act essay time

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Time is your enemy on the ACT, and you have to use it wisely. After all, how often do you take a test in school with a minute or less per question? Don’t panic! Get  the ACT timing tips you need to manage your pace throughout each section of the test.

How long does the ACT take?

The ACT is 3 hours long (technically 2 hours and 55 minutes). Including breaks, the exam takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. If you sign up for the optional essay (the ACT Plus Writing ), the test clocks in at 3 hours and 40 minutes or just over 4 hours with breaks.

Here’s how your time is broken up by section:

How many questions are on the ACT?

The ACT has a total of 215 questions with 1 optional essay. The English section has 75 questions, the math section has 60 questions and the reading and science sections both have 40 questions.

What Time Does the ACT Start?

ACT test-takers are required to report to their test center by 8:00 am. The test begins after students are checked in and seated, usually by 8:30 am. Note that if you are taking the test on the computer, you may be taking the ACT at different times, including in the afternoon—be sure to look at your test ticket after you register for the ACT.

Finding the Right Pace for You

Your personal pacing strategy will depend on:

• your  ACT score goals
• what works best for you

See what’s working and what’s not by taking practice tests. We’ve got a free ACT practice test right here. Here are some ACT timing tips to keep in mind as you practice for your test date:

Read More: What's a Good ACT Score?

English Test

The most important thing is to finish. Try finding all the easy questions (the ones you know how to do) on the English Test first. Learn more about working questions out of order in our ACT Tips and Tricks article.

Spend more time to do fewer questions, and you’ll raise your accuracy. How do you know if you’re going too fast? Check your practice tests for careless errors on questions you should have gotten right. Get some ACT math practice here .

Reading Test

Practice extensively to find the pace that works best for you on the Reading Test . 

• Some students are slow but good readers. If you take 35 minutes to do fewer passages, you could get all of the questions right for each passage you do.
• Other students could take hours to work each passage and never get all the questions right. But if you find all the questions you can do on each passage (and guess on the rest of the questions), you could hit your target score.

Science Test

The ACT science test may have either 6 or 7 passages. Be aggressive and keep moving! Spend the time needed to ace the easiest passages first. Then move on the more difficult passages. Even on hard passages, work the the questions that look easiest first.

Read More: How to Write the ACT Essay

Writing Test (the Essay)

Outlining your essay before you write will keep you on track. Plus, organization is key to a great ACT writing score —you'll be doing yourself a big favor!

Remember, there is no guessing penalty on the ACT. Always mark an answer even if you don’t “work” the problem.

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How Long Is the ACT? | ACT Expert Guide

Getting ready for the ACT exam goes beyond just reviewing trigonometry and grammar rules. Doing well on the ACT requires pacing and stamina so you can keep up your focus over hours of testing. So just how long is the ACT test? And how many questions do you have to answer per minute? Learn the ins and outs of ACT timing so you know how to maximize your time on the ACT. 

ACT Test Length

The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long (or 175 minutes), but 3 hours and 35 minutes long (215 minutes) if you take the ACT Plus Writing. Each section is given in one chunk and takes between thirty and sixty minutes. 

You will receive just one 10-minute break after the Math section  and a 5-minute break after the multiple-choice sections if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing. Definitely use that time to stretch, drink some water, and have a snack, since you will be testing for over an hour before and after the break.

Time Pressure on the ACT

Despite the fact that the ACT is almost three hours long (or three and a half hours if you take the ACT Plus Writing), the time pressure can be intense.

This table illustrates about how much time you have to spend on each question on the ACT. Of course, in practice, your pacing will vary depending on question type and difficulty. But this gives you an idea of just how much you need to accomplish during each minute of the ACT.

The ACT’s sections are given in single chunks. This means that developing your stamina and focus will be key to doing well on the ACT. You could be the best mathematician in the world, but that won’t mean anything on the ACT unless you can work quickly and keep your energy up for a full hour of math problems .

