What Calculators Are Allowed on the Act

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Understanding ACT Calculator Policy: What's Allowed on Test Day?

The ACT allows the use of calculators on the Mathematics Test to help students solve complex problems efficiently. However, not all calculators are permitted. Understanding the specific rules and restrictions is crucial to avoid disqualification or unnecessary stress on test day. The ACT's policy is designed to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantage that advanced features might provide.

General Guidelines for Permitted Calculators

Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed, provided they do not have certain prohibited features. The key is to ensure your calculator is a standard model intended for academic use and doesn't possess capabilities that could be used for cheating or provide an unfair edge.

Prohibited Calculator Features

The ACT strictly prohibits calculators with the following features:

  • Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality: Calculators like the TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, and Voyage 200 are not allowed because they can perform symbolic algebra, which is considered an unfair advantage.
  • QWERTY (typewriter-like) keyboards: Calculators with full alphanumeric keyboards are prohibited. This includes models like the TI-92 and Voyage 200.
  • Electronic writing pads or stylus input: Devices that require a stylus for input are generally not permitted.
  • Calculators that make noise: Any calculator that produces audible sounds must have its sound turned off. If it cannot be silenced, it is not allowed.
  • Calculators with paper tape: Devices that print or produce a paper record are not allowed.
  • Calculators that require an electrical outlet: All calculators must be battery-powered.
  • Calculators with wireless communication capabilities: This includes features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular data.
  • Calculators with a camera, scanner, or phone capabilities: Any device that can capture images, scan text, or function as a phone is strictly forbidden.
  • Smartwatches or any other wearable technology: These are not allowed in the testing room.

Commonly Allowed Calculators

Many popular graphing and scientific calculators are permitted. Here are some examples:

  • Texas Instruments: TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, TI-Nspire (non-CAS versions).
  • Casio: fx-9750GII, fx-9860GII, fx-CG50 (Graphing Calculator).
  • Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime (non-CAS versions, though most HP Prime models are generally allowed), HP 35s, HP 48GII.
  • Sharp: EL-W516X, EL-506W.

Commonly Disallowed Calculators

Be aware of these models that are explicitly prohibited:

  • Texas Instruments: TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, Voyage 200.
  • Any calculator with a QWERTY keyboard.
  • Any calculator with built-in wireless communication.

Why the Restrictions?

The ACT's calculator policy aims to create a level playing field for all test-takers. Calculators with advanced features like CAS can solve problems symbolically, which might bypass the need for understanding fundamental algebraic concepts being tested. Similarly, communication features could be used to share information, compromising test integrity.

What to Do Before Test Day

  1. Check Your Calculator: Use the tool below or consult the official ACT website to verify your calculator model.
  2. Practice with It: Ensure you are proficient with your chosen calculator. Familiarity can save valuable time during the test.
  3. Bring Spare Batteries: Don't let a dead battery derail your performance.
  4. Clear Memory: Some proctors may require you to clear your calculator's memory before the test. Be prepared for this.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and successful ACT Mathematics Test experience.

ACT Calculator Eligibility Checker

Enter your calculator model name below to check if it's generally allowed on the ACT.



function calculateACTEligibility() { var modelInput = document.getElementById("calculatorModelInput").value; var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result"); var model = modelInput.toLowerCase().trim(); if (model === "") { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a calculator model name."; return; } var allowedModels = [ "ti-83", "ti-84", "ti-84 plus", "ti-84 plus ce", "ti-nspire", "casio fx-9750gii", "casio fx-9860gii", "casio fx-cg50", "casio prizm", "hp prime", "hp 35s", "hp 48gii", "sharp el-w516x", "sharp el-506w" ]; var disallowedKeywords = [ "qwerty", "wireless", "bluetooth", "wifi", "cellular", "internet", "stylus", "paper tape", "electrical outlet", "noise", "audio", "camera", "scanner", "phone", "tablet", "computer", "laptop", "smartwatch", "ti-89", "ti-92", "voyage 200", "ti-nspire cas", "cas" ]; var isDisallowed = false; var disallowedReason = ""; // Check for specific disallowed models/versions or features first for (var i = 0; i < disallowedKeywords.length; i++) { if (model.includes(disallowedKeywords[i])) { isDisallowed = true; if (disallowedKeywords[i] === "cas" || disallowedKeywords[i] === "ti-nspire cas" || disallowedKeywords[i] === "ti-89" || disallowedKeywords[i] === "ti-92" || disallowedKeywords[i] === "voyage 200") { disallowedReason = "This model has Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality or is a specifically prohibited model (e.g., TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, TI-Nspire CAS)."; } else if (disallowedKeywords[i] === "qwerty") { disallowedReason = "This calculator has a QWERTY keyboard, which is prohibited."; } else if (disallowedKeywords[i].includes("wireless") || disallowedKeywords[i].includes("bluetooth") || disallowedKeywords[i].includes("wifi") || disallowedKeywords[i].includes("cellular") || disallowedKeywords[i].includes("internet")) { disallowedReason = "This calculator appears to have wireless communication capabilities, which are prohibited."; } else { disallowedReason = "This calculator appears to have a prohibited feature like " + disallowedKeywords[i].toUpperCase() + "."; } break; } } if (isDisallowed) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "❌ Not Allowed: " + disallowedReason + " Please check the official ACT website for the most current policy."; return; } // If not explicitly disallowed, check if it's a commonly allowed model var isAllowed = false; for (var j = 0; j < allowedModels.length; j++) { if (model.includes(allowedModels[j])) { isAllowed = true; break; } } if (isAllowed) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "✅ Likely Allowed: This calculator model is generally permitted on the ACT. Always double-check the official ACT website for the most current policy and specific model restrictions."; } else { resultDiv.innerHTML = "⚠ Unsure / Check Manually: We couldn't definitively determine the eligibility of '" + modelInput + "'. Please consult the official ACT website's calculator policy or your test center for the most accurate information. Ensure it does not have CAS, QWERTY keyboard, or wireless capabilities."; } }

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