
You CANNOT have anything that makes noise or can communicate with another device.Exception: If you can remove all power/electrical cords for the test, you can use it.You CANNOT have anything that plugs in.Exception: If you can remove the paper tape for the test, you can use it.You CANNOT have anything with a paper tape readout.You are NOT allowed to bring any kind of laptop, phone, tablet, or PDA to use as a calculator.Anything NOT on this list is considered an ACT-approved calculator by default: This is the forbidden valley list of calculators and devices. Types of Calculators NOT Allowed on the ACT But do bring a back-up calculator that you're used to using in case your proctor won't let you use your first-choice calculator. If you have a restricted calculator or functions, it won't hurt you to try to bring it to the testing center. That said, most proctors aren't as strict as the ACT guidelines are. They specifically mention that it is not enough to disable these programs-they must be fully removed. According to official ACT guidelines, you must clear all documents on your calculator (so that you cannot bring notes), all programs with CAS capability, and all apps with CAS capability. If your calculator is not on the restricted list, it's allowed.

A CAS calculator can solve problems algebraically, which would defeat the purpose of many of the ACT questions. For example, the SAT allows the TI-89 (a popular calculator), while the ACT forbids it.įor the ACT, you can bring any calculator that does NOT have computer algebra system (CAS) functionality. The ACT is a little more strict than the SAT is when it comes to the calculators you're allowed to bring. One of these paths takes you much farther away than you wanted to be. If you find that there is no way to find an answer to a problem without a calculator (basically, if you need to do something more than basic calculations, which we will discuss later in this guide), you are on the wrong track! Take a step back and reevaluate what you're being asked. Are they actually asking you for the cube's area? Or did you calculate the sides of the cube inaccurately? If you think you're being asked to find the perimeter of a cube with side lengths of $√15$ and none of the answers are in root form (i.e., $4√15$), chances are you misread or misunderstood the question. Think about how that applies to how you approach each question. So do bring your calculator (as well as an alternate calculator and/or extra batteries).Īlways keep this information in mind as you go through the test: a calculator isn't technically needed for the test.
#CALCULATOR EXPERT FULL#
If you’re doing every ACT math question by hand, you will most likely NOT complete the full section within the allotted time.

That said, you should definitely bring a calculator! Though you'll only ever need to perform basic calculations for the test, it's much less time consuming (and often far more accurate!) to plug $64*3.14159$ (or $π$) into your calculator than it is to solve it long-hand. This is because the ACT is a standardized test and it would be unfair of the makers of the test to discriminate against anyone who could not afford to buy a calculator. Technically, you do not need a calculator for the ACT.

Despite the fact that some ACT Science questions require basic calculations like addition or division, a calculator is strictly forbidden on every section except for ACT Math. You may only use a calculator for the ACT math section.
#CALCULATOR EXPERT HOW TO#
You are allowed to bring a calculator on test day (none will be provided for you), and it can mean the difference of several points on the ACT to have a calculator versus having none.īut what kind of calculator should you bring and how should you make best use of it during the test? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about calculators on the ACT, from when you're allowed to use them, to what kinds are allowed, to how to avoid the most common ACT calculator mistakes. Knowing when where and how to best use a calculator on the ACT can be tricky.
