Achievable logoAchievable logo
ACT
Sign in
Sign up
Purchase
Textbook
Practice exams
Support
How it works
Resources
Exam catalog
Mountain with a flag at the peak
Textbook
Introduction
1. ACT Math
1.1 ACT math intro
1.1.1 Overview
1.1.2 Test format
1.1.3 Time management
1.1.4 Understanding word problems
1.1.5 General test-taking strategies
1.2 Pre-algebra
1.3 Elementary algebra
1.4 Intermediate algebra
1.5 Plane geometry
1.6 Coordinate geometry
1.7 Trigonometry
2. ACT English
3. ACT Reading
4. ACT Science
5. ACT Writing
Wrapping up
Achievable logoAchievable logo
1.1.2 Test format
Achievable ACT
1. ACT Math
1.1. ACT math intro

Test format

2 min read
Font
Discuss
Share
Feedback

The test’s structure

The ACT Math section has 60 questions and a 60-minute time limit. We’re teaching it first because it’s the top priority for most students, even though it’s actually the second of the four sections on the exam.

Sidenote
Get familiar with your calculator

You can (and should) use a calculator if it helps you solve questions more quickly. Use the same calculator you’re practicing with on test day.

The ACT calculator policy explains which calculators are allowed.

ACT Math questions can be roughly divided by difficulty into easy, medium, and hard.

Questions 1-20 are mainly easy, questions 21-40 are mostly medium, and questions 41-60 are mostly hard. Because the test generally gets harder as you go, it usually makes sense to work from beginning to end and plan for the later questions to take more time.

Question categories

The questions aren’t grouped by category on the exam, but it helps to know the breakdown so you can spot your strengths and weaknesses. Some categories appear more often than others.

  • Pre-algebra: Very common
  • Elementary algebra: Very common
  • Intermediate algebra: Very common
  • Plane geometry: Common
  • Coordinate geometry: Common
  • Trigonometry: Uncommon

Since you’ll be tested on everything, you need to learn and practice every category. At the same time, it’s useful to think about how much each area affects your score. For example, trigonometry might be your weakest subject, but there are relatively few trigonometry questions. If you’re also weak in geometry, practicing geometry may raise your score more because those questions appear more often.

All rights reserved ©2016 - 2026 Achievable, Inc.