Preparing for Each Section

Let's talk about how to hone your time management skills on each of the four sections.

The English subject area will feel the fastest since you have to answer 75 questions in just 45 minutes. Especially if this is a challenging subject for you, take time to practice not only the content but the pacing of this section. To improve your speed, start by giving yourself unlimited time on practice English sections . Then narrow that time to 60 minutes. Finally decrease that to 45 minutes. This will help you build accuracy and speed as well as get comfortable with the ACT’s format.

The ACT math section has 60 questions in 60 minutes. This is nice because it will be easy to keep track of pacing – try to average one question per minute. Similar to the English section, if that speed is difficult for you, start by giving yourself unlimited time to get used to the type of Math questions the ACT asks, then decrease that to 75 minutes, and finally 60. The goal is to increase speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Reading and Science

Although they test very different subject areas, the ACT’s Reading and Science sections are formatted very similarly. Both sections deal with breaking down information – whether that is a chart, research report or a longer passage. As you study, develop a system . Will you skim the passage or chart first and then read the questions, or will you read the questions first and then look at the information?

Both systems can work equally well, so try both and figure out which one works best for you. Once you choose your system, practice so you can execute it smoothly. The goal is to be able to very quickly break down passages and data without going so fast that you make mistakes.

Dealing With Fatigue

The best way to prepare for the ACT’s intense pacing, and to increase your test-taking stamina, is to take full, strictly-timed practice tests . If you can, take these on Saturday mornings, so you can prepare for your energy level during that time of day.

Taking practice tests will help you get used to the ACT’s format and pacing, especially in the English section where you have about 36 seconds per question. When you are taking practice tests, simulate actual test conditions as much as possible. Bubble in your answers to account for the slight bit of time that will take.

Finally, if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing, practice writing your essay after you do all of the multiple-choice sections. Yes, it’s definitely tough to write an essay after nearly three hours of multiple choice, but that's what you will have to do on test day. Practicing beforehand will give you the best chance of  focusing and overcoming fatigue on the day of the ACT.

Mark your calendar – Saturdays are for practice tests!  

Test Day Tips to Deal With ACT Length

The day of the test, you'll have woken up early that morning (possibly after being nervous and not sleeping well). You'll be two hours into the test, and you might feel an energy crash. What do you do?

Here are quick tips:

• Eat a nutritious breakfast that isn't too greasy or sweet. Complex carbohydrates can give you lasting energy.
• Always take advantage of breaks. Use the restroom even if you don't fully feel like you need to, since you don't want to have to use the bathroom in the middle of the test.
• Bring a snack and water so you can replenish your energy and thirst without wandering through the school halls.

What’s Next?

Looking for ACT practice tests? We've compiled links to free, official ACT practice tests . 

Now that you are prepared for the ACT’s pacing, get other advice for doing your best on test day. Read our test day tips so you can be both mentally and physically prepared for the ACT.

Where is the best place to take the ACT? Read our guide to find the best testing location near you.

What's a good ACT score? Read our guide to figure out the ACT target score you should be aiming for .

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Halle Edwards graduated from Stanford University with honors. In high school, she earned 99th percentile ACT scores as well as 99th percentile scores on SAT subject tests. She also took nine AP classes, earning a perfect score of 5 on seven AP tests. As a graduate of a large public high school who tackled the college admission process largely on her own, she is passionate about helping high school students from different backgrounds get the knowledge they need to be successful in the college admissions process.

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The ACT Test: Format, Timing & Question Types

The ACT is a college entrance exam that many colleges and universities in the United States use as part of the college admissions process. Looking for basic information about the ACT test format? We've got it!

The ACT is a standardized test that measures a student's skills in five core areas: English, math, reading, science, and writing (optional). Students in grades 11 and 12 take the ACT so that they can submit their scores to colleges as part of the college application process.

