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. 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.
