An independent referenceExam-by-exam policy verdicts for the physical Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus. Use this page to see where the model is approved, where it is banned, and which official policy source controls each answer.
Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus
Graphing calculator. Programmable: Yes. CAS: No.
1 approved verdict and 1 banned verdict currently published.
Older programmable graphing calculator commonly used in algebra and statistics classes; not part of the NCEES TI-30X or TI-36X families.
ACT states that 4-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed unless prohibited, and it prohibits calculators with CAS functionality. The stored calculator data identifies the TI-83 Plus as a standalone graphing calculator without CAS, so this verdict treats that physical model as allowed while excluding apps, emulators, connected devices, and CAS calculators.
“4-function, scientific, and graphing models are allowed unless prohibited”
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-83 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”
NCEES says the listed models are the only acceptable calculators for the 2026 exams. For Texas Instruments, the accepted families are TI-30X and TI-36X models. The TI-83 Plus is not in either family, so this verdict treats it as banned for FE exam use.
“The following calculator models are the only ones acceptable for use during the 2026 exams”
Classic monochrome TI graphing calculator from the TI-84 family; graphing and programmable, but not a TI-30X or TI-36X model.
Rechargeable color graphing calculator widely used in US high school math courses.
Non-CAS color graphing calculator; distinguished from the CAS variant (TI-Nspire CX CAS) by the absence of symbolic algebra.
Advanced scientific calculator with equation, statistics, and matrix tools, but no graphing or CAS feature.
Non-graphing scientific calculator with a four-line display and no programmable or CAS feature.
ClassWiz scientific calculator with natural textbook display, equation tools, matrix tools, and no graphing or CAS feature.