The ACT’s length depends on whether you include the (now optional) Science section and which version of the test you are taking.
Current ACT timing
For the traditional (legacy) ACT format still used in some administrations, the test with Science but without Writing is about 2 hours 55 minutes of testing time: English (45 minutes), Math (60 minutes), Reading (35 minutes), and Science (35 minutes). If you also take the optional Writing section, add 40 minutes, for a total testing time of about 3 hours 35 minutes, not including check‑in and breaks.
New “enhanced” ACT format
In the newer enhanced ACT format rolling out in 2025, the core test without the optional Science and Writing sections is about 2 hours 5 minutes. In this version, adding the optional Science section makes the test about 2 hours 45 minutes, and adding both Science and Writing brings it to about 3 hours 25 minutes of testing time.
Science section specifics
In the legacy format, the Science section itself is 35 minutes long and includes 40 questions. In the enhanced format where Science is optional, the section is about 40 minutes long with 40 questions, and total ACT time with Science is about 2 hours 45 minutes plus breaks.
Legacy vs enhanced timing
Version / setup| Includes Science?| Includes Writing?| Total testing time|
Notes
---|---|---|---|---
Legacy ACT| Yes| No| ~2h 55m| English 45m, Math 60m, Reading 35m, Science 35m.
29
Legacy ACT| Yes| Yes| ~3h 35m| Adds 40m Writing section to the above. 29
Enhanced ACT (core only)| No| No| ~2h 5m| New shorter format without optional
sections. 37
Enhanced ACT| Yes| No| ~2h 45m| Core plus optional Science. 35
Enhanced ACT| Yes| Yes| ~3h 25m| Core plus Science and Writing. 3
If you share your test date and whether you are taking Writing, the exact total time (with Science) can be pinned down more precisely.