ACT Calculator Policy (CAS Rules, On-Screen Calculators & Tips)

ACT Calculator Policy (CAS Rules, On-Screen Calculators & Tips)

ACT Calculator Policy (CAS Rules, On-Screen Calculators & Tips)

Test prep

Test prep

3 minutes

3 minutes

Aug 14, 2025

Aug 14, 2025

ACT Calculator Policy (CAS Rules, On-Screen Calculators & Tips)
ACT Calculator Policy (CAS Rules, On-Screen Calculators & Tips)
ACT Calculator Policy (CAS Rules, On-Screen Calculators & Tips)

Parents and students search for one thing before test day: act calculator policy. The rule set is simple. Bring a permitted calculator, know the act photo upload deadline for tickets, and be ready to use the on-screen calculator in online mode if needed. Teach the policy early so students avoid last-minute surprises.
Explore checklists and printable guides here: ACT Prep Resource Hub for Educators.

Parents and students search for one thing before test day: act calculator policy. The rule set is simple. Bring a permitted calculator, know the act photo upload deadline for tickets, and be ready to use the on-screen calculator in online mode if needed. Teach the policy early so students avoid last-minute surprises.
Explore checklists and printable guides here: ACT Prep Resource Hub for Educators.

Parents and students search for one thing before test day: act calculator policy. The rule set is simple. Bring a permitted calculator, know the act photo upload deadline for tickets, and be ready to use the on-screen calculator in online mode if needed. Teach the policy early so students avoid last-minute surprises.
Explore checklists and printable guides here: ACT Prep Resource Hub for Educators.

What is permitted under the ACT calculator policy

What is permitted under the ACT calculator policy

What is permitted under the ACT calculator policy

Students may use a basic four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator that follows ACT rules. Battery powered only, no communication features, no external keyboards, and sound off. In the online ACT, an on-screen calculator is available, but students may still use a permitted handheld if they prefer. Train with the exact model they will bring to reduce test-day friction.
For timing templates and pacing drills, see: Section Timing & Pacing blog.

Students may use a basic four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator that follows ACT rules. Battery powered only, no communication features, no external keyboards, and sound off. In the online ACT, an on-screen calculator is available, but students may still use a permitted handheld if they prefer. Train with the exact model they will bring to reduce test-day friction.
For timing templates and pacing drills, see: Section Timing & Pacing blog.

Students may use a basic four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator that follows ACT rules. Battery powered only, no communication features, no external keyboards, and sound off. In the online ACT, an on-screen calculator is available, but students may still use a permitted handheld if they prefer. Train with the exact model they will bring to reduce test-day friction.
For timing templates and pacing drills, see: Section Timing & Pacing blog.

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CAS rules and prohibited devices

CAS rules and prohibited devices

CAS rules and prohibited devices

An act cas calculator is not allowed. If a calculator includes a computer algebra system, QWERTY keyboard, wireless or Bluetooth communication, camera, audio, or app capability, it is prohibited. A CAS model is not acceptable even if CAS is disabled. Phones, tablets, laptops, and watch calculators are banned. If a device is rejected at check-in, the student must test without it, so teach a no-calc fallback.
If students are comparing policies, share this explainer: ACT vs SAT.

An act cas calculator is not allowed. If a calculator includes a computer algebra system, QWERTY keyboard, wireless or Bluetooth communication, camera, audio, or app capability, it is prohibited. A CAS model is not acceptable even if CAS is disabled. Phones, tablets, laptops, and watch calculators are banned. If a device is rejected at check-in, the student must test without it, so teach a no-calc fallback.
If students are comparing policies, share this explainer: ACT vs SAT.

An act cas calculator is not allowed. If a calculator includes a computer algebra system, QWERTY keyboard, wireless or Bluetooth communication, camera, audio, or app capability, it is prohibited. A CAS model is not acceptable even if CAS is disabled. Phones, tablets, laptops, and watch calculators are banned. If a device is rejected at check-in, the student must test without it, so teach a no-calc fallback.
If students are comparing policies, share this explainer: ACT vs SAT.

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On-screen calculator and classroom strategy

On-screen calculator and classroom strategy

On-screen calculator and classroom strategy

In the online ACT, an on-screen calculator is available in Math. Students may still use a permitted handheld. Coach when to prefer each tool: quick arithmetic on handheld, multi-step problems on the on-screen calc with clean history. Rehearse keyboard entry, fraction formats, and error-checking. Build mixed sets with calculator and no-calculator items to strengthen number sense and speed.

In the online ACT, an on-screen calculator is available in Math. Students may still use a permitted handheld. Coach when to prefer each tool: quick arithmetic on handheld, multi-step problems on the on-screen calc with clean history. Rehearse keyboard entry, fraction formats, and error-checking. Build mixed sets with calculator and no-calculator items to strengthen number sense and speed.

In the online ACT, an on-screen calculator is available in Math. Students may still use a permitted handheld. Coach when to prefer each tool: quick arithmetic on handheld, multi-step problems on the on-screen calc with clean history. Rehearse keyboard entry, fraction formats, and error-checking. Build mixed sets with calculator and no-calculator items to strengthen number sense and speed.

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Keep calculator rules clear and practice specific. Standardize a short list of approved models, teach CAS and prohibited features, and rehearse with the device students will bring. Include reps on the on-screen calculator for online testers. Simple routines prevent denials and turn the calculator into an advantage under ACT rules.

Keep calculator rules clear and practice specific. Standardize a short list of approved models, teach CAS and prohibited features, and rehearse with the device students will bring. Include reps on the on-screen calculator for online testers. Simple routines prevent denials and turn the calculator into an advantage under ACT rules.

Keep calculator rules clear and practice specific. Standardize a short list of approved models, teach CAS and prohibited features, and rehearse with the device students will bring. Include reps on the on-screen calculator for online testers. Simple routines prevent denials and turn the calculator into an advantage under ACT rules.

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