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Editorial fact-check. All factual claims in this article were verified against ACT's official publications on October 1–2, 2026. This is an editorial fact-check, not an expert review.
Calculator rules are a common source of last-minute panic. The good news is that most students already own an allowed device. The bad news is that a single prohibited feature — usually a CAS engine or a QWERTY keyboard — can get a calculator confiscated at the door. This guide maps the official ACT calculator policy to the models students actually use, and gives you a setup checklist you can run the night before.
The rules in one table
ACT groups calculators into permitted categories and a specific prohibited list. If your calculator is not on the prohibited list and does not have a banned feature, it is generally allowed.
| Permitted | Prohibited |
|---|---|
| Four-function calculators | Phones, smartwatches, tablets, and any device with internet or communication capability |
| Scientific calculators | Calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) |
| Most graphing calculators (non-CAS) | TI-89 and TI-92 series; TI-Nspire CAS (non-CAS Nspire is allowed) |
| Calculators with paper tape that can be removed | HP Prime, HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G |
| Calculators with no QWERTY keyboard | QWERTY-key calculators and devices with typewriter-style keyboards |
| Sharp EL 9600 series (pen/stylus input allowed) | Other pen-input or stylus-input devices |
| Calculators used only on the math section | Casio fx-CP400, ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, Algebra fx 2.0, CFX-9970G |
A calculator is allowed only on the ACT math section. Proctors will not let you use it during English, reading, or science. If you are taking the digital ACT, the testing platform also restricts calculator access to the math section only.
Is your specific calculator allowed?
The safest method is a three-step check: find the exact model number, compare it to the prohibited list, and bring a clearly allowed backup whenever you are unsure.
- Find the model number. Look on the front case, the battery compartment, or the about screen. “TI-Nspire” alone is not enough — the CAS and non-CAS versions are treated differently.
- Check the prohibited list. If the model is named below, leave it at home. If it is not named and has no CAS or QWERTY feature, it is generally allowed.
- Bring a backup. When in doubt, carry a spare four-function or scientific calculator that is obviously compliant. A second allowed device is permitted.
Here is a quick model check for the calculators we see most often from students:
| Common model | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| TI-84 Plus / TI-84 Plus CE | Allowed |
| TI-Nspire (non-CAS) | Allowed |
| TI-Nspire CAS | Banned |
| TI-89 / TI-89 Titanium | Banned |
| TI-92 / TI-92 Plus / Voyage 200 | Banned |
| Casio fx-9750 series | Allowed unless CAS |
| Casio fx-9860 series | Allowed unless CAS |
| Casio fx-CP400 / ClassPad 300 / ClassPad 330 | Banned |
| HP Prime | Banned |
| HP 48GII / 40G / 49G / 50G | Banned |
If your calculator is not listed, fall back to the category rules. Does it have a CAS engine, a QWERTY keyboard, or wireless communication? If yes, it is banned. If no, it is generally allowed. For model-specific edge cases, check the official ACT calculator policy page directly.
Digital ACT: the built-in Desmos
The digital ACT math section includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator. You can use it for the entire math section, and it is already approved by ACT because it is part of the testing platform.
You may still bring your own approved calculator if you prefer a familiar keypad or want a backup. Many students practice with both: they learn the built-in Desmos during online practice and keep their handheld as a safety net. For more on the math section itself, see our enhanced ACT math guide and ACT math formulas reference.
Do not wait until test day to open Desmos for the first time. ACT’s free digital practice tests let you use the same built-in calculator interface you will see on the real exam.
Set up your calculator the night before
A compliant calculator that dies, freezes, or shows the wrong program menu is not much better than no calculator. Run this setup checklist one to two nights before the test so you have time to fix problems.
- Install fresh batteries. If your calculator uses rechargeable cells, top them off and bring a spare set of disposable batteries if the model supports swapping.
- Reset to defaults or test mode. Clear any stored notes, programs, or documents. Some schools require a specific testing mode; follow your proctor’s instructions if provided.
- Disable CAS features if applicable. If you own a model that has both CAS and non-CAS modes, make sure it is in the non-CAS mode and that the device itself is on the allowed list. When in doubt, use a different calculator.
- Check the angle mode. Decide whether you want degrees or radians for trig and set it deliberately. Many errors come from a calculator left in the wrong mode.
- Practice with the same device. Solve a few ACT practice questions using exactly the calculator you will bring. Muscle memory matters under time pressure.
- Pack a backup. A simple scientific calculator can save the day if your primary device fails.
Test-day checklist
Print or copy this list and check each item before you leave for the test center.
- My calculator model is not on the prohibited list.
- I confirmed my calculator has no CAS engine and no QWERTY keyboard.
- My calculator is not a phone, tablet, or internet-connected device.
- Batteries are fresh or fully charged; I have a spare set if possible.
- Memory is cleared of notes, programs, and documents.
- Angle mode is set to the unit I expect (degrees or radians).
- I practiced with this exact calculator this week.
- I packed a clearly allowed backup calculator.
- I know calculators are only used on the math section.
- I am not relying on the calculator — I can solve the problem without it if needed.
For the bigger picture on the enhanced ACT — section timing, scoring, and how to choose practice materials — see our enhanced ACT guide.
References
- [1] ACT, Inc. (2026). ACT Calculator Policy. act.org. act.org
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus CE are allowed. They are non-CAS graphing calculators and are not on ACT’s prohibited model list.
The TI-Nspire non-CAS model is allowed. The TI-Nspire CAS is prohibited because its computer algebra system can perform symbolic algebra that ACT does not permit.
No. Phones, smartwatches, tablets, and any device with internet or communication capability are banned. Bring a dedicated calculator instead.
Yes. The digital ACT math section includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator. You may also use an approved handheld calculator if you prefer.
No. Calculators are allowed only on the math section. They are not permitted during English, reading, or science.
No. ACT designs every math question so it can be solved without a calculator. A calculator helps with arithmetic and graphing, but it is not required for any concept on the test.
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