The ACT is composed of four multiple-choice sections-English, Math, Reading, and Science-and one optional essay section-Writing. Total testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes for the ACT without Writing and 3 hours and 35 minutes for the ACT with Writing. The breakdown of each section is as follows:

Related Topics

• For more specific information about the ACT English section, visit our ACT English page.
• For more specific information about the ACT Writing section, visit our ACT Writing page.

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Writing Test Description for the ACT

If you register for the ACT with writing, you will take the writing section after the four multiple-choice sections. Your score in the writing section will not affect your scores on the multiple-choice or your Composite score.

The writing section is a 40-minute essay test that measures your writing skills—specifically, writing skills taught in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.

The section consists of one writing prompt that describes a complex issue and provides three different perspectives on the issue. You are asked to read the prompt and write an essay in which you develop your own perspective on the issue. Your essay must analyze the relationship between your own perspective and one or more other perspectives. You may adopt one of the perspectives given in the prompt as your own, or you may introduce one that is completely different from those given. Your score will not be affected by the perspective you take on the issue.

Five scores are reported for the writing section: a single subject-level writing score reported on a scale of 2–12, and four domain scores that are based on an analytic scoring rubric. The subject score is the rounded average of the four domain scores. The four writing domains are:

Writing Skills Measured by the ACT Writing Test

Ideas and analysis.

Scores in this domain reflect the ability to generate productive ideas and engage critically with multiple perspectives on the given issue. Competent writers understand the issue they are invited to address, the purpose for writing, and the audience. They generate ideas that are relevant to the situation.

Development and Support

Scores in this domain reflect the ability to discuss ideas, offer rationale, and bolster an argument. Competent writers explain and explore their ideas, discuss implications, and illustrate through examples. They help the reader understand their thinking about the issue.

Organization

Scores in this domain reflect the ability to organize ideas with clarity and purpose. Organizational choices are integral to effective writing. Competent writers arrange their essay in a way that clearly shows the relationship between ideas, and they guide the reader through their discussion.

Language Use and Conventions

Scores in this domain reflect the ability to use written language to convey arguments with clarity. Competent writers make use of the conventions of grammar, syntax, word usage, and mechanics. They are also aware of their audience and adjust the style and tone of their writing to communicate effectively. See  sample essays  or read   test tips .

Get more information about how the writing test is scored .

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How Long Is the ACT?

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/29/24

You’ve aced your classes, sought out meaningful extracurricular activities, and each day brings you closer to your high school graduation. One of the only obstacles left is your college entrance exam: the ACT. Read on to learn about the ACT test’s duration!

College entrance exams are a significant stepping stone to meeting your college application requirements. You have two options: the SAT or the ACT. If you decided the ACT is more your speed, you probably want to know how long you'll be glued to your desk on test day.

Read on to learn more about the ACT, including how many hours you’ll spend completing the test, how many questions you’ll answer, and more. 

How Long Does the ACT Take?

The ACT is 3 hours long , though it's 2 hours and 55 minutes of active testing time. Including breaks, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to finish. If you choose to sign up for the optional essay (the ACT Plus Writing), the test will be about 3 hours and 40 minutes long, or just over 4 hours with breaks.

How Long is Each Section of the ACT?

Minus the essay you would write if you decide to take the ACT with writing, the entire test has 215 questions . Here's a breakdown showing how many questions are in each section. 

Source: ACT.org  

The ACT English section has the most questions for you to answer. Given this information, you have 52 seconds , on average, to complete each question across all sections. However, some questions may be more straightforward or complex, taking more or less time. 

How long each ACT section takes for you to answer depends on your proficiency and time management skills. 

How Long Is the ACT Test With Writing? 

Now that you have a breakdown of the ACT’s timing, you’re probably how long the ACT is with writing. If you decide to try your hand at the optional essay question, be prepared to add 40 minutes to your time. 

