed?

Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are permitted, provided they do not have any of the prohibited features. Common acceptable models include:

  • TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions including CE), TI-Nspire (non-CAS versions)
  • Casio fx-9750GII, Casio fx-CG50 (PRIZM)
  • HP 35s, HP Prime (non-CAS versions)
  • Most basic four-function and scientific calculators.

It's always a good idea to check the specific model number against the official ACT website's list of approved and prohibited calculators.

Prohibited Calculator Features and Types

The following types of calculators and features are strictly forbidden:

  1. Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) Functionality: These calculators can perform symbolic manipulation, solve equations algebraically, and simplify expressions. Examples include:
    • TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS (all versions)
    • HP 48GII, HP 49G, HP 50g
    • Casio ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, ClassPad 400
  2. Calculators with a QWERTY Keyboard: Any calculator with a full typewriter-style keyboard is prohibited. This includes some advanced graphing calculators like the HP Prime (if it has a QWERTY layout) or certain TI-Nspire models.
  3. Calculators that Can Communicate Wirelessly: Devices with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, or any other wireless communication capabilities are not allowed.
  4. Electronic Communication Devices: This category includes cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and any other device that can send or receive messages or access the internet.
  5. Calculators with Camera or Scanning Capability: Any device that can take pictures or scan documents is prohibited.
  6. Calculators Requiring an Electrical Outlet: All calculators must be battery-powered.
  7. Calculators that Make Noise or Have Paper Tape: Devices that produce audible sounds or print on paper tape are not allowed.
  8. Calculators Using a Stylus: Unless the stylus is built-in and non-removable for basic touch functions, calculators requiring a separate stylus are generally prohibited.
  9. Any other device that can record or play back audio or video.

Tips for Test Day

  • Check Your Calculator in Advance: Use the checker above and consult the official ACT website.
  • Bring Spare Batteries: Calculators can die unexpectedly. Have fresh batteries or a backup calculator ready.
  • Know How to Use It: Practice with your chosen calculator before the test so you're comfortable with its functions and don't waste time figuring things out.
  • Clear Memory: Some proctors may ask you to clear your calculator's memory before the test. Know how to do this.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on the ACT math section.

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