ACT Math Overview
What's on ACT Math and how scoring works.
The ACT Math section tests your knowledge and problem-solving skills across a wide range of mathematical concepts typically covered in high school through Algebra II and Trigonometry. You'll have 60 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, which means you'll need to work efficiently—averaging about one minute per question.
The test is now organized into two primary reporting categories: Preparing for Higher Math (57–60%) and Integrating Essential Skills (40–43%).
Preparing for Higher Math is further broken down into five specific subscores: Number & Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics & Probability.
Integrating Essential Skills focuses on pre-algebra concepts (percentages, ratios, definitions) often presented in complex contexts.
Image by Tatyana Makarova on Vecteezy.com
Additionally, questions across all topics may be tagged as Modeling, measuring your ability to apply math to real-world scenarios.
While questions generally trend from easier to harder, difficulty is subjective; you may encounter challenging "Modeling" problems earlier in the test or straightforward geometry questions later on.
Image by sweet_tomato2508356316 on Vecteezy.com
Understanding how ACT Math is scored is crucial for setting realistic goals. Your raw score (the number of questions you answer correctly) is converted to a scaled score ranging from 1 to 36. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so it is always worth making an educated guess if you are running out of time. The Math section score is then averaged with your scores from English, Reading, and Science to calculate your composite ACT score. Most colleges consider both your Math section score and your composite score when making admissions decisions.
Success on the ACT Math section comes from a combination of content knowledge, strategic problem-solving, and time management. While you need to understand core mathematical concepts, you also need to recognize common question patterns and know when to use calculator shortcuts or estimation techniques. Since a significant portion of the test involves Modeling, practicing how to translate wordy scenarios into mathematical equations is vital. Many students find that targeted practice on the specific Preparing for Higher Math sub-categories—combined with full-length practice tests—helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses effectively.