As the testing day approaches, you might have been wondering what calculator you should bring for the ACT.
Well, look no further, because we got you covered!
We would discuss some of the things you might have asked regarding the ACT calculator policy as well as recommend some calculators that you can use and among other things that you should know.
Table of Contents
Can I use a calculator on the ACT?
Yes, you can use a calculator on the actual testing day but it is not a requirement.
Technically, you can answer all the test questions even without a calculator.
Some students even aced the ACT despite not using their calculator during the exam.
However, several students find it easier to answer the math section quickly and more accurately with a calculator.
So if you want to answer the math questions with speed and accuracy, then we highly that you bring a calculator with you on the testing day.
It would give you a huge advantage, especially since you only have a few minutes to answer each math question.
What calculators can I use?
Based on the ACT calculator policy, you can use any of the calculators below.
Four-Function Calculators
Simple, standalone four-function calculators are allowed on the ACT. These are the ones that typically only handle basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Other four-function calculators also have an exponent, square root, percent, and even pi functions in it, but that is only as far as it goes.
You cannot use this calculator for questions that require long equations and complex computations.
However, this calculator would still come in handy during the actual exam.
For instance, you no longer have to manually solve for big numbers and, even though you can compute mentally, you can just easily double-check your answer to make sure it is accurate every time.
Scientific Calculators
With a few exceptions, you can bring almost any scientific calculator on the ACT.
Since not all scientific calculators are created equal, only the most basic ones are allowed on the ACT. Those that are on the advanced spectrum are not allowed on testing day.
Scientific calculators are designed to help you solve mathematical, scientific, and engineering problems.
As compared to the four-function calculator, you can do more than the basic arithmetic equations on a scientific calculator.
Some of these extra functions would surely come in handy during the exam, and it might even save you a lot of time during the math section part.
Graphing Calculators
Generally, older model graphing calculators are the ones only allowed on the ACT.
New versions and those in the more advanced calculator spectrum are prohibited on the testing day.
As its name implies, this type of calculator is able to plot coordinates, graph functions, solve simultaneous equations, and many more.
Graphing calculator has the most function out of the two previous calculators that we mentioned but it is one of the trickiest one to bring. There are several graphing calculators not allowed on the ACT.
What calculators are not allowed?
Given that we have just discussed the type of calculators allowed on the ACT, we would now delve and list some of the things that are not allowed on the ACT.
Prohibited Calculators and device that can be a calculator
- Any calculator that a built-in or downloaded algebra system functionality. Some of the examples are:
| Texas Instruments: | Hewlett-Packard: | Casio: |
| All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 | HP Prime | fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400) |
| TI-Nspire CAS | HP 48GII | ClassPad 300 or ClassPad 330 |
| All model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G | Algebra fx 2.0 | |
| All model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G |
- Tablet or laptop computers
- Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices (The Sharp EL 9600 is permitted.)
- Cellphones or any other electronic communication device
- Calculators with QWERTY keyboard
ACT Calculator Modifications
Some calculators will be permitted, but only after it is modified as noted below
- If your calculator can hold programs or documents, then you need to remove everything that has a computer algebra system (CAS)* functionality
- If you have a calculator with paper tape, then you need to remove the tape
- If your calculator makes noise, then you need to turn off the sound
- If you have a calculator with an infrared data port (e.g. Hewlett-Packard HP 38G series, HP 39G series, and HP 48G), then you need to cover the port with a material like a duct tape or electrician’s tape.
- If you have a calculator with a power cord, then you need to remove all the power cord.\
Note: If you are taking the ACT via online or computer, then your calculator should not be connected to the same computer or device you are using for testing.
*According to the ACT, a computer algebra system typically solves equations algebraically, simplifies expressions, performs algebraic manipulations, and performs exact arithmetic (for example, does not round or truncate decimal places). A computer algebra system is also a system, potentially doing many levels of analysis at the same time. Examples include, but are not limited to, Zoom-Math, APP4MATH, F2K, etc.
What is the best calculator for the ACT?
Now that you already know what are the prohibited calculators for the ACT, you may be thinking, what else can I use?
To help you answer this question, we have listed the types of calculators allowed on the ACT.
Any four-function calculator
As we previously mentioned, all of the questions on the ACT can be solved without a calculator.
Having said that, you can just do away with any four-function calculator since most problems will not require you to have solved any complex problem in a calculator.
You would not need the extra functions that a scientific or graphing calculator has for every question on the exam.
Even the cheapest one can already be helpful on the exam (just make sure to charge it or it has enough battery).
