How Long Is The ACT?

Key Takeaways

• The Enhanced ACT takes 2 hours 15 minutes for the core test or up to 3 hours 25 minutes if you also do the optional sections.
• Section timing varies from 35-50 minutes, depending on the section.
• The test consists of 215 questions, which are broken up into 4 mandatory sections and 1 optional section.
• Accommodations for extended time can give 50% extra time per section for qualifying students.

The ACT can feel overwhelming. There are 215 questions across several sections, each with its own time limit. However, knowing how long the ACT takes and how each section works can help you stay calm and do your best.

In this guide, we explain the test schedule, timing for each section, optional essay, and recent test changes. Keep reading to see what to expect and how to pace yourself on test day.

What Is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test used by colleges across the U.S. It measures skills in several core areas. Many colleges use it to see how ready you are for college-level work.

Here’s what the ACT tests:

• English: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and revising short paragraphs
• Math: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and other high-school-level math skills
• Reading: Comprehension and reasoning with evidence from passages
• Science (Optional): Interpreting graphs, tables, and research
• Writing (Optional): Persuasive essay assessing writing and organization skills

Colleges use your ACT scores for admission, placement, and scholarships. Understanding the different ACT sections and timing can help you pace yourself well.

What Is New in the ACT?

In 2025, the ACT updated its format in the following ways:

• The mandatory science section is now optional.
• The core test is shorter. It is now 2 hours 15 minutes instead of nearly 3 hours.
• Optional sections like science and writing can still be added.
• Digital testing rolled out in April 2025. Paper tests started in September 2025.
• School-day testing will use the Enhanced ACT starting in spring 2026.

These changes mean students need to adjust their test-day strategy. The old version is now called the Legacy ACT, and the new version is the Enhanced ACT. If you’re considering an English or Science major in college, you may want to take the optional sections.

Enhanced ACT vs. Legacy ACT Timing

Understanding how much time you have for each section is key to pacing yourself during the test. The Enhanced ACT is shorter than the Legacy version, but optional sections like Science and Writing can add extra time.

Use the tables below to see how many questions you’ll answer, how much time you have, and approximately how long each question takes.

Enhanced ACT Timing Table

Legacy ACT Timing Table

By comparing the two formats, you can see where pacing matters most. Sections like Math and Science give you about a minute per question, whereas English and Reading require quicker answers. Practicing your timing can build speed, confidence, and test-day stamina, so you can focus on accuracy without feeling rushed.

Standard Test Day Schedule

Knowing the timing of the entire test day can help you plan and stay as relaxed as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

How To Use Your Time Wisely

When you’re taking the ACT, it’s important to use your time wisely. Here are some helpful tips to remember for test day:

• Move quickly through the questions you know.
• Don’t spend too much time on questions you find tricky.
• Return to harder questions after finishing easier ones.
• Guess if you’re unsure. There’s no penalty for wrong answers.

If you pace yourself with these test-taking strategies, you can answer all of the questions without feeling overwhelmed.

Extended Time and Accommodations

Students who qualify for ACT accommodations can receive 50% extra time per section. This extra time is applied section by section. Extended time may bring the full test to 5-6 hours, depending on which optional sections are taken.

To request accommodations:

• Work with your school to gather supporting documents.
• Submit your request by the late registration deadline.
• Wait for approval from ACT. Requests cannot be granted on test day.

If your accommodations are approved, make sure to review the details carefully. You will find out exactly how much time you will have for each section. Planning ahead and practicing for the ACT with this extended time can help you feel more confident and perform your best on test day.

Tips To Perform Your Best on the ACT

The best way to build confidence and speed is by taking timed ACT practice tests. Practicing under the same time constraints as the real test can be beneficial. You can spot where you’re strong and where you need improvement.

Tips to prepare for the ACT include:

• Practice with your friends to keep studying engaging.
• Review missed questions carefully to understand why you got them wrong.
• Focus extra time on weaker sections while reinforcing your strengths.
• Try a full-length practice test with breaks, so you know what it will feel like on test day.

By test day, you can be ready to manage your time well and answer with confidence. These tips can help you perform your best on the ACT.

How to Sign Up for the ACT

Signing up for the ACT is easy:

1. Pick a test date that works with your schedule.
2. Head to act.org to create an account.
3. Submit your student information and registration details.
4. Add your test date to your calendar so you don’t forget!

Planning ahead helps reduce stress and ensures you’re ready on test day.

Feel Confident Heading Into the ACT

Knowing the timing, structure, and pacing of the ACT can make a big difference. Practice with helpful resources and timed tests. Take note of your strengths and focus on building your weaker areas. You can use the strategies outlined in this guide to manage each section confidently.

Don’t forget: College Raptor can help simplify your college search. Try our FREE College Match tool to explore schools and discover your acceptance odds. Our tools can help you plan for your future while you focus on doing your best on the ACT.