The ACT Math test: what's on it and how to prepare

The enhanced ACT is shorter than the old test, and Math moved from five answer choices to four.

ACT groups math questions into reporting categories. In practice, expect:

• Algebra: linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, and graphs of lines.
• Functions: function notation, quadratics, exponential growth and decay, polynomials and transformations.
• Geometry: angles, triangles, circles, area and volume, coordinate geometry and right-triangle trigonometry.
• Statistics and probability: averages, data in tables and charts, and probability.
• Number and quantity: ratios, rates and percentages, units, exponents and radicals, and real and complex numbers.

Some questions combine several skills in a real-world context, and some ask you to choose or interpret a model.

You can use a calculator for the whole Math section, as long as it meets ACT's calculator policy. Graphing and scientific calculators are generally fine; calculators with computer algebra systems and devices with internet access or a keyboard are not. Check the current policy on ACT's website before test day.

A calculator saves time on arithmetic, but most questions are faster if you set up the algebra first and only then calculate.

• First pass: answer every question you can do in under a minute. Flag the long ones.
• Second pass: return to the flagged questions with the time left.
• Last two minutes: fill in an answer for anything left blank. There's no penalty for wrong answers.

Every question is worth the same, so don't let one sticking point eat the time you need for three easier ones.

1. Take a timed baseline. Our free ACT Math practice tests use the enhanced format: 45 questions in 50 minutes with worked explanations.
2. Sort your mistakes into content gaps (you didn't know the method), slips (you knew it but went wrong) and time (you ran out).
3. Fix content gaps by topic. Our maths topic guides explain each method with worked examples and practice.
4. Learn the formulas you need. ACT doesn't give a formula sheet, so know area, volume, the Pythagorean theorem, SOH-CAH-TOA, slope and the quadratic formula.
5. Use ACT's official practice material for at least one full test.
6. Retake a timed test every week or two and track your score.

Colleges that consider test scores accept either test. SAT Math gives more time per question (about 95 seconds), includes some student-produced response questions and is adaptive; ACT Math is a single 50-minute section of multiple-choice questions. If you're unsure, take a practice test of each: see our ACT vs SAT guide and our free Digital SAT practice tests.