Imagine showing up to take your ACT® Test and not being allowed to use the calculator you brought.
You worked hard to prepare for the Math section on the ACT® Test, but you’ll have a tough time without a calculator. You will also NOT be able to use the calculator on your phone.
IMPORTANT: ACT® Tests will now include the Desmos Graphing Calculator within the online testing platform. This powerful enhancement provides easy access to online tools that can help you do better on the test. Be sure to practice using the calculator with the tutorial provided in our online courses.
ACT® Test Calculator Policy
The ACT® Calculator Policy generally allows “any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it is not on the prohibited list and it is modified if needed.” Use a calculator you’ve used before. Yes, you could borrow one. But if you’ve never used it, you’ll spend valuable time struggling to calculate the basic buttons. While all ACT® Test problems can be solved without a calculator, you'll find it to be a key resource.
Modifications Needed for Certain Calculators to Meet ACT® Approval
Per the ACT®, you may use the following types of calculators, but only after they are modified as noted:
- Calculators that can hold programs or documents: Remove all documents and all programs with computer algebra system functionality.
- Calculators with paper tape: Remove the tape.
- Calculators that make noise: Turn off the sound.
- Calculators with an infrared data port: Completely cover the infrared data port with a heavy opaque material such as duct tape or electrician’s tape. For example, these calculators include the Hewlett-Packard HP 38G series, HP 39G series, and HP 48G.
- Calculators with power cords: Remove all power/ electrical cords.
Prohibited Calculators on the ACT® Test
The ACT® Test mainly prohibits the Computer Algebra System function. You must solve algebra problems on your own. Here are a few calculators that are specifically banned:
Texas Instruments
- TI-89 or TI-92
- TI-Nspire CAS (the TI-Nspire non-CAS is permitted)
Hewlett-Packard
- HP Prime
- HP48GII
- HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G
Casio
- fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400)
- ClassPad 300 or ClassPad 330
- Algebra fx 2.0
- CFX-9970G
You cannot use any calculators on cell phones, tablets, laptops, or calculators with QWERTY format letter keys.
ACT® Test Calculator Recommendations
Don’t spend $100+ for a brand-new graphing calculator that you don’t know how to use. We recommend the TI-30 or any TI calculator with a number between 30 and 40. You can purchase one from Amazon, Walmart, or other stores for less than $20. These calculators are simple to use and provide all you need for ACT® Test (or SAT® Test) math questions.
Bring extra batteries or make sure your calculator is charged. The only thing worse than bringing a banned calculator is bringing a dead one.
Your ACT® testing center will not provide you with a calculator (or a pencil!), so don’t plan on that option.
Charge your calculator the night before the test or grab an extra set of batteries just in case. Use every edge you can on the test, like OnToCollege Prep for the ACT® Test.
