What kind of pencils are allowed on the ACT?

ACT is requiring all examinees to bring and wear masks or other cloth face covering (both referred to as “masks”) to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. You will be prohibited from entering the testing facility without a mask. Bring sharpened, No. 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens).

Can I use a #2 mechanical pencil on the SAT?

The short answer is that you can’t use a mechanical pencil on the SAT or ACT because answer sheet scanners are specifically calibrated to detect the marks made by a No. 2 pencil and mechanical pencils are not always regulated as No. 2.

Are pencils provided at the ACT?

Most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed, with certain restrictions. As long as you have these four items—your printed admission ticket, your photo ID, #2 pencils, and a permitted calculator—you should have no problem getting into and making it through the ACT.

Why are number 2 pencils used for tests?

2 pencils are needed for standardized tests that use Scantron sheets. 2 pencils were required to fill in the circles on the sheet because the graphite in the pencil is an opaque substance that absorbs the light that hits it. Most modern sheets are now read by machines that measure lightness and darkness.

What is a #2 pencil?

Higher numbers indicate a harder lead, which gives you a finer point and crisper lines. Lower numbers indicate a softer lead, which is good for shading. #2 is the Goldilocks of pencils: not too hard, not too soft, and good for pretty much all of your pencil needs.

What are number 2 pencils?

Pencils above number two are filled with harder graphite and tend to have lighter markings and are frequently used in draughting pencils, often used by architects and designers. A number two pencil on the numeric scale is roughly equivalent to an HB pencil on the international scale.

Are pencil sharpeners allowed on the ACT?

Pencils – Once in the testing room, the next most important things to have are pencils. Mechanical pencils are not allowed. You will want to bring at least two, just in case. Sharpener – Since mechanical pencils are banned, you will probably want to bring a sharpener with you.

What is a #3 pencil?

Ticonderoga pencils have a #3 (hard). The higher the number, the harder the pencil, and consequently the lighter the line. #2 pencils are roughly equivalent to HB (medium hardness).

What does #2 mean on a pencil?

Is there such a thing as a #3 pencil?

Pencil makers manufacture No. 1, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 pencils—and sometimes other intermediate numbers. The higher the number, the harder the core and lighter the markings.

What is #2 HB pencil?

Generally, an HB grade about the middle of the scale is considered to be equivalent to a #2 pencil using the U.S. numbering system. In reality however, there is no specific industry standard for the darkness of the mark to be left within the HB or any other hardness grade scale.