Act Calculators Allowed

Check Your Calculator’s Status

Calculator Type Allowance Overview

A visual breakdown of which general categories of calculators are allowed or prohibited on the ACT.

Popular Calculator Model Status

Model	Type	Status
TI-84 Plus / CE	Graphing	Allowed
TI-83 Plus	Graphing	Allowed
TI-Nspire CX II (Non-CAS)	Graphing	Allowed
TI-89 Titanium	CAS Graphing	Prohibited
TI-Nspire CX II CAS	CAS Graphing	Prohibited
Casio fx-9750GII	Graphing	Allowed
TI-30XS MultiView	Scientific	Allowed
HP Prime	CAS Graphing	Prohibited

A summary of commonly used calculators and their status according to the official ACT calculator policy. This is not an exhaustive list.

What is the ACT Calculator Policy?

The policy on act calculators allowed is a set of rules designed by ACT, Inc. to ensure fairness and test security for all students. While you can use a calculator on the Math section of the ACT, not all devices are permitted. The primary goal is to prevent students from gaining an unfair advantage through devices with advanced functionalities that can solve complex algebra problems automatically. This policy applies to all test-takers and is strictly enforced by proctors. Understanding the list of act calculators allowed is a critical part of test preparation.

This policy is for any student planning to take the ACT. Common misconceptions include the idea that no graphing calculators are allowed, or that any scientific calculator is fine. In reality, the rules are specific to features, not just the device type. The most significant restriction is against calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS).

ACT Calculator Rules and Logical Breakdown

Instead of a mathematical formula, the policy on act calculators allowed follows a logical framework based on features. The core principle is simple: the calculator should be a tool for computation, not for algebraic manipulation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the rules.

The logic is: IF a calculator has a prohibited feature (like CAS or a QWERTY keyboard) THEN it is NOT allowed. IF a calculator requires a modification (like removing paper tape), it must be modified to be allowed. IF a calculator is not on the prohibited list and has no banned features, it IS generally allowed.

Rule Components Table

Rule Component	Meaning	Applies To	Typical Example
Computer Algebra System (CAS)	Ability to solve algebraic equations symbolically.	Graphing Calculators	TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS
QWERTY Keyboard	A full (computer-style) lettered keyboard.	All Devices	PDA-style calculators
Wireless Communication	Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any internet capability.	All Devices	Smartphones, Tablets
External Power	Calculators that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.	All Devices	Printing calculators

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Student with a TI-84 Plus CE

• Input: The student enters “TI-84 Plus CE” into the calculator checker.
• Logic: The tool checks the model name against its list of prohibited features and models. It finds no matches for “CAS,” “TI-89,” “TI-92,” or other red flags.
• Output: The result is “Allowed.” The explanation notes that the TI-84 series is one of the most common and accepted graphing calculators for the ACT. This aligns with the ACT math calculator rules.

Example 2: Student with a TI-89 Titanium

• Input: The student enters “TI-89” into the checker.
• Logic: The tool’s logic immediately flags “TI-89” as a prohibited model because it contains a Computer Algebra System (CAS).
• Output: The result is “Prohibited.” The key intermediate value shown is “Reason: Contains a Computer Algebra System (CAS), which is not permitted.”

How to Use This ACT Calculator Allowed Checker

Using this tool to determine which act calculators allowed is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get an instant result.

1. Enter Your Calculator Model: Type the model name of your calculator into the input field above. Be as specific as possible (e.g., “TI-Nspire CX II” instead of just “Nspire”).
2. Review the Result: The tool will instantly display one of three statuses: “Allowed,” “Prohibited,” or “Check Required.”
3. Read the Details: The box will also provide a reason for the status. For a “Prohibited” result, it will state the rule that was violated. For “Allowed,” it will confirm its compliance. For “Check,” it may suggest looking for “CAS” on the calculator’s body or in its menu.
4. Make a Decision: Based on the output, you can confidently decide whether to bring your calculator, acquire a different one, or check its features more closely. Getting familiar with the official ACT calculator policy is always a good idea.

Key Factors That Affect ACT Calculator Legality

Several key factors determine whether your calculator is on the list of act calculators allowed. Understanding these will help you avoid any surprises on test day.

• Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is the most common reason for a calculator being banned. A CAS can manipulate variables, factor polynomials, and solve equations, which the ACT prohibits. Models like the TI-89 and HP Prime are banned for this reason.
• QWERTY Keyboard: Any device with a letter keyboard in the standard QWERTY layout is not allowed. This prevents the use of devices that are essentially mini-computers.
• Communication Capabilities: Calculators with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared ports are strictly forbidden. You cannot use a calculator that is part of a phone, tablet, or smartwatch. This rule is crucial for test security.
• Need for an External Power Source: Calculators that need to be plugged into a wall outlet are not permitted. Your device must be battery-operated. Be sure to check your using a calculator on the ACT strategy.
• Paper Tape or Noise: If your calculator can print to a paper tape, the tape must be removed. If it makes sounds, it must be muted.
• Programs and Documents: While you can have programs on your calculator (like for graphing), programs that implement CAS functionality must be removed. All user-stored documents must also be deleted. Some proctors may check for this on models like the TI-84 on ACT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use my phone’s calculator app on the ACT?
No, using a calculator on a phone, tablet, or any communication device is strictly prohibited and can lead to your dismissal from the test.

2. What happens if my calculator’s batteries die during the test?
You are responsible for your own equipment. Test centers will not provide batteries or backup calculators. It’s highly recommended to install fresh batteries before the test or bring a backup calculator.

3. Is the TI-Nspire allowed?
It depends. The standard TI-Nspire CX and CX II (non-CAS models) are allowed. However, the TI-Nspire CAS and CX CAS models are explicitly prohibited.

4. Are all scientific calculators allowed?
Yes, virtually all standard scientific calculators are allowed. They do not have the advanced features (like CAS or graphing) that are subject to restriction, making them a safe choice.

5. Do I have to clear the memory on my calculator?
You must remove any stored documents and any programs that have CAS functionality. While proctors may not check every calculator, it is your responsibility to follow the rules regarding act calculators allowed.

6. Can I share my calculator with a friend during the test?
No, sharing calculators is not permitted under any circumstances.

7. Are there any what calculators are banned on ACT that I should definitely avoid?
Yes, the most commonly banned models are the Texas Instruments TI-89 and TI-92 series, the HP Prime, and any TI-Nspire model with “CAS” in its name.

8. Do I really need a graphing calculator for the ACT?
No, every question on the ACT Math test can be solved without a calculator. However, a good ACT graphing calculator can save significant time on certain problems if you know how to use it effectively.

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