Download a PDF of the LHSRA Calculator Usage Policy.
Calculator Usage Policy 2023-2024
May I use a calculator?
You may use a calculator on the following LHSRA Literary Events but not on any of the other tests offered by the LHSRA. You are not required to use a calculator. All problems on the tests can be solved without a calculator.
- Advanced Math – Pre Calculus
- Advanced Math – Functions & Statistics
- Algebra I
- Algebra II
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Chemistry
- Financial Literacy
- Geometry
- Physics
WARNING: You are responsible for knowing if your calculator is permitted.
If you use a prohibited calculator, or you use a calculator on any test other than the Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics Tests, you will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored. If it is determined later that you used a prohibited calculator or that you used a calculator on a test other than the Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics Tests, your scores will be cancelled. The TI-89 is the most common calculator taken from students who bring this model to the rally events.
If you wish to use a calculator, you are responsible for bringing it to the test center and for making sure it works properly. The test center will not provide backup calculators or batteries. You may not share a calculator with anyone else. You may bring a backup calculator, but you may not have more than one on your desk or in operation at a time.
You may use your calculator only while you are working on the Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics Tests. At all other times, it must be turned off and put away. If you finish the Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics Tests before time is called, you must turn your calculator off and wait quietly. Calculators with games or other functions may not be used—you may use only the mathematics functions of your calculator.
Permitted Calculators
- Any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, unless it has features described in the Prohibited Calculators list below.
- TI–Nspire (non-CAS) and Sharp EL 9600
- Calculators with letter keys not in QWERTY format
- For models on the Calculators Permitted with Modification list, you will be required to modify some of the calculator’s features.
Prohibited Calculators
- Texas Instruments: all model numbers beginning with TI-89 and TI-92, and TI–Nspire CAS
- Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime, HP 48GII and all model numbers beginning with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G
- Casio: fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400), Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330, and all model numbers beginning with CFX- 9970G
- Calculators with built-in computer algebra systems
- Pocket Organizers
- Handheld, Tablet, or Laptop Computers, including PDAs
- Electronic Writing Pads or Pen-Input devices
- Calculators built into cell phones or other electronic communication devices
- Calculators with a typewriter keypad (keys in QWERTY format)
Calculators Permitted with Modification
These types of calculators are permitted, but only after they are modified as noted:
- Calculators with paper tape – Remove the tape.
- Calculators that can hold programs or documents – Remove all documents and remove all programs that have computer algebra system functionality
- Calculators that make noise – Turn off the sound.
- Calculators that can communicate wirelessly with other calculators – Completely cover the infrared data port with heavy opaque material, such as duct tape or electrician’s tape (includes Hewlett-Packard HP 38G series, HP 39G series, and HP 48G).
- Calculators that have power cords – Remove all power/electrical cords.
NB: LHSRA Calculator Usage Policy is adapted from Preparing for the ACT, 2023-2024.