ACT Math exam-day guide
ACT Math · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission ticket or registration confirmation
Print or save your ACT registration confirmation and verify the name matches your ID. Exact acceptance rules vary by test center-confirm with the provider. [needs_review]
Acceptable photo ID
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID. ACT ID requirements are strict and specific-confirm the exact accepted forms with the provider before test day. [needs_review]
Approved calculator
Verify your calculator model against the ACT calculator policy. Graphing and scientific calculators are generally allowed, but CAS, stylus, and communication-capable devices are not. [needs_review]
Spare batteries or backup approved calculator
Fresh batteries for your calculator; a second approved calculator is useful if the first fails.
Several No. 2 pencils and a good eraser
Bring at least three sharpened No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser. Mechanical pencils may be restricted-confirm with the provider. [needs_review]
Non-smart watch
A simple watch helps pace the 60-minute Math section. Smart watches and watches with communication features are not allowed. [needs_review]
Snack and water for the break
Bring a quick snack and water for the scheduled break. Access to food and water varies by site-confirm with the provider. [needs_review]
Test center address and arrival plan
Confirm the exact test center location, parking, and door time. Arrive early; late arrivals may not be admitted. [needs_review]
Layers or comfortable clothing
Room temperatures vary. Dress in layers so you can stay comfortable for the full administration.
Math section format card
Write down: 60 questions in 60 minutes, calculator allowed throughout, no penalty for wrong answers. Review it before the section.
Formula and strategy sheet
Bring a short, self-made review sheet of formulas and pacing rules. Do not bring unauthorized printed materials into the test room-review it before entry only.
Accommodations confirmation
If you have approved accommodations, confirm the details and timing with the provider in advance. [needs_review]
Plan the day
Confirm test center location, arrival time, ID requirements, and calculator policy with the provider. Take one timed 60-question/60-minute Math section under test conditions. Pack your bag and set a sleep schedule.
Pack ID, admission ticket, approved calculator, spare batteries, pencils, eraser, watch, snack, and water. Test the calculator. Do light formula review only-no new topics. Sleep a full night.
Eat breakfast, dress in layers, and leave early. Bring your ID and admission ticket. Turn off your phone and store it according to test center rules-do not bring it into the test room.
60 questions in 60 minutes: about one minute per question. Answer easy questions first, flag and skip time sinks, bubble answers as you go, and watch the clock. Use the calculator only when it saves time. Never leave a blank-there is no penalty for guessing.
Use the scheduled break to eat, drink, and reset. Do not discuss test content with other examinees. Move on mentally to the next section.
Rules to check
Bring acceptable photo ID and your admission ticket. Exact ID and ticket requirements are strict-confirm with the provider before test day. [needs_review]
Phones, smart watches, and other electronics must be off and stored outside the test room. Do not keep them on your person. Confirm the site's storage policy with the provider. [needs_review]
Use only an approved calculator. Calculators may not be shared, and CAS or communