Calculators To Use On Act

This page features an ACT Pacing Calculator to help you manage your time effectively during the exam. We also discuss the official ACT calculator policy, what types of calculators are permitted, and strategies for using them, especially on the ACT math section.

ACT Pacing Calculator

ACT Section Timings & Questions

ACT Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted (Minutes)	Approx. Time Per Question
English	75	45	36 seconds
Math	60	60	60 seconds (1 minute)
Reading	40	35	52 seconds
Science	40	35	52 seconds
Writing (Optional)	1 Essay	40	40 minutes

Standard timing and question counts for each section of the ACT test.

Time Allocation Visualization

Chart showing initial time per question vs. time per remaining question as you progress.

What is an ACT Pacing Calculator?

An ACT Pacing Calculator is a tool designed to help students manage their time effectively during the ACT exam. It calculates the average time you have per question in each section, and more importantly, how much time you have per remaining question as you progress through the test. This is crucial for staying on track and finishing each section within the allotted time. The ACT is a time-pressured exam, and good pacing is key to maximizing your score. Our ACT Pacing Calculator helps you visualize your pace.

Anyone preparing for or taking the ACT should use an ACT Pacing Calculator during practice tests and to understand the timing before the actual exam. It’s especially useful for students who struggle with time management under pressure. Common misconceptions include thinking you need to spend equal time on every question (difficulty varies) or that you can easily catch up if you fall behind – the ACT Pacing Calculator shows how quickly time per remaining question diminishes.

ACT Pacing Calculator Formula and Explanation

The core calculation for the ACT Pacing Calculator is straightforward:

1. Initial Time Per Question: Total Time Allotted (in minutes) / Total Number of Questions
2. Time Remaining: Total Time Allotted – (Time Spent So Far – which we estimate based on questions answered at the initial pace, or more simply by tracking time elapsed)
3. Questions Remaining: Total Number of Questions – Questions Already Answered
4. Time Per Remaining Question: Time Remaining / Questions Remaining

The calculator converts minutes to minutes and seconds for easier understanding.

Variables Used:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range (for ACT)
Total Time Allotted	The duration of the ACT section	Minutes	35 – 60 (40 for Writing)
Total Questions	Number of questions in the section	Count	40 – 75 (1 for Writing)
Questions Answered	Number of questions completed	Count	0 – Total Questions
Time per Question	Average time for each question	Minutes/Seconds	0.6 – 1.0 minutes

Practical Examples

Example 1: ACT Math Section – Starting Out

You start the ACT Math section (60 questions, 60 minutes). You’ve answered 0 questions.

• Inputs: Section=Math, Questions=60, Time=60, Answered=0
• Initial Time Per Question: 60 min / 60 Q = 1 minute per question.
• Our ACT Pacing Calculator would show 1:00 per question.

Example 2: ACT Science Section – Halfway Through

You are in the ACT Science section (40 questions, 35 minutes). You’ve answered 20 questions and 17 minutes have passed (or you are on pace).

• Inputs: Section=Science, Questions=40, Time=35, Answered=20
• Initial Time Per Question: 35 min / 40 Q = 0.875 min = 52.5 seconds.
• Questions Remaining: 40 – 20 = 20
• Assuming you are roughly on pace, Time Remaining: 35/2 = 17.5 mins
• Time Per Remaining Question: 17.5 min / 20 Q = 0.875 min = 52.5 seconds.
• If you were slower, say 20 mins passed: Time Remaining 15 mins, Time per remaining = 15/20 = 0.75 min = 45 seconds. The ACT Pacing Calculator highlights this squeeze.

How to Use This ACT Pacing Calculator

1. Select the Section: Choose the ACT section (Math, Science, English, Reading, Writing) from the dropdown. The number of questions and time will pre-fill, but you can adjust them.
2. Enter Questions Answered: Input how many questions you have completed.
3. View Results: The calculator instantly shows the initial time per question, questions remaining, time remaining (based on ideal pace up to questions answered), and time per remaining question.
4. Adjust and Recalculate: Update “Questions Already Answered” as you progress through practice tests to see how your available time per remaining question changes.

The results help you decide if you need to speed up or if you have a little extra time for harder questions. The ACT Pacing Calculator is a dynamic guide.

Key Factors That Affect ACT Pacing

1. Question Difficulty: Questions vary in difficulty. Don’t expect to spend the exact same time on each. The ACT Pacing Calculator gives an average.
2. Calculator Proficiency (Math): How quickly and accurately you can use your permitted calculator on the ACT math section significantly impacts your timing. See our guide on ACT math tips.
3. Reading Speed (Reading & Science): The Reading and Science sections require processing a lot of text or data quickly. Improving reading speed helps. Explore ACT reading strategies.
4. Answering Strategy: Deciding whether to guess on hard questions or skip and return later affects pacing. The ACT Pacing Calculator can help model these choices.
5. Test Anxiety: Nerves can slow you down or cause careless errors. Practice helps build confidence.
6. Endurance: The ACT is long. Maintaining focus and pace throughout is challenging.

The ACT Calculator Policy

The ACT has a specific policy regarding calculators that can be used during the Math test. It’s crucial to understand this policy before test day to ensure your calculator is permitted.

What Calculators Are Allowed?

Generally, you can use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it’s not on the prohibited list and is modified, if needed (like removing programs or features with CAS). Some models of TI, Casio, and HP are popular.

What Calculators Are NOT Allowed?

• Calculators with built-in or downloaded computer algebra systems (CAS) are generally prohibited (e.g., TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS). Some models are allowed if the CAS is disabled.
• Calculators on cell phones, tablets, laptops, or other electronic devices.
• Calculators with QWERTY keypads.
• Calculators that make noise or require an electrical outlet.

Always check the latest official ACT calculator policy on the ACT website before your test date, as it can be updated. Having a backup calculator is also wise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best calculator to use on the ACT?

The “best” calculator depends on your familiarity. A graphing calculator like the TI-84 Plus is very popular and powerful, but a familiar scientific calculator is better than an unfamiliar graphing one. Ensure it’s permitted.

2. Can I use a TI-89 on the ACT?

No, the TI-89 is generally prohibited because of its built-in CAS. The TI-Nspire CAS is also prohibited.

3. Can I use a TI-84 Plus CE on the ACT?

Yes, the TI-84 Plus family (including the CE) is permitted on the ACT.

4. Do I need a graphing calculator for the ACT?

No, you don’t *need* one. All math questions can be solved without a calculator or with a scientific calculator. However, a graphing calculator can be faster for some problems if you know how to use its features well.

5. When should I use the ACT Pacing Calculator?

Use it during practice tests to develop a sense of timing and to check your pace during different stages of a section.

6. Does the ACT Pacing Calculator account for question difficulty?

No, it provides an average time per question. You’ll need to adjust your time based on the difficulty of the specific question you are working on.

7. What if I fall behind the pace shown by the calculator?

You’ll need to speed up on subsequent, easier questions, or make strategic guesses on very hard ones to catch up.

8. Is the Writing section included in the ACT Pacing Calculator?

Yes, you can select “Writing” to see the time for the essay, though it’s one “question” (the essay itself).

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