Casio FX-82MS
If you are looking for a simple affordable calculator that is easy to use and has extra features other than the arithmetic function, then this scientific calculator from Casio might be perfect for you.
It is a well-built calculator that has enough features to help you with your upcoming ACT.
Like any scientific calculator, it has a trigonometric function, automatic fraction calculations, percentage and regression calculations, and many more.
Most college boards liked this calculator from Casio.
TI-Nspire (non-CAS)
When you buy this calculator, be sure that you would get the non-CAS version instead.
Based on the ACT calculator policy, you can use this graphing calculator on your testing day. Just make sure that you follow all the modifications that we have cited above.
Since this is not the CAS version, it does not specifically give you the exact answers you are looking for. This non-CAS version would likely give you a decimal answer rather than a full equation answer.
As with any graphing calculator, it is also capable of plotting graphs, solving complex equations, and so on.
We highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with this calculator first, since it can be hard to use and understand for other students.
Can I use programs on the ACT?
No, the ACT calculator policy specifically states that calculators that can hold programs are only allowed if you remove all the programs that have CAS functionality. Otherwise, you cannot use it for the exam.
Any CAS programs and other documents loaded onto the calculator needs to be purged in order to be usable for the ACT.
Simply disabling programs or putting the calculator into test mode is not enough. ACT still highly recommends that you remove all CAS functionality and documents in your calculator.
ACT also defined an app as a kind of program. Therefore, if your calculator has any apps on it, you need to remove it as well in order to be usable during the exam.
Using a calculator that has a program in it can get you dismissed from the ACT.
You may visit the ACT website or call 800.498.6481 for a recorded message containing highlights from this calculator policy if you are still unsure.
Better yet, you can ask previous ACT previous test-takers what calculators did they use. Besides, you can always ask your teachers or counselors about it.
In any case, you do not necessarily need an advanced or complex calculator for the exam.
And as we keep mentioning again and again, all questions in the exam may be solved without a calculator.
So even a four-function or basic scientific calculator is already helpful enough.
Which section am I allowed to use calculator?
You may only use your calculator for the math part of the test, including the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math.
Despite the fact that some subjects like science may sometimes call for some basic calculations, you are still not allowed to use your calculator.
Using a calculator when you are not allowed can get you dismissed from the ACT.
It is also worth noting that sharing calculators during the exam is not allowed.
So if you are only planning on borrowing your friend’s calculator while they answer the English section, then you might have to rethink that plan.
You cannot borrow your friend’s calculator and answer the mathematics questions ahead because the ACT follows a strict schedule.
Can I bring a bag to the ACT?
Yes, you can bring a bag with you. However, depending on the testing centers or proctors, they might ask you to place your bag out of your reach or just have it placed in front of the room.
But do not worry, they would allow you to take things out or get your snacks during breaks.
You can always ask the proctor nicely.
What part of the ACT is optional?
The only optional part of the ACT is the writing exam.
When you register for the ACT, you would be asked whether you want to take the writing test or not.
If you tick this option when you sign up, then you would have to spend another 40 minutes for the writing test.
Otherwise, you can just hand in your test and leave the testing center after the science section.
Should you sign up for the writing test then change your mind and no longer want to do it, then you can just update your ACT Web Account or tell the test coordinator at your test center days before the actual exam.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have an idea of what calculator you should bring on your upcoming ACT.
Again, we would like to emphasize that calculators are not a requirement for the ACT, but it would surely be an advantage if you have one.
You do not necessarily need an advanced or a complex calculator, having a simple or basic calculator would already give you a one-up on the exam.
So to recap, we have answered some of your questions such as:
- Can I use a calculator on the ACT?
- What calculators can I use?
- What calculators are not allowed?
- ACT Calculator Modifications
- What is the best calculator for the ACT?
- Can I use programs on the ACT?
- Which section am I allowed to use calculator?
- Can I bring a bag to the ACT?
- What part of the ACT is optional?
Rather than looking for the fanciest calculator, answer ACT practice tests, do several test runs, read ACT prep book, and familiarize yourself with the format of the exam so that you would not mainly rely on your calculator.
Knowing how to study for the ACT would essentially boost your ACT score range. Who knows, your score might even reached a 90th ACT percentile, and you no longer have to retake the exam and find colleges that superscore ACT.
Your ACT calculator can only do so much, in the end, the way you study and prepare for the exam is what ultimately matters.
If you have already sit through your ACT, then you can also check out our article on
Todd VanDuzer
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