If you’re curious about how long the ACT takes, the total time depends on whether you take Science or Writing. English, Math, and Reading make up the required ACT, while Science and Writing are optional.
This guide explains the current ACT test length, breaks down the time for each section, and covers pacing and test-day requirements.
How Long Is the ACT?
The required ACT sections take 2 hours and 5 minutes: English takes 35 minutes, Math takes 50 minutes, and Reading takes 40 minutes. Science adds 40 minutes if you choose to take it.
Here’s the current ACT test length by section:
| Section | Time | Required? |
|---|---|---|
English |
35 minutes |
Yes |
Math |
50 minutes |
Yes |
Reading |
40 minutes |
Yes |
Science |
40 minutes |
Optional |
Writing |
40 minutes |
Optional |
Your ACT exam duration depends on which optional sections you take:
- Without Science or Writing: 2 hours 5 minutes
- With Science: 2 hours 45 minutes
- With Writing: 2 hours 45 minutes
- With Science and Writing: 3 hours 25 minutes
These figures refer to timed testing time, not the entire time you may spend at the test center. ACT also includes instructions, check-in, and breaks during the test-day process.
How Has the ACT Test Length Changed?
The current ACT is shorter than the previous version. ACT reduced the number of questions and made Science optional, which cut the timed test length for students who skip Science.
Here’s what changed:
- Science became optional: Students no longer need to take Science to receive an ACT Composite score.
- The test has fewer questions: The enhanced ACT removed 44 questions when all four multiple-choice sections are taken.
- The core test is shorter: English, Math, and Reading now take 2 hours and 5 minutes combined.
- The Composite score changed: ACT now calculates the Composite from English, Math, and Reading. Science receives a separate score when students take it.
- Writing remains optional: The Writing test adds 40 minutes and does not affect the Composite score.
If you’re comparing current ACT timing with older study guides, check the publication date. Many older resources still describe Science as a required section and use the previous test length.
Also Read: How to Achieve the Highest ACT Score
How Should You Manage ACT Timing?
Use the full time available in each ACT section, but don’t let one difficult question slow you down. Practice at the official time limit so your pacing matches the real test.
- Know your pace: English gives you about 42 seconds per question. Math and Reading give you about 67 seconds. Science gives you about 60 seconds.
- Move on when needed: If a question is taking too long, skip it and return if you have time.
- Practice under time limits: Complete timed sections instead of doing every practice question without a clock.
- Track slow questions: Note which question types take you the longest. Practice those areas separately.
- Match your test setup: If you take Science or Writing, include those sections in your full-length practice tests.
The best way to improve your ACT timing is to fix the areas that slow you down. Start with a free ACT diagnostic in the MentoMind app to find your weak spots, then use MentoMind’s ACT course to practice them with detailed explanations, section-level analytics, and progress tracking.
What Should You Bring on ACT Test Day?
Bring your required ID, test-day documents, approved calculator, and any other items allowed for your ACT format. Leave your phone, notes, and prohibited electronics at home.
What to bring
- Photo ID: Bring an acceptable ID that meets ACT’s requirements.
- Test-day documents: Bring any documents ACT lists for your registration and test format.
- Pencils: Bring sharpened No. 2 pencils if you’re taking the paper ACT.
- Calculator: Bring an ACT-approved calculator for Math if you want to use one.
- Device and charger: If you’re taking the online ACT with your own device, make sure it meets ACT’s requirements and is fully charged.
- Watch: A permitted watch can help you keep track of your pace during the test.
- Snacks: Bring snacks for your scheduled breaks and eat them outside the testing room.
What to leave at home
- Phone: Keep your phone turned off and stored as instructed by test staff.
- Smartwatch: Smartwatches and other unauthorized wearable devices are not allowed.
- Notes and books: Leave textbooks, study notes, and other reading materials at home.
- Unauthorized calculators: Use only a calculator that meets ACT’s current calculator policy.
- Recording or communication devices: Do not bring devices that can record, communicate, or connect to the internet.
Note: Check ACT’s current test-day rules before you leave for the test center. Requirements can vary depending on whether you take the ACT online or on paper.
Should You Take ACT Science or Writing?
Take Science or Writing only if a target college requires, recommends, or values the section. If none of your colleges ask for either score, you can take the ACT without them and finish sooner.
When should you take science?
Take ACT with Science if:
- A target college requires or recommends an ACT Science score.
- You want to submit a Science score with your application.
- You can prepare for the additional 40 minutes.
When should you take writing?
Take ACT with Writing if:
- A target college requires or recommends the Writing score.
- You want to include an essay score in your application.
- You’re prepared to spend another 40 minutes on the test.
Check the current testing requirements for every college on your list before choosing ACT with Writing or ACT without Writing.
Ready to Get Better at ACT Timing?
Knowing how long the ACT takes helps you plan, but timed practice helps you use those minutes effectively. MentoMind helps you build speed and accuracy with ACT practice tests, detailed explanations, and performance insights that show where you need more practice.
Related reading:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you skip the optional sections, you can finish once your required tests are complete. The ACT test time depends on which sections you take, so check your registration details before test day. If you registered for Science or Writing but decide not to take it, tell the test staff. ACT does not refund an optional test you skip.
The ACT gives you a short break after the second test. If you take Writing, you also get a 5-minute break before the essay. These breaks are separate from the timed sections, so they do not count toward your ACT exam duration.
No. ACT allows calculators only on Math. If you take the online ACT, you can also use the built-in calculator during Math. Calculator rules do not change the ACT test length or the time limit for the Math section.
Yes. The timed section limits remain the same, but the total test-day schedule can differ. ACT gives different estimated ending times for online and paper testing because the administration process varies. Your ACT test time should therefore account for more than just the time spent answering questions.
No. ACT does not allow students to use phones or other electronic devices during breaks. Keep your phone turned off and stored as instructed by the test staff. This rule applies regardless of your ACT timing or which optional sections you take.
