No Formula Sheet Provided
Unlike the SAT, the ACT does not give you a reference sheet with formulas. You need to memorize key formulas for area, volume, circles, and trigonometry before test day.
Topic Breakdown
Questions are arranged roughly from easiest to hardest. Here is what you will encounter across the six content areas.
Pre-Algebra
~14 questions (20–25%)
- Basic operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
- Percentages, ratios, and proportions
- Absolute value and number line concepts
- Mean, median, mode, and basic probability
- Simple data interpretation from charts and graphs
Elementary Algebra
~10 questions (15–20%)
- Solving linear equations and inequalities
- Properties of exponents and square roots
- Evaluating algebraic expressions by substitution
- Translating word problems into equations
- Factoring simple polynomials
Intermediate Algebra
~9 questions (15–20%)
- Quadratic equations (factoring, formula, completing the square)
- Systems of equations (substitution and elimination)
- Functions: notation, domain, range, composition
- Matrices, complex numbers, and sequences
- Logarithmic and exponential expressions
Coordinate Geometry
~9 questions (15–20%)
- Graphing and properties of linear equations (slope, intercepts)
- Distance and midpoint formulas
- Equations of circles, parabolas, and ellipses
- Transformations and reflections on the coordinate plane
- Parallel and perpendicular line relationships
Plane Geometry
~14 questions (20–25%)
- Angles: supplementary, complementary, vertical, and parallel line angles
- Triangles: properties, similarity, congruence, Pythagorean theorem
- Circles: area, circumference, arcs, central angles, inscribed angles
- Polygons: area and perimeter of rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids
- Volume and surface area of 3D solids
Trigonometry
~4 questions (5–10%)
- Sine, cosine, tangent and their reciprocals
- Trigonometric identities and equations
- Right triangle trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA)
- Unit circle values and radian measure
- Graphs of trigonometric functions
Tips & Strategies
Expert advice for ACT Math
Use Your Calculator Wisely
Calculator is allowed for the entire section, but many questions are faster solved mentally. Use it to check, not compute everything.
One Minute Per Question
With 60 questions in 60 minutes, budget one minute each. Flag difficult questions and return to them.
Plug In Answer Choices
When an algebraic question has numerical answer choices, plug them back into the equation. Start with C (the middle value).
Draw Diagrams
For geometry problems without figures, sketch one. For problems with figures, add measurements and mark equal sides or angles.
Estimate Before Solving
Eliminate obviously wrong answers by estimating. If a triangle side is around 5, answers like 50 or 0.5 are likely wrong.
Know Your Formulas
Unlike the SAT, the ACT does NOT provide a formula reference sheet. Memorize area, volume, and trig formulas beforehand.