What's on the ACT in 2026: Format, Sections, and Scoring

We may earn a commission if you enroll through our links — at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings. How we make money.

TL;DR

The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Each section varies in duration from 35 to 60 minutes.
Question types include multiple-choice across all sections.
Scoring ranges from 1 to 36, averaged from all sections.
Prep courses like Achievable ACT and ACT 31+ Course offer targeted practice and strategies.

What's on the ACT in 2026?

The ACT in 2026 comprises four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section features multiple-choice questions designed to assess specific academic skills.

Why this matters

Understanding the ACT format and sections is crucial for effective preparation. Knowing what to expect helps you utilize resources such as prep courses more efficiently, enhancing your chances of achieving a higher score. This knowledge also aids in time management during the exam, as you are aware of the duration and style of each section.

ACT Sections Breakdown

English Section

- Duration: 45 minutes - Questions: 75 - Focus: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure - Skills: Usage and mechanics, rhetorical skills

Math Section

- Duration: 60 minutes - Questions: 60 - Focus: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry - Skills: Problem solving, mathematical reasoning

Reading Section

- Duration: 35 minutes - Questions: 40 - Focus: Reading comprehension - Skills: Identifying main ideas, comparing viewpoints

Science Section

- Duration: 35 minutes - Questions: 40 - Focus: Interpretation, analysis, evaluation - Skills: Understanding scientific information, charts, and graphs

ACT Scoring Explained

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 per section. These scores are averaged to calculate a composite score. Each section's performance is crucial as it contributes equally to this average. The writing test, if chosen, is scored separately and does not affect the composite score.

How prep courses help

ACT prep courses are designed to boost both confidence and scores by offering structured practice and strategic insights. Courses like SAT/ACT Group Class provide live instruction, while ACT Essentials Course offers extensive video lessons. For those aiming at higher scores, ACT 31+ Course from The Princeton Review includes a score guarantee to ensure targeted improvements. Comprehensive programs such as ACT Complete Course cover all four sections in depth, ideal for those seeking a thorough understanding.

How to choose prep resources

Consider the following when selecting a prep course:

Duration and format: Decide how much time you can commit and if you prefer live classes or self-paced study.
Cost: Choose a course that fits your budget without compromising on quality.
Content: Ensure the course offers practice tests and reviews specific to your areas of need.
Guarantees: Look for score improvement guarantees, as offered by some providers like Prep Expert and The Princeton Review.

Common questions

How many sections are on the ACT?

The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.

What is the ACT scoring scale?

The ACT uses a 1 to 36 scale for each section, and the average of these scores forms the composite score.

How long is the ACT test?

The ACT test without the writing section lasts about 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Is the ACT writing test mandatory?

No, the ACT writing test is optional and is scored separately.

What types of questions are on the ACT?

The ACT consists of multiple-choice questions across all sections.

Can I retake the ACT?

Yes, you can retake the ACT multiple times to improve your score.