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§ Verdict file · act/ti-nspire-cx-cas

Is the TI-Nspire CX CAS Allowed on the ACT?

No. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS is banned for ACT Math in 2026 because it has CAS functionality. Use a physical non-CAS model such as the TI-Nspire CX II or TI-84 Plus CE instead.

Last verified 2026·05·20highSource ACT Inc.

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iThe plain answer

Answer.

Banned

No. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS is banned for ACT Math in 2026 because it has CAS functionality. Use a physical non-CAS model such as the TI-Nspire CX II or TI-84 Plus CE instead.

iiThe reasoning

Why this verdict.

TI-Nspire CX CAS includes CAS functionality, which the ACT calculator policy explicitly prohibits.

The ACT calculator policy prohibits calculators with built-in or downloaded CAS functionality. This guide records the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS as a CAS graphing calculator with symbolic algebra capability, so the controlling issue is the CAS feature, not the Texas Instruments brand name or the general graphing shape. That also means this model should not be confused with non-CAS TI-Nspire calculators. A short marketplace title, classroom nickname, or borrowed-calculator description can hide the most important word: CAS. This verdict does not say every graphing calculator is banned, and it does not depend on whether a student believes CAS can be disabled. For ACT Math planning, treat the TI-Nspire CX CAS as prohibited and choose a non-CAS handheld calculator with its own approved verdict.

New to CAS rules? Read why CAS calculators are banned or treated differently on exams.

iiiPrimary evidence

Official source.

Official source · 01ACT Calculator Policy

ACT prohibits calculators with built-in or downloaded CAS functionality and identifies TI-Nspire CAS among prohibited Texas Instruments calculators. The guide data classifies the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS as a CAS graphing calculator, so this file applies that policy to the exact model rather than to the broader non-CAS TI-Nspire family.

Calculators with built-in or downloaded computer algebra system (CAS) functionality are prohibited.

ACT Inc.Accessed 2026·05·20
ivWhat to watch

Caveats.

01

Do not bring the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS as a fallback device for ACT Math; this verdict is based on the CAS feature identified in the stored calculator data.

02

Check the printed model name, startup screen, and retail listing carefully, because non-CAS TI-Nspire models are separate products with different verdict files.

03

For Digital ACT, built-in Desmos does not make a prohibited CAS handheld calculator acceptable as a separate device.

04

Do not rely on disabling menus, clearing memory, changing modes, or covering labels; the conservative reading treats the model capability as the problem.

05

If a used listing omits the word CAS but shows symbolic algebra menus, exact-form equation solving, or a matching product number, treat the calculator as risky.

06

If you need graphing support, choose an alternative whose own verdict is approved for the same exam and recheck the official policy near test day.

07

For planning, write down the exact model, color, serial-style label, borrowed owner, backup choice, charger, batteries, cover, and accessories before exam morning so no last-minute substitution changes the device being evaluated.

08

If you buy secondhand, avoid vague listings, regional editions, school bundles, modified firmware, missing labels, cracked screens, unreadable keys, or seller claims that cannot be matched to the authority's written policy.

vEquivalent models

Alternatives.


Reader questions

FAQ.

Q.01Is the TI-Nspire CX CAS allowed on the ACT in 2026?

No. This verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS as banned for ACT Math because the stored calculator data identifies it as a CAS graphing calculator and ACT prohibits calculators with CAS functionality.

Q.02Does this ban cover every TI-Nspire calculator?

No. This file is for the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS. A non-CAS TI-Nspire model has to be checked under its own verdict file, because a similar product name can hide a different feature set. Look for CAS on the case, startup screen, documentation, and listing title.

Q.03Can I make the calculator acceptable by disabling CAS?

Do not plan around disabling features. The conservative reading used here is model-based: if the calculator includes CAS capability and the cited quote prohibits or excludes CAS, this guide treats the device as banned. A proctor should not have to audit modes, memory, menus, documents, or settings to turn a prohibited model into an approved one.

Q.04What should I use instead if I need similar workflow?

Choose a non-CAS alternative that has its own approved verdict for ACT Math. Before buying or borrowing, compare the exact model name, not just the brand family, and open the official policy page again near test day. If a testing authority or test-center instruction conflicts with this summary, follow the authority's current written rule.

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