The standard ACT is a little under 3 hours of testing time, but the whole experience runs closer to 3½ hours, and about 4 hours if you add the optional writing section.
Core test length
The main ACT has four required multiple‑choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. These sections add up to about 2 hours 55 minutes of testing time, not counting breaks. With check‑in, instructions, and the built‑in break, most students should expect to be at the test center for roughly 3½ hours if they are not taking writing.
With optional writing
If you choose the optional ACT Writing (essay), you get an additional 40 minutes of testing time. Including the extra short break before writing plus paperwork, the total time at the test center is close to 4 hours.
By section
Typical section times on the long‑standing version of the ACT are:
- English: 45 minutes
- Math: 60 minutes
- Reading: 35 minutes
- Science: 35 minutes
- Writing (optional): 40 minutes
All together this is about 2 hours 55 minutes without writing and 3 hours 35 minutes with writing, not counting check‑in and instructions.