ACT® Calculator Policy & Checker
Is Your Calculator Allowed on the ACT?
The question “do you get a calculator on the act” is crucial. This tool helps you determine if your specific calculator is permitted on test day based on the official ACT calculator policy.
Assessment Details
Chart: Visualization of your calculator’s compliance status.
What is the ACT Calculator Policy?
A common question students ask is, “do you get a calculator on the ACT?”. The answer is yes, but only on the Mathematics section, and only with a permitted device. The ACT has a strict calculator policy to ensure fairness and test security. While all math problems on the ACT can be solved without a calculator, using an approved one can help you save time and reduce errors on more complex calculations. It is your responsibility to bring an approved calculator; test administrators will not provide one.
Understanding whether do you get a calculator on the act that is compliant is essential. The policy prohibits devices with certain functionalities that could provide an unfair advantage, such as Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), wireless communication, or QWERTY keyboards. Violating this policy can lead to dismissal from the test and cancellation of your scores.
ACT Calculator Rules and Logic Explained
The “formula” for determining if your calculator is allowed isn’t a mathematical equation, but a set of logical rules. The core principle is that any calculator not on the explicitly prohibited list is generally permitted, provided it doesn’t have specific forbidden features.
The decision process can be broken down into these steps:
- Check Against Prohibited Models: The ACT explicitly bans certain models known to have advanced functionality. Our tool above checks your model against this list.
- Evaluate Key Features: Even if not on the prohibited list, a calculator is banned if it has certain features.
- Consider Required Modifications: Some calculators are allowed only if modified (e.g., removing paper tape or covering an infrared port).
| Variable / Feature | Meaning | Status | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Algebra System (CAS) | Can manipulate symbolic equations (e.g., solve for x). | Prohibited | TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime |
| QWERTY Keyboard | A typewriter-style keyboard. | Prohibited | Calculators with letter keys in QWERTY format. |
| Wireless Communication | Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any internet access. | Prohibited | Devices like phones, tablets, or laptops. |
| Graphing Capability | Can plot equations on a coordinate plane. | Permitted | TI-84 Plus, TI-Nspire (non-CAS), Casio fx-9750GII |
| Scientific Functions | Performs logarithmic, trigonometric, and exponential functions. | Permitted | TI-30XS, Casio fx-115ES PLUS |
Practical Examples of Allowed and Prohibited Calculators
Example 1: A Permitted Calculator
- Calculator Model: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE
- Inputs: Model is not on the prohibited list. It does not have CAS, a QWERTY keyboard, or communication abilities.
- Output: ALLOWED. This is a standard graphing calculator and one of the most popular choices for the ACT. The question of do you get a calculator on the act is a yes for this model.
Example 2: A Prohibited Calculator
- Calculator Model: Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium
- Inputs: This model is on the prohibited list because it includes a built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS).
- Output: NOT ALLOWED. The CAS functionality gives an unfair advantage by solving algebraic equations symbolically, which is against ACT rules.
How to Use This ACT Calculator Checker
This calculator is designed to quickly resolve the query, “do you get a calculator on the ACT that meets the requirements?”. Follow these simple steps:
- Enter Your Calculator Model: Type the model name (e.g., “TI-Nspire CX II”) into the first input field. While the tool checks for major prohibited models, the feature checklist is the most critical part.
- Check for Prohibited Features: Tick the boxes for any features your calculator has. Be honest—it’s better to know now than on test day.
- Click “Check Eligibility”: The tool will instantly analyze your inputs.
- Review the Results: The tool will provide a clear “ALLOWED” or “NOT ALLOWED” verdict, along with an explanation of why. This feedback is key to understanding the nuances of the ACT calculator policy.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
The decision on whether do you get a calculator on the ACT hinges on several specific factors. Here are the most important ones:
- Computer Algebra System (CAS): This is the most common reason for a graphing calculator to be banned. CAS can perform symbolic manipulation (e.g., factor, expand, or solve variables), which is a skill the ACT is designed to test directly. Models like the TI-89 and TI-Nspire CAS are prohibited for this reason.
- QWERTY Keyboards: Any calculator with a typewriter-style keyboard is prohibited. This is to prevent the use of devices that could store notes or be used for communication.
- Communication Ability: Devices that can communicate with other devices are strictly forbidden. This includes calculators with infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi capabilities, as well as all cell phones, tablets, and laptops.
- External Power: Calculators that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet are not allowed. Your calculator must be battery-operated.
- Paper Tape or Noise: Calculators that can print to a paper tape are only allowed if the tape is removed. Similarly, calculators that make noise are only allowed if the sound is turned off.
- Programs and Documents: You must remove all programs that have CAS functionality and any saved documents from your calculator before the test. Proctors may inspect your calculator’s memory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. You can only use a calculator on the Mathematics section. It is prohibited on the English, Reading, and Science sections.
If a proctor discovers you have a prohibited calculator, it will be confiscated, and you may be dismissed from the test, having your score voided.
This is a common point of confusion. The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) and TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS) models are allowed. However, the TI-Nspire CAS model is explicitly prohibited.
Yes, ACT policy states that you must remove all documents and any programs that have CAS capabilities. It’s a good practice to clear your calculator’s RAM before the test.
Yes, most graphing calculators are allowed, as long as they do not have a Computer Algebra System (CAS) or other prohibited features. Graphing calculators can be very helpful for solving problems involving functions and coordinate geometry.
A standard scientific calculator like the TI-30XS MultiView is a great, safe choice. For a graphing calculator, the TI-84 Plus series is the most common and is definitely permitted. It perfectly answers the question “do you get a calculator on the act” with a yes.
No. Sharing calculators during the test is strictly forbidden and can lead to disqualification for both students.
Yes, the digital version of the ACT includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator. However, you are still allowed to bring your own approved handheld calculator if you prefer.