How long is the ACT? Every student preparing for such a standardized test is worried about this question. They want to know the total time for the ACT so they can prepare accordingly. After all, time management matters a lot in the ACT so you will need to make sure that you are preparing accordingly. Each section of ACT comes with a time limitation so it is the real enemy of you apart from the questions. Here is the information about the ACT duration and how you can manage time. Continue reading the following.
How Long Is The ACT?
ACT has four sections and each section with a limited time. You will have 2 hours and 55 minutes. There will be 215 questions. However, answering the wrong questions will not result in a penalty. You will also have a 10-minute break between math and reading. Sometimes this can be at the start of the test so you can complete the paperwork. So the total time is around 3 and a half hours.
There will be 45 minutes for the English section. 60 minutes for the math section, reading and science section is 35 minutes for each. If you have opted for an optional writing section as well then you will get additional 40 minutes. This also includes a 5-minute break after the science section.
For the national ACT test dates in spring 2025 and spring 2026 school day tests dates, this section will get shorter and the science section will also become optional.
How Many Questions Are On The Act?
In total, the ACT has 215 questions. With 75 questions in English, 60 questions in math, and 40 questions in reading and science.
| Section | Time | Number of Questions |
| English | 45 minutes | 75 questions |
| Math | 60 minutes | 60 questions |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 40 questions |
| Science | 35 minutes | 40 questions |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 minutes | 1 essay |
| Total | 175 minutes (215 with Writing) | 215 questions + 1 essay |
What Time Does the ACT Start?
The candidate will need to arrive at their test center around 8:00 a.m. Once students have arrived and seated the test will begin at 8:30 a.m. When you register for the ACT online, you will receive your test ticket, which indicates the test time.
How to Manage Time During ACT?
Once you have understood How Long Is The Act the next thing you will need is to manage time for the ACT. This will help you to manage your time better during ACT.
Get Familiarize With the Test Structure
First, you will need to understand how many questions you will have to answer in each section. Knowing this will provide you with a better idea regarding how much time is required for each section.
Allocate Time for Each Section
- English: 45 minutes for 75 questions (about 36 seconds per question).
- Math: 60 minutes for 60 questions (1 minute per question).
- Reading and Science: 35 minutes for 40 questions each (about 52 seconds per question).
Solve Easy Questions
Your focus should be on solving the easier questions. Then you should think about the challenging questions. This will help you to waste your time and prioritize what you know the best.
Practice with Timed Tests
You can also go for the practice ACTs. They are the full-length and times tests that will help you to improve your confidence and speed while managing your time. These practice tests will mimic the test-day scenarios as closely as possible.
Bottom Line
Now you will have an idea about how long is the act. Because it is one of the most important and toughest tests with strict time limitations. Just make sure your time management game is on point so you will act confidently with accuracy.
