On the enhanced ACT you get about 42 seconds per English question and about 67 seconds per Math or Reading question. Optional Science is 60 seconds each; the essay is a 40-minute block. Those averages are a budget, not a stopwatch for every item—skip early when a question blows the budget.
Seconds per question
| Section | Questions | Minutes | Average pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 50 | 35 | ~42 seconds |
| Math | 45 | 50 | ~67 seconds |
| Reading | 36 | 40 | ~67 seconds |
| Science (optional) | 40 | 40 | 60 seconds |
| Writing (optional) | 1 essay | 40 | 40 minutes total |
How to use the budget
Easy questions should land under the average so hard ones can go over. If you are still staring at two minutes, guess, flag, and move. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Should you guess on the ACT.
Section tactics
- English: paragraph-by-paragraph so you do not burn 42-second items. Finish English on time.
- Math: later questions are harder; do not donate five minutes to one stem. Running out of time on ACT Math.
- Reading: about 10 minutes per passage. Finish Reading on time. If you never reach passage four, read should you skip a Reading passage.
- Science: figures first, 60 seconds average. Science time management.
Practice the clock, not just the content
Do timed sections weekly in the format you will use on test day. Digital or paper. Stamina for the full morning: build test-taking stamina.
The bottom line
Memorize four numbers: 42, 67, 67, 60. Stay under those averages on easy items, skip when you blow them, and leave a buffer to check flagged questions.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.