When it comes to calculator usage, the SAT and ACT do NOT have the same rules. If you, or your student, are getting ready for the ACT then it’s important to know what is allowed.

For your reference, here is the latest ACT calculator list; pay close attention because not following these rules will get you kicked out on test day.

For more information and strategies on how to succeed on the ACT, be sure to check out our various ACT classes available year-round.

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ACT Calculators You Can’t Use

Here are all the different models that are explicitly prohibited:

1. Any calculator with a “built-in or downloaded computer algebra system functionality” including the following brands and models:
   • Texas Instruments:
     • All calculator model numbers beginning with TI-89 or TI-92
     • TI-Nspire CAS (NOTE: The TI-Nspire IS permitted as long as it is NOT marked as CAS, so double-check carefully to be sure)
   • Hewlett-Packard:
     • HP Prime
     • HP 48GII
     • All model numbers beginning with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G
   • Casio:
     • ClassPad 400
     • ClassPad 300 or ClassPad 330
     • Algebra fx 2.0
     • Model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G
2. Handheld and laptop computers
3. Tablets, Electronic writing pads, or pen-input devices
4. Calculators with built-in cell phones or other electronic communication devices
5. Calculators with a built-in QWERTY keyboard

Those are the current rules on calculators and devices you cannot use under any circumstances on test day whatsoever.

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ACT Calculator Modifications

When it comes to calculators that you can use, ACT has very clear guidelines about modifications that need to be made first.

Here’s the list of required modifications for allowed calculators you need to review:

• If your calculator can hold files or documents: all documents and programs that have computer algebra system functionality within them must be removed first
• If your calculator has paper tape: remove the device’s tape
• If your calculator makes a sound: make sure the sound is turned off before usage
• If your calculator has an infrared data port: cover the data port with a heavy opaque material like duct tape or electrician’s tape. Examples include the HP 38G, HP 39G, and HP 48G
• If your calculator has a power cord: make sure to remove the power cord beforehand

As long as your calculator fits those criteria, then you should be free to use it on test day but always remember that the staff will be checking your device. We know that this is a ton of rules to remember but it’s important because ACT takes this matter seriously.

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ACT Calculator Test Day Rules

Now that you have an idea of what not to bring on test day, here are some more rules to remember when you actually show up to your ACT testing center.

As a test taker, according to ACT policy, you are responsible for the following actions:

• Bring a permitted calculator
• Make sure your calculator is permitted by ACT by calling or checking their website
• Make sure your calculator is working correctly and sufficiently powered
• Bring an approved backup calculator with you if your main one fails

Another overlooked rule to remember is that calculators are only allowed to be used on the ACT Math test. Remember that point, because in spite of there being some calculations to make in the Science section, only break out the calculator during the Math test. Obviously, sharing calculators is also not permitted.

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If, as a test taker, you are found to be using a prohibited calculator then the staff administering the test is required to dismiss you from that exam then and there.

Why? Because according to the ACT’s testing policy, the staff is explicitly responsible for checking your calculator and if it’s not allowed, they are required to confiscate it and can void your test too.

Now that we’ve discussed what you can’t use, let’s start to look at what you are allowed to bring on test day.

ACT Calculators You Can Use (Finally)

After going over everything you can’t use or do, let’s talk about what you can bring along on test day. 

First things first, the ACT’s calculator policy states that test-takers are allowed to use “…any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it is not on the prohibited list and it is modified, if needed”.

4-Function Calculators

First, a 4-function calculator is your basic, everyday model that you first probably used in elementary school. Do not use the calculator installed on your phone. As soon as you do, expect a test administrator to immediately snatch it away.

Now let’s say that you want a device that has a little more power. Then, consider bringing a normal scientific calculator. Scientific calculators contain everything that a 4-function unit has plus some more features as well.

Typical features include a larger screen that can include text and additional functions. Again, most problems won’t require those extra features, but there may be one or two where they come in handy.

Graphing Calculators

Let’s move onto graphing calculators next because this is the area where you’re most likely to get into trouble. A general rule of thumb is that older graphing calculators won’t cause much trouble.

However, anything with the aforementioned computer algebra system included will be taken away, whether it’s a recent or older model. One of the most common calculators that get students into trouble is the aforementioned TI-89.

Remember, you don’t have to use a graphing calculator on the ACT. In fact, you don’t have to use a calculator at all, in theory. The problems are designed such that you should be capable of working out all of the calculations by hand.

If a problem doesn’t seem possible to solve it at all without a calculator, then you’ve either misread or misunderstood it. The ACT is a standardized test, which means it has to be fair across the board.

Final Thoughts And Takeaways

Let’s wrap things up with a few important takeaways that will save you time and stress.

A couple of takeaways that will help you on test day:

Familiarity Saves Time – Bring a calculator that you’ve worked with and practiced with before on test day. Why? Because you’ll know exactly what buttons to push and when. Don’t bring something with you that’s brand-new and have to figure out where the function you need is while time is ticking.

Sharpen Your Math Skills – Use the calculator to save time; don’t use the calculator to be smarter than you. Work on the skills and formulas you’ll need to have mentally ready to use on test day.

If you haven’t done so already, take a moment to check out what we have to offer regarding both ACT and SAT prep, including how to handle those dreaded Math sections.

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