Suppose you're feeling burnt out after spending three hours trailblazing through multiple-choice questions. In that case, you'll have the opportunity to relax and sharpen your pencils before taking a stab at the writing section. Students who decide to take the writing section are typically dismissed at approximately 1:35 p.m.

Whether or not you choose to do the writing section is entirely up to you and your school list. Most colleges, including many of the country's top-ranked schools, don't require the writing test. However, it's best to do adequate college research and ensure no school on your list requires the writing test before you opt-out. 

How Long Is the ACT With Extended Time? 

So, how much longer is the ACT with extended time if you've requested accommodations? Through National Extended Time, students are allowed 50% more time on each ACT section. 

This means that a test-taker who is granted National Extended Time will have : 

• 70 minutes to complete English 
• 90 minutes to complete Math
• 55 minutes to complete Reading
• 55 minutes to complete Science 

If you take the writing test with extended time, you'll have 60 minutes to complete one essay. This is a relatively new addition to the ACT's policy. 

Before that, students had five hours total to self-pace through the ACT. However, studies found, "Having to pace themselves requires an additional demand of them beyond what is required of examinees testing with standard time or other types of extended time." This finding was what inspired ACT to change the policy in 2018. 

ACT Timing Tips

To answer 215 questions in the allotted time, you’ll need to implement some test-taking strategies to keep yourself on track. You can save time on the test with these ACT timing tips:

Skimming passages : Try reading every passage's first and last sentence and skimming the rest first. There will be times you need to read more carefully, but this is a great way to save time. After all, the ACT requires a lot of reading. 

Cross out answers you know aren't correct : This can help you focus your thinking and help you get to the correct answer sooner. 

Start with more straightforward questions : No rule says you have to complete all questions in order. Feel free to leave the more complex questions that require more time for the end. 

Move on if you’re stuck : This common ACT pitfall can lead to lower scores and more frustration. If you feel you’re spending too much time on a question, move on and return to it later. 

This can seem like a lot of content to cover in three short hours; however, learning more about the ACT’s format and honing your skills can help you navigate the test with speed and accuracy. 

For the best advice on how to master each section of the exam, meet with our experts for efficient ACT tutoring . We curated a team of only the best ACT scorers to help you ace the test with confidence.

If you’ve used these strategies and your score isn’t increasing, try to implement some ACT score-boosting tactics . You may also want to consider taking our ACT Practice Questions to familiarize yourself with the format of ACT questions.

FAQs: The ACT’s Length 

If you still have questions about how long the ACT is, check out these FAQs! 

1. How Long Is the ACT Without Writing? 

The ACT without the optional Writing section takes 2 hours and 55 minutes of active testing time. When you factor in the 10-minute break after the Math section, administrative tasks like filling out personal information, and the check-in process, the total time from start to finish is approximately 3.5 hours.

2. How Can I Get Extended Time On the ACT? 

You’ll need to work with a school official to submit a request for ACT accommodations , including extra time. 

3. How Many Hours Do I Have to Complete the ACT? 

You have 2 hours and 55 minutes of active testing time to complete the ACT without the optional Writing section.

This breaks down as follows:

• English : 45 minutes for 75 questions
• Math : 60 minutes for 60 questions
• Reading : 35 minutes for 40 questions
• Science : 35 minutes for 40 questions

In total, there are 215 multiple-choice questions across the four required ACT sections.

4. How Many Breaks Are Given During the ACT Exam?

The ACT exam includes one scheduled 10-minute break between the Math and Reading sections. This break occurs halfway through the test after students have completed the English and Math sections which take a combined 105 minutes.

Final Thoughts 

The ACT is a long and challenging test that requires your focus for at least three hours. Now that you know how long the ACT is with and without the writing test and with extended time, you can plan accordingly as you study.

Remember, the ACT is a marathon, not a sprint. Build endurance and focus using practice tests, well-tailored study strategies, and schedules. With enough preparation and endurance, you’ll be ready to ace the ACT in no time! 

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