{"id":16300,"date":"2021-06-09T15:40:34","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T22:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/act\/?p=16300"},"modified":"2021-06-09T15:40:34","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T22:40:34","slug":"what-calculators-are-allowed-on-the-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/act\/what-calculators-are-allowed-on-the-act\/","title":{"rendered":"What Calculators Are Allowed on the ACT?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Calculator<\/p>\n

There’s a lot to think about before ACT test day<\/a>\u2014how you’ll get to the test center, what snacks to bring, what to wear. As you’re preparing, you may wonder: what calculators are allowed on the ACT? In this post, we’ll look at ACT calculator policy to help you determine what devices you can bring with you into the testing room!<\/p>\n

The ACT Calculator Policy<\/h2>\n

To understand what calculators are allowed on the ACT, it helps to understand when<\/em> calculators are allowed on the ACT: it’s only for the Math section<\/a>. Understandably, a lot of students believe they’re permitted in Science, too\u2014but they’re not! <\/p>\n

And on test day, the proctor will check your calculator before you start doing those problems. Find out more about the official calculator policy on the ACT<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Calculators Are Allowed on the ACT?<\/h3>\n

There are way too many ACT permitted calculators to give a 100% definitive list of what calculators are allowed on the ACT. However, you can use some general guidelines to see if your calculator fits the bill. Here\u2019s some basic information that should answer calculator questions for 95% of readers:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Have a basic four-function calculator? You\u2019re good to go.<\/li>\n
  • Have a TI-83+\/84? You\u2019re good to go, but continue reading.<\/li>\n
  • Anything else? Continue reading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    For those of you with TI-83+\/84 calculators, there\u2019s a big \u2018wait a minute\u2019 before going into the testing room. ACT forbids you from having any programs installed on your calculator.<\/strong> Though some of you might have put Tetris on your calculator for a little clandestine fun during your math teacher\u2019s lectures, your proctor may verify that your APPS bank is empty before allowing you to test. So if you have any high scores (or anything else) on there, back them up now.<\/p>\n

    There are also some calculators that you can use, but only in certain ways or with specific modifications. Here’s the rundown:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • You can use calculators capable of holding programs or documents if you take out all documents and remove any programs with Computer Algebra System (CAS).<\/li>\n
    • You can use calculators with paper tape if you remove the tape.<\/li>\n
    • You can use calculators that make noise if you mute them.<\/li>\n
    • You can use calculators with infrared data ports if you cover the port with duct or electrician’s tape (think: Hewlett-Packard HP 38G, 39G, and 48G series).<\/li>\n
    • You can use calculators that come with cords if you take out the cord.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      According to the ACT, here are a few questionable cases that are actually OK for use on test day:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • TI-Nspire non-CAS<\/strong><\/li>\n
      • Sharp EL 9600<\/li>\n
      • Calculators with non-QWERTY<\/strong> keyboards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        What Calculators Aren\u2019t Allowed on the ACT?<\/h3>\n

        The ACT is a lot more specific about the exact calculators that you CAN’T use on the test. Overall, these are: <\/p>\n

          \n
        • Anything with Computer Algebra System (CAS)<\/li>\n
        • Calculators with QWERTY letter keyboard<\/li>\n
        • Calculators with programs or files downloaded<\/li>\n
        • Computers, including handheld and laptop computers<\/li>\n
        • Cell phone and other device-based calculators<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

           
          \nAs of the writing of this article, these included:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Texas Instruments calculators with model numbers starting with TI-89 or TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS (though the TI-Nspire non-CAS is OK);\n
          • Hewlett Packard calculators with model numbers starting with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G; HP 48GII, and HP Prime;\n
          • Casio models beginning with CFX-9970G; fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400); ClassPad 300 or ClassPad 330; Algebra fx 2.0.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            How to Use Your ACT Calculator to Your Advantage<\/h2>\n

            So now you know which calculators you can use on test day and when you can use them. However, just because you can use a calculator for each math problem—should you? Magoosh’s ACT expert addresses the best way to use your calculator on the ACT in this video. Take a look, then read on for more calculator guidelines!<\/p>\n