The ACT is a standardized college admissions test used by colleges and universities across the U.S. Understanding its timing is essential—not just to pace yourself on test day but to prepare effectively in the weeks leading up to it.
In 2025, ACT made several changes to its format, including a shorter overall test and an optional science section. Here’s how this affects the length of the test.
How Long Does the ACT Take?
Legacy ACT
Up until April 2025, the ACT has been about a 3 hour test (with an additional 30 minutes of breaks).
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ who took this format, including the optional essay (the ACT Plus Writing), would be sitting for a 3 hour and 40 minute exam, or just over 4 hours with breaks.
Enhanced ACT
The Enhanced ACT, which no longer includes a mandatory science section, can be completed in 2 hours and 15 minutes (not including check-in and breaks).
This has rolled out already for digital test-takers (as of April 2025) and affects pencil-paper takers beginning September 2025. School-day tests will take this version of the test starting in spring 2026.
Time at the Testing Center
- Check-in and pre-test instructions: 30–40 minutes
- Break after the Math section: 10–15 minutes
- Break before the optional Writing section: 5 minutes
How Many Questions are on the ACT?
Legacy ACT Timing
Total Test Time: 175 minutes (215 minutes with Writing)
| Section | Time | # of Questions | Time per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 min | 75 | 36 sec |
| Math | 60 min | 60 | 1 min |
| Reading | 35 min | 40 | 52 sec |
| Science | 35 min | 40 | 52 sec |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 min | 1 essay | - |
Enhanced ACT Timing
Total Test Time Composite Score: 125 minutes
Total Test Time Composite + Science: 165 minutes
Total Test Time Composite + Writing: 165 minutes
Total Test Time Full ACT: 205 minutes
| Section | Time | Questions | Time per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 35 min | 50 | 42 sec |
| Math | 50 min | 45 | 67 sec |
| Reading | 40 min | 36 | 67 sec |
| Science | 40 min | 40 | 1 min |
| Writing | 40 min | 1 essay | - |
Your total time at the test center may range from 3 to 3.5 hours without Writing, and closer to 4 hours with Writing, depending on how quickly your testing group moves through instructions and breaks.
Standard ACT Test Day Schedule
| Feature | Legacy ACT | Enhanced ACT (2025+) |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival Time | By 8:00 a.m. | By 8:00 a.m. |
| Test Start | After check-in | After check-in |
| English | 45 min, 75 questions | 35 min, 50 questions |
| Math | 60 min, 60 questions | 50 min, 45 questions |
| Break | ~10 min | ~10 min |
| Reading | 35 min, 40 questions | 40 min, 36 questions |
| Science | 35 min, 40 questions | 40 min, 40 questions (optional) |
| Writing | 40 min (optional) | 40 min (optional) |
| End Time (w/ Writing) | ~1:35 p.m. | ~11:15 a.m. - 1:35 p.m. |
Enhanced ACT Official End Times
Paper Format
- No Writing: ~12:35 p.m.
- With Writing: ~1:35 p.m.
Online Format (April–July 2025)
- No Science, No Writing: ~11:15 a.m.
- With Science OR Writing: ~12:15 p.m.
- With Science AND Writing: ~1:00 p.m.
End Time Notes
- Times are approximate and may vary by test center and administrative factors.
- ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ taking only Writing (not Science) will write their essay at the same time as the Science section.
- ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ taking both Science and Writing will take Science first, then Writing after a short break.
- Actual start and end times depend on check-in efficiency and proctor instructions.
- ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ must remain in the room until each section officially ends, even if they finish early.
Extended Time and Accommodations
The ACT offers accommodations for students with documented disabilities or support needs.
Beginning in 2025, students who qualify for extended time now receive 50% additional time per section—applied section-by-section rather than as one continuous block.
Enhanced ACT Timing with 50% Extended Time
| Section | Standard Time | Extended Time (50%) |
|---|---|---|
| English | 40 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Math | 60 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 52.5 minutes |
| Science (Optional) | 30 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 minutes | 40 minutes |
Total test time with extended time (including breaks): ~5 to 6 hours, depending on which optional sections are taken.
Extended time accommodations alter the pacing but generally follow the same section order.
ACT Timing Section by Section
The 2025 ACT is shorter, but pacing still matters. Your personal pacing strategy will depend on your ACT score goals and what works best for you.
English Section
With 60 questions in 40 minutes, aim for about 40 seconds per question.
Focus first on the questions you find easiest—skipping and returning as needed. Try working the passages out of order. Learn more ACT English tips and tricks .
Math Section
With 60 minutes for 60 questions, pace yourself at 1 minute per question.
Accuracy matters more than speed. Get ACT math practice to refine your timing.
Reading Section
35 questions in 35 minutes means 1 minute per question.
Strong readers should focus on accuracy. Slower readers should identify the easiest questions. Guess if time runs out. Learn some ACT reading strategies .
Science Section (Optional)
30 questions in 30 minutes. Prioritize easier questions.
Be assertive in moving on. Get more ACT Science tips .
Writing Section (Optional Essay)
You’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay.
Use a clear structure and outline first. Read more about how to write the ACT essay .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACT as long as the SAT?
Now that the ACT has been enhanced, it is about as long as the SAT, assuming you’re not taking the optional Science or Writing sections.
How much time do you get per question?
On average, students have ~40–60 seconds per question, depending on the section.
What happens if you run out of time?
You won’t be penalized for guessing. It's better to bubble in answers than leave them blank.
Can you leave early if you finish?
No. ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ must remain in the room until the section officially ends—even if finished early.
Knowing how long the ACT is—and how to manage that time—is a key part of test success. Use practice exams to build your timing strategy, get comfortable with the pacing, and reduce stress on test day.
Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.
Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.
Best 390 Colleges
168,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.