ACT vs SAT: Side by Side Comparison
Choosing between the ACT and SAT starts with understanding how each test is built. The table below compares their structure side by side—timing, sections, question types, and tools allowed—so you can see which format better fits your pacing, strengths, and test-day preferences.
| ACT | SAT | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 125–165* mins | 134 mins | ||
| Pace per Question | 53 seconds | 82 seconds | ||
| Multiple Choice | Exclusively | Math write-in questions | ||
| Adaptive | NO | YES | ||
| Sections |
1. English 2. Math 3. Reading 4. *Science (Optional) |
1. Reading & Writing 2. Math (2 modules in each) |
||
| Reading Passages | Four passages 700–900 words each |
~30 passages 70–150 words each |
||
| Calculator | Scientific/Graphing | Desmos | ||
| PreCalc | YES | NO | ||
| Formulas | NO | YES | ||
| Scoring | 1–36 | 400–1600 |