Act Approved Calculators

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ACT Calculator Eligibility Checker

Use this tool to determine if your calculator's features align with the ACT's strict guidelines for test-day use. Please note that this tool focuses on common disqualifying features; always consult the official ACT website for the most current and definitive list of approved and banned models.

Scientific Calculator Graphing Calculator Basic Four-Function Calculator
.calculator-container { background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; max-width: 600px; margin: 20px auto; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } .calculator-container h2 { color: #333; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; } .calculator-container p { margin-bottom: 15px; line-height: 1.6; } .calc-input-group { margin-bottom: 15px; } .calc-input-group label { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #555; } .calc-input-group input[type="radio"] { margin-right: 5px; } .calc-input-group select { width: 100%; padding: 8px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; } .calculator-container button { display: block; width: 100%; padding: 10px 15px; background-color: #007bff; color: white; border: none; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 16px; cursor: pointer; transition: background-color 0.3s ease; } .calculator-container button:hover { background-color: #0056b3; } .calculator-result { margin-top: 20px; padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 4px; background-color: #e9ecef; color: #333; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.6; } .calculator-result.eligible { background-color: #d4edda; border-color: #c3e6cb; color: #155724; } .calculator-result.not-eligible { background-color: #f8d7da; border-color: #f5c6cb; color: #721c24; } function calculateEligibility() { var hasCAS = document.querySelector('input[name="hasCAS"]:checked').value === 'yes'; var hasQWERTY = document.querySelector('input[name="hasQWERTY"]:checked').value === 'yes'; var hasWireless = document.querySelector('input[name="hasWireless"]:checked').value === 'yes'; var hasCamera = document.querySelector('input[name="hasCamera"]:checked').value === 'yes'; var isPenInput = document.querySelector('input[name="isPenInput"]:checked').value === 'yes'; var isEligible = true; var reasonsNotEligible = []; if (hasCAS) { isEligible = false; reasonsNotEligible.push("It has a Computer Algebra System (CAS)."); } if (hasQWERTY) { isEligible = false; reasonsNotEligible.push("It has a QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboard."); } if (hasWireless) { isEligible = false; reasonsNotEligible.push("It has wireless communication or internet access capability."); } if (hasCamera) { isEligible = false; reasonsNotEligible.push("It has camera or scanner functionality."); } if (isPenInput) { isEligible = false; reasonsNotEligible.push("It is a pen-input device or requires a power outlet."); } var resultDiv = document.getElementById('eligibilityResult'); resultDiv.innerHTML = "; // Clear previous results resultDiv.className = 'calculator-result'; // Reset class if (isEligible) { resultDiv.classList.add('eligible'); resultDiv.innerHTML = '

Eligibility Status: ELIGIBLE

' + 'Based on the features you selected, your calculator appears to be eligible for use on the ACT Math section. Remember to always double-check with the official ACT guidelines.'; } else { resultDiv.classList.add('not-eligible'); resultDiv.innerHTML = '

Eligibility Status: NOT ELIGIBLE

' + 'Your calculator is NOT eligible for use on the ACT Math section for the following reason(s):' + '
    ' + reasonsNotEligible.map(function(reason) { return '
  • ' + reason + '
    • '; }).join(") + '
' + 'Please ensure your calculator complies with all ACT rules to avoid disqualification on test day.'; } }

Understanding ACT Approved Calculators: Your Guide to Test Day Success

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The Math section of the ACT allows the use of calculators, but with very specific rules and restrictions. Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid disqualification and ensure you can perform your best on test day.

Why Are There Calculator Restrictions?

The ACT aims to provide a fair and standardized testing environment for all students. Calculator restrictions are in place to prevent unfair advantages that certain advanced features might offer, and to ensure that students are being tested on their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, not just their ability to operate a complex device. The rules also help maintain test security and prevent cheating.

General Rules for ACT Approved Calculators

While many calculators are permitted, several types and specific models are strictly prohibited. The general rule of thumb is that your calculator should be a standard scientific or graphing calculator without advanced communication or data storage capabilities. Here are the key features that will make a calculator NOT eligible:

  • Computer Algebra System (CAS): Calculators with CAS functionality (e.g., TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, HP 48GII, Casio ClassPad series) are banned because they can perform symbolic manipulation, solve equations algebraically, and simplify expressions, which would give an unfair advantage.
  • QWERTY (typewriter-style) Keyboards: Any calculator with a full alphanumeric keyboard is prohibited. This is primarily to prevent the storage and retrieval of notes or formulas.
  • Wireless Communication or Internet Access: Calculators that can connect to the internet, communicate wirelessly with other devices, or have cellular capabilities are strictly forbidden to prevent unauthorized communication or access to external resources.
  • Camera or Scanner Functionality: Devices with cameras or scanners are not allowed for obvious security reasons.
  • Pen-Input Devices: Any device that uses a stylus or pen for input, or requires a power outlet (unless it's a standard graphing calculator that uses batteries and has a power adapter for charging, but not for continuous use during the test), is generally not permitted.
  • Calculators with paper tape: Devices that print or produce paper tape are not allowed.
  • Calculators that make noise: Any calculator that makes audible sounds must have the sound turned off.

Examples of Commonly Approved Calculators

Many popular calculators are perfectly acceptable for the ACT. These often include:

  • Texas Instruments: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, TI-Nspire (non-CAS version)
  • Casio: fx-9750GII, fx-CG50 (PRIZM), fx-991EX (ClassWiz)
  • Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime (non-CAS mode), HP 35s
  • Sharp: EL-W516TBSL, EL-520WB

Always ensure your graphing calculator is set to "exam mode" if it has one, and that any prohibited features (like CAS on a TI-Nspire CX II-T CAS) are disabled or that you are using a non-CAS model.

Examples of Commonly Banned Calculators

It's equally important to know which calculators are explicitly banned:

  • Texas Instruments: TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, TI-Nspire CAS (any version)
  • Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G
  • Casio: ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, fx-CP400 (ClassPad II)
  • Any calculator with a QWERTY keyboard (e.g., some older graphing calculators or handheld computers).
  • Any device that can access the internet or communicate wirelessly.

Using the Eligibility Checker

Our "ACT Calculator Eligibility Checker" above helps you quickly assess if your calculator's features meet the ACT's requirements. Simply select the options that describe your calculator, and the tool will provide an immediate eligibility status. While this tool is a helpful guide, it is not a substitute for reviewing the official ACT website's calculator policy, which can be found on their official website. Policies can change, so always check the most current guidelines before test day.

Preparing adequately for the ACT includes ensuring you have the right tools. By understanding and adhering to the calculator policy, you can eliminate unnecessary stress and focus entirely on demonstrating your mathematical abilities.

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