Is Desmos allowed on the ACT?
Yes, if you take the ACT online: ACT says students testing online have the Desmos graphing calculator built into the testing platform during the Math section. On the paper ACT there is no Desmos, so you need your own permitted calculator, which ACT says testing staff don't provide. Online testers can bring their own calculator too. Calculators are allowed only on the Math section, never on Science, and ACT says every Math problem can be solved without one. Calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS), such as the TI-89 and TI-Nspire CAS, are banned.
Where it shows up on the ACT
| Enhanced ACT | |
|---|---|
| Section | Math |
| Length | 45 questions (41 scored) in 50 minutes, about 67 seconds each |
| Reporting category | Calculator use (applies to the whole Math section) |
| Share of the section | Allowed on every Math question; not allowed on English, Reading or Science |
| In the Composite | Yes. The Composite averages English, Math and Reading. |
ACT doesn't count calculator questions. In the 41 scored Math questions of ACT's 2025–26 practice test, we judged 7 to be clearly faster with a calculator; the rest were as quick or quicker by hand. Source: ACT: calculator policy (including Desmos on the online ACT).
What the questions ask you to do
- Graph two equations and read off where they intersect.
- Find the zeros (x-intercepts) of a function.
- Find the maximum or minimum of a quadratic.
- Evaluate a function or expression at a given value.
- Check whether two expressions are equivalent by graphing both and seeing if the graphs match.
Calculator rules, online vs paper
From ACT's calculator policy and its online testing page.
| Online ACT | Paper ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Desmos | Built in, Math section only | Not available |
| Your own calculator | Allowed if permitted | Allowed if permitted; staff don't provide one |
| 4-function, scientific, graphing | Allowed unless on the banned list | Allowed unless on the banned list |
| CAS calculators (TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime) | Banned | Banned |
| TI-Nspire (non-CAS) | Allowed | Allowed |
| Phones, tablets, laptops, QWERTY keyboards | Banned | Banned |
| Science section | No calculator | No calculator |
Some calculators need changes before the test: remove programs with CAS functions, remove paper tape, turn off sound and cover an infrared port. Sharing a calculator isn't allowed.
Where Desmos saves time on ACT Math
Desmos is slower than mental math for one-step arithmetic and simple percents. Use it when a graph replaces several steps of algebra. ACT has free video tutorials on using Desmos and handheld TI calculators on the Math section.
- Systems of equations: type both equations and tap the point where the lines cross.
- Quadratics: graph the function and tap the x-intercepts for the solutions, or the top or bottom of the curve for the maximum or minimum.
- Function values: define f(x) once, then type f(3) to evaluate it.
- Equivalent expressions: graph the original and each answer choice; the one whose graph sits exactly on top of the original is equivalent.
- Checking an answer: plug your solution back in and see if both sides match.
Common mistakes
Wrong answer choices are often built around these.
- Assuming Desmos is available on paper. It is only built into the online test.
- Planning to use a calculator on Science. Calculators are allowed only on Math.
- Bringing a CAS model. The TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS and HP Prime are banned, and breaking the calculator policy gets you dismissed.
- Expecting the test center to lend you a calculator. ACT says staff don't provide them.
- Graphing everything. Typing a simple percent problem into Desmos often takes longer than doing it in your head.
- Practicing only by hand and seeing Desmos for the first time on test day. Learn where the intercepts and intersection points are before the test.
3 example questions with answers
Written by Ashore in the style of the enhanced ACT. They aren't official ACT questions. Try each one before you open the answer.
Question 1 · Easy
At what point do the graphs of y = 2x + 1 and y = −x + 7 intersect?
- A(1, 3)
- B(2, 5)
- C(3, 4)
- D(5, 2)
Show the answer
B. Graph both lines and tap where they cross, or set 2x + 1 = −x + 7, so 3x = 6 and x = 2. Then y = 2(2) + 1 = 5. The point (1, 3) is on the first line only, and (3, 4) is on the second line only.
Question 2 · Medium
What is the sum of the solutions of x² − 2x − 15 = 0?
- F−15
- G−2
- H2
- J8
Show the answer
H. The graph of y = x² − 2x − 15 crosses the x-axis at x = −3 and x = 5, and −3 + 5 = 2. Factoring gives the same: (x − 5)(x + 3) = 0. −15 is the product of the solutions, not the sum, and 8 is the difference between them.
Question 3 · Hard
What is the maximum value of f(x) = −2x² + 12x − 7?
- A3
- B−7
- C11
- D25
Show the answer
C. On a graph, the top of the parabola is at (3, 11). By hand, the vertex is at x = −12 ÷ (2 × −2) = 3, and f(3) = −18 + 36 − 7 = 11. 3 is where the maximum happens, not its value, and −7 is the y-intercept.
More ACT Math guides
- Math formulas to know
- What topics are on ACT Math
- Integrating Essential Skills
- ACT score calculator: questions right in each section to a 1–36 score and Composite.
- SAT vs ACT: which test fits you better.
- All ACT guides and free tools
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Practice test 1
Example
27
Composite
(28 + 26 + 27) ÷ 3
- English28
- Math26
- Reading27
- ScienceOptional, not in the Composite25