Reference / Paper · 2026
ACT Calculator Policy
ACT's calculator policy: which calculators are allowed and prohibited in the ACT test.
Reference / Paper · 2026
ACT's calculator policy: which calculators are allowed and prohibited in the ACT test.
ACT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ACT Calculator Policy ROLE: School test coordinator, room supervisor, proctor PRODUCT: All products PROGRAM: All programs MODE: Paper, online UPDATED: June 1, 2026 This policy: This 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, if it is not on the prohibited list and it is modified (see below), if needed. Examinees are encouraged to use a familiar calculator, but all problems may be solved without a calculator. Calculators may only be used on the mathematics test, including ACT® WorkKeys® Applied Math. IMPORTANT: Sharing calculators during the test is not permitted. Accessible calculators (such as audio/“talking” or braille) are allowed if authorized in advance of testing by ACT for the ACT® test and by the test coordinator for all other products. Examinees are responsible for: @ Bringing—and using—a permitted calculator @ Knowing if their calculator is permitted (for information on the calculator policy, visit http:/www.act.org/calculator-policy.html or call 800.498.6481 for a recorded message containing highlights from this policy) @ Making sure their calculator works properly and has new batteries, if battery-operated @ Bringing a backup calculator and/or extra batteries, if they wish, in case their primary calculator fails Testing staff is responsible for: @ Monitoring during the test to ensure examinees are using only permitted calculators @ Dismissing any examinee found using a prohibited calculator during testing The following types of calculators are prohibited: @ Calculators with built-in or downloaded computer algebra system functionality, including the following: o Texas Instruments—all model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 (Note: The TI-Nspire [non-CAS] is permitted.) *AO1L1L590270% © 2026 by ACT Education Corp. All rights reserved. Page 1of 2 FP99001.CI23534 o Hewlett-Packard—HP Prime, HP 48GIl, all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G o Casio—fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400), ClassPad 300 or ClassPad 330, Algebra fx 2.0, all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G @ Handheld, tablet, or laptop computers (including PDAs) @ Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices (Note: The Sharp EL 9600 is permitted.) @ Calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic communication devices @ Calculators with QWERTY format letter keys (not applicable to calculators provided in a secure test delivery platform; letter keys not in QWERTY format are permitted) The following types of calculators are permitted, but only after they are modified as noted: @ Calculators that can hold programs or documents: Remove all documents and programs that have 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 heavy opaque material such as duct tape or electrician’s tape. These calculators include the Hewlett-Packard HP 38G series, HP 39G series, and HP 48G. @ Calculators with power cords: Remove all power/electrical cords. In a computer-based testing environment: @ The Desmos on-screen calculator will be available. @ The Desmos basic four-function calculator is available for WorkKeys. @ Examinees may still use a preferred calculator for online testing in lieu of the on-screen option. @ Test coordinators can check the administration instructions for details. @ Calculators should not be connected in any way to the computer or device being used for testing. © 2026 by ACT Education Corp. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 2 FP99001.CI23534