What is the ACT? (Exam Format, Sections & 1–36 Scoring)
Everything you need to know about the ACT exam.
The ACT is a standardized college entrance exam administered by ACT, Inc., scored on a scale of 1 to 36. It consists of 4 mandatory multiple-choice sections — English (45 min), Math (60 min), Reading (35 min), and Science (35 min) — lasting 2 hours and 55 minutes, with an optional 40-minute Essay.
The ACT measures high school curriculum mastery in English, mathematics, reading comprehension, and scientific reasoning.
Step-by-Step Breakdown & Rules
Composite Score Range
1 to 36 (Average of the 4 section scores)
Total Duration
2 hours 55 minutes without Writing (3 hours 35 minutes with Writing)
English Section
75 questions · 45 minutes (Grammar, punctuation, rhetorical skills)
Math Section
60 questions · 60 minutes (Pre-algebra, geometry, algebra II, trig)
Reading Section
40 questions · 35 minutes (4 passages: Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science)
Science Section
40 questions · 35 minutes (Data representation, research summaries, conflicting viewpoints)
Key Takeaways & Pro Tips
Frequently asked questions
Do all US colleges accept the ACT?
Yes, 100% of US colleges and universities accept ACT scores with equal standing to the SAT.
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