The ACT is a college admissions test that assesses a student's readiness for college-level work. One of the sections on the ACT is the Math section, which tests a student's mathematical skills and knowledge. Students are allowed to use a calculator on the Math section of the ACT, but not all calculators are permitted.

The ACT has a specific Calculator City (https://edu.yju.ac.kr/) policy that outlines which calculators are allowed on the test. The policy is designed to ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances in the testing room, and protect the security of the test materials. Students are not allowed to share calculators during the test, and any calculator that is not on the approved list is not permitted. Accessible calculators, such as audio or Braille options, are allowed if authorized in advance.

Knowing which calculators are allowed on the ACT is crucial for students who plan to take the test. Using an unauthorized calculator can result in the student's scores being cancelled. Therefore, it is important for students to review the ACT calculator policy and make sure that they have an approved calculator before taking the Math section of the ACT.

ACT Calculator Policy Overview

The ACT Calculator Policy is designed to ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances in the test room, and protect the security of the test materials. Examinees found not following this policy may be dismissed and their tests voided for prohibited behavior.

Examinees may use any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator unless it has features described in Prohibited Calculators. The ACT provides a list of prohibited calculators that are not allowed during the test. It is important to note that the ACT Calculator Policy is subject to change, so it is recommended that students review the policy before taking the test.

Additionally, students can use accessible calculators (audio or Braille options), provided that they get permission from the ACT in advance. It is important to note that the use of calculators is not required on the ACT, but they can be helpful for certain math tasks.

The ACT Calculator Policy is an important aspect of the test that ensures fairness and security. Students should review the policy before taking the test to ensure that they are following the guidelines and using an approved calculator.

Approved Calculator Brands and Models

When it comes to the ACT, not all calculators are created equal. To ensure fairness and consistency, ACT has a list of approved calculator brands and models that students are allowed to use during the test. Here are the approved calculator brands and models for the ACT:

Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (TI) is one of the most popular calculator brands for students and professionals alike. Fortunately, many TI models are approved for use on the ACT, including:

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• TI-73
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• TI-83
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• TI-84
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• TI-84 Plus
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• TI-84 Plus CE
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• TI-89
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• TI-Nspire
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• TI-Nspire CX
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• TI-Nspire CX CAS
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Casio

Casio is another popular calculator brand that has several models approved for use on the ACT. These include:

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• Casio fx-6000 series
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• Casio fx-6200 series
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• Casio fx-6300 series
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• Casio fx-6500 series
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• Casio fx-7000 series
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• Casio fx-7300 series
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• Casio fx-7400 series
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• Casio fx-7500 series
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• Casio fx-7700 series
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• Casio fx-7800 series
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• Casio fx-8000 series
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• Casio fx-8500 series
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• Casio fx-8800 series
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• Casio fx-9750 series
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• Casio fx-9860 series
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• Casio ClassPad 300 and 330
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HP

HP is a lesser-known calculator brand that has a few models approved for use on the ACT. These include:

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• HP 48G
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• HP 49G
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• HP 50G
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Other Brands

While TI, Casio, and HP are the most commonly approved calculator brands for the ACT, there are a few other brands and models that are also allowed. These include:

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• Sharp EL-9600 series
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• Sharp EL-9900 series
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It's important to note that not all models from these brands are approved for use on the ACT. Students should always check the ACT calculator policy and verify that their specific calculator model is allowed before bringing it to the test.

Prohibited Calculator Features

The ACT has a strict policy on the use of calculators during the test. Examinees are not allowed to use any calculator that has wireless, Bluetooth, or cell phone capabilities. Calculators with built-in computer algebra systems (CAS) are also prohibited.

The following types of calculators are specifically prohibited on the ACT:

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• Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 and the TI-Nspire CAS. Note: The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.
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• Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime, HP 48GII, HP 49GII, and all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 39G, HP 38G, and HP 49G.
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• Casio: ClassPad 300 and ClassPad 330, and all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G.
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It is important to note that the list of prohibited calculators is subject to change, so it is recommended to check the ACT website for the most up-to-date information.

Examinees found using a prohibited calculator during the test will be dismissed and their tests will be voided for prohibited behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the calculator being used is permitted prior to the exam.

In summary, the ACT has a strict policy on the use of calculators during the test. Examinees are not allowed to use calculators with wireless, Bluetooth, or cell phone capabilities, or built-in computer algebra systems. It is important to check the ACT website for the most up-to-date information on prohibited calculators.

Preparing Your Calculator for the Test

To ensure a smooth experience on test day, it is important to prepare your calculator in advance. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Check the ACT Calculator Policy

Before the test day, it is important to familiarize yourself with the ACT calculator policy. The policy outlines which calculators are allowed and which are prohibited during the test. You can find the complete policy on the ACT website.

Make Sure Your Calculator is Allowed

The ACT allows any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator that is not on the prohibited list. It is important to check if your calculator is allowed before the test day to avoid any surprises. You can find a list of approved calculators on the ACT website.

Ensure Your Calculator is in Good Condition

On test day, you want to make sure that your calculator is in good condition and working properly. It is a good idea to replace the batteries and bring extras just in case. You should also clean your calculator to remove any dirt or debris that may interfere with its performance.

Practice with Your Calculator

To get comfortable with your calculator, it is important to practice using it before the test day. You can use it to solve practice problems or work on sample tests. This will help you get familiar with the functions and features of your calculator so that you can use it more efficiently during the test.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your calculator is in good condition and ready for the test. This will help you focus on the questions and perform your best on the ACT.

Calculator Malfunctions During the Exam

Despite the best efforts of ACT and examinees, calculator malfunctions can still occur during the exam. In the event of a calculator malfunction, the examinee will be provided with a backup calculator. The examinee will not be given extra time to complete the exam due to the malfunction.

It is important to note that examinees are responsible for ensuring that their calculator is in good working condition before the exam. This includes making sure the batteries are fresh and that the calculator is not damaged in any way. Examinees should also familiarize themselves with the calculator's functions and capabilities before the exam.

If a calculator malfunctions during the exam and the examinee does not have a backup calculator, the examinee will be allowed to continue the exam without a calculator. However, it is important to note that the exam is designed to be completed with a calculator, and not having one may negatively impact the examinee's score.

Examinees are also prohibited from sharing calculators during the exam. This is to ensure fairness for all examinees and to prevent disturbances in the testing room. Accessible calculators, such as audio or Braille calculators, are allowed if authorized in advance of testing by ACT for the ACT and by the test coordinator for all other products.

Overall, examinees should take the necessary precautions to prevent calculator malfunctions during the exam. If a malfunction does occur, the examinee will be provided with a backup calculator, but it is important to remember that not having a calculator may negatively impact the examinee's score.

Test Center Calculator Provision

The ACT provides a limited number of calculators at each test center for students who do not have their own calculator or whose calculator has malfunctioned. However, students are strongly encouraged to bring their own calculator to the test center.

The test center calculators provided by ACT are basic four-function calculators and are not programmable. Therefore, they may not be suitable for all students. It is recommended that students bring their own calculator, which they are familiar with and have used before.

It is also important to note that the availability of test center calculators is not guaranteed. Therefore, students should not rely on them and should bring their own calculator to ensure they have a calculator to use during the test.

In addition, it is essential to ensure that the calculator meets the ACT calculator policy. Students are responsible for knowing the calculator policy and bringing an acceptable calculator to the test center. The policy is designed to ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances in the test room, and protect the security of the test materials.

Overall, while test center calculators may be available, it is strongly recommended that students bring their own calculator to the ACT test center to ensure that they have a calculator they are familiar with and meets the ACT calculator policy.

Tips for Using Your Calculator on the ACT

When taking the ACT, using a calculator can be a valuable tool to help you solve math problems more efficiently. However, it's important to know how to use your calculator effectively to avoid making mistakes and wasting time. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your calculator on test day:

Know Your Calculator

Before test day, make sure you are familiar with the functions and capabilities of your calculator. This will help you use it more efficiently and avoid making mistakes. Check the ACT website to ensure that your calculator is permitted for use on the test.

Practice with Your Calculator

Practice using your calculator to solve math problems similar to those that will appear on the ACT. This will help you become more comfortable with using your calculator and develop strategies for using it effectively.

Use Your Calculator Sparingly

While a calculator can be a useful tool, it's important to remember that not all math problems on the ACT require a calculator. In fact, some problems can be solved more quickly and easily without a calculator. Use your calculator sparingly and only when necessary to avoid wasting time and making mistakes.

Check Your Work

Always double-check your calculations, even if you used a calculator. It's easy to make mistakes when using a calculator, so it's important to check your work to ensure that your answers are accurate.

Bring Extra Batteries

Make sure to bring extra batteries for your calculator, just in case. Running out of battery power during the test can be a major inconvenience and could even prevent you from completing the test.

By following these tips, you can use your calculator effectively on the ACT and improve your chances of achieving a high score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which calculator models are currently approved for use on the ACT?

According to the official ACT Calculator Policy, students are allowed to use any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator that is not on the banned list. Students can also use accessible calculators (audio or Braille options) if they get permission from the ACT in advance.

Can I use a TI-84 calculator during the ACT exam?

Yes, the TI-84 calculator is one of the approved calculators for the ACT exam. It is a popular choice among students due to its user-friendly interface and its ability to perform a wide range of functions.

Is the TI-Nspire CX II permitted on the ACT?

Yes, the TI-Nspire CX II is one of the approved calculators for the ACT exam. It is a graphing calculator that is capable of performing advanced functions and is often used by students who are taking advanced math courses.

Are graphing calculators allowed on the ACT, and if so, which ones?

Yes, graphing calculators are allowed on the ACT exam, provided that they are not on the banned list. Some of the popular graphing calculators that are approved for use on the ACT include the TI-84 Plus, TI-Nspire CX II, and the Casio fx-9750GII.

What are the restrictions for calculators on the ACT?

While the ACT allows the use of calculators on the Math test, there are some restrictions that students must be aware of. For example, students are not allowed to share calculators during the test, and they are not allowed to use any type of calculator cover or case that has a QWERTY keyboard. Additionally, students are not allowed to use any calculator that has wireless communication capabilities or any type of internet access.

Are there any changes to the ACT calculator policy for 2024?

As of June 2024, there are no changes to the ACT calculator policy. However, it is always a good idea to check the official ACT website for any updates or changes to the calculator policy before taking the exam.