ACT and SAT Timing Tips
When it comes to standardized testing, timing is everything. Whether you’re preparing for the ACT or SAT, mastering timing is just as important as mastering content. That’s why these ACT and SAT timing tips are essential to boosting your score and building your confidence in preparation for test day.
ACT vs. SAT: How the Timing Breaks Down
Before diving into tips, let’s look at how each test is structured so you know what you’re up against.
ACT Timing Overview
Section | Time | Questions | Avg. Time per Q* |
English | 45 min | 75 | ~36 sec |
Math | 60 min | 60 | ~60 sec |
Reading | 35 min | 40 | ~52 sec |
Science | 35 min | 40 | ~52 sec |
Writing (Opt.) | 40 min | 1 | N/A |
SAT Timing Overview
Section | Time | Questions | Avg. Time per Q* |
Reading | 65 min | 52 | ~75 sec |
Writing & Language | 35 min | 44 | ~48 sec |
Math (No Calculator) | 25 min | 20 | ~75 sec |
Math (Calculator) | 55 min | 38 | ~87 sec |
Essay (Optional) | 50 min | 1 | N/A |
Note: These are just averages. Some questions take more time, others less. Use these numbers as a guide—not a hard rule.
Mastering Time: Top ACT and SAT Timing Tips
Here’s how to stay calm, focused, and in control when the clock is ticking:
1. Start Smart: Practice Like It’s the Real Thing
- Begin your prep early so you have time to refine your timing.
- Take full-length practice tests in one sitting, under test-like conditions—quiet room, no distractions.
- Get familiar with the layout and format of each section so you’re not figuring things out during the test.
- Build endurance. Timed practice helps you stay sharp through the full exam.
2. Pace Yourself Wisely
- Use a silent (non-beeping) watch to help track time without distractions.
- Keep a mental check on how long you’re spending per question.
- For example, if you’re spending 2–3 minutes on one ACT Math question, it better be worth it.
- Not every question is equal in difficulty, but they are equal in points—manage your time accordingly.
3. Triage Questions Like a Pro
This method is a game-changer. Sort and prioritize test questions based on degree of difficulty.
- Easy Questions: Solve it right away.
- Medium Questions: Try it, but if it’s taking too long, mark it “M,” and move on.
- Hard Questions: Take your best guess, mark it “H,” and circle back only if time allows.
This strategy helps you focus on the questions you can get right first, rather than wasting time on ones that are more difficult.
4. Skip Smarter, Not Stressfully
- If a question stumps you, skip it and move on—don’t let it throw off your rhythm.
- Always bubble in something before the end of the test. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so don’t leave anything blank.
- Mark skipped questions in your test booklet so you can easily come back to them.
- Prioritize points over pride—don’t get stuck just to prove you can solve something hard.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of the Clock
Both the ACT and SAT are designed to test your timing as much as your knowledge. But with these tips, you’re in control.
✔️ Practice with real timing
✔️ Plan your pace for each section
✔️ Don’t let one question throw you off
Now it’s your turn—try these tips in your next practice test and see how much more confident and efficient you become.
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Originally published on December 13, 2019. Updated on May 17, 2025.
