Is the TI-84 Plus Allowed on the ACT in 2026?

iThe plain answer

Answer.

Approved

Yes. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus is allowed on ACT Math in 2026 as a physical non-CAS graphing calculator. This approval does not cover calculator apps, emulator copies, connected devices, or calculators with CAS functionality.

iiThe reasoning

Why this verdict.

The ACT calculator policy allows graphing calculators unless a separate prohibited feature applies. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus recorded in this guide is a standalone graphing calculator and is not recorded as a CAS calculator. That makes it different from TI-89-family calculators and TI-Nspire CAS models, which ACT treats as prohibited. The policy also says students taking the ACT online have Desmos in the testing platform while still being allowed to bring an approved handheld calculator during Math, as long as that handheld calculator is not connected to the testing device. This verdict is limited to the physical TI-84 Plus. It does not approve a phone calculator, browser tool, desktop emulator, modified device with prohibited stored material, or a model that has been confused with a CAS calculator.

iiiPrimary evidence

Official source.

Official source · 01ACT Calculator Policy

ACT states that 4-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed unless prohibited, and its Digital ACT guidance says students may bring an approved handheld calculator during Math. The stored calculator data identifies the TI-84 Plus as a standalone graphing calculator without CAS, so this verdict treats that physical model as allowed while excluding apps, emulators, connected devices, and calculators with prohibited CAS functionality.

“4-function, scientific, and graphing models are allowed unless prohibited”

ACT Inc.Accessed 2026·05·21

Official source · 02TI Calculator Usage Guidelines for the ACT Test

Texas Instruments summarizes ACT calculator restrictions and lists prohibited TI CAS models such as TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200, and TI-Nspire CAS. The TI-84 Plus is not in that prohibited TI CAS list, which supports the ACT-policy reading used here.

“Specific Texas Instruments graphing calculators prohibited for use on the ACT test include the TI-89”

Texas InstrumentsAccessed 2026·05·21

ivWhat to watch

Caveats.

Use the TI-84 Plus only on ACT Math or another ACT context that explicitly allows calculators.

For Digital ACT, Desmos is built into the platform, but an approved handheld calculator may also be used during Math if it is not connected to the testing device.

Bring the physical handheld calculator, not a phone app, tablet app, laptop program, browser emulator, screenshot, or calculator connected to the testing device.

If test staff ask you to clear stored material, remove documents, delete programs with CAS functionality, remove covers, or inspect labels, follow that instruction.

Do not assume every TI graphing calculator has the same status; TI-89-family and TI-Nspire CAS calculators are different policy cases.

If borrowing a school TI-84 Plus, check the shell label, battery condition, keypad response, screen contrast, archived files, and installed programs before exam week.

Practice ACT Math tasks such as graph setup, table values, regression, systems, fractions, radicals, trigonometry, degree-radian conversion, and probability before test day.

If your teacher recommends a TI-84 workflow, confirm it uses ordinary numeric menus rather than downloaded algebra tools, external notes, or stored documents that would create a modification issue.

For used calculators, inspect the back label and front bezel so a seller's generic TI-84 title does not hide a different family, damaged keypad, missing battery door, or unreadable model marking.

Keep a charged calculator or backup batteries ready because policy approval does not solve power problems during a timed section.

Recheck ACT's current calculator policy near your test date because this page records a dated editorial review.

vEquivalent models

Alternatives.

Texas Instruments

TI-84 Plus CE

Rechargeable color graphing calculator widely used in US high school math courses.

GraphingOpen file

Texas Instruments

TI-Nspire CX II

Non-CAS color graphing calculator; distinguished from the CAS variant (TI-Nspire CX CAS) by the absence of symbolic algebra.

GraphingOpen file

Texas Instruments

TI-30XS MultiView

Non-graphing scientific calculator with a four-line display and no programmable or CAS feature.

ScientificOpen file

Reader questions

FAQ.

Q.01Is the TI-84 Plus allowed on the ACT in 2026?

Yes. This verdict treats the physical Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus as allowed for ACT Math because ACT allows graphing calculators unless prohibited and this model is recorded as non-CAS.

Q.02Is the TI-84 Plus different from the TI-84 Plus CE?

Yes. They are different products, but both are non-CAS TI-84-family graphing calculators in this guide. This page covers the TI-84 Plus; the TI-84 Plus CE has its own ACT verdict.

Q.03Do I need to clear programs before using it on ACT?

Plan to follow ACT's modification rules and any test-center instruction. If the calculator holds documents or programs, remove documents and remove programs with CAS functionality when required.

Q.04Can I use it on the Digital ACT if Desmos is built in?

Yes, if current ACT instructions still allow approved handheld calculators during Math and the calculator is not connected to the testing device. Desmos access does not automatically ban a permitted handheld calculator.

Nearby calculator answers.

Cross-exam matrix

This calculator in other exams.

CodeExamStatusLast verified

FENCEES

BannedLast verified 2026·05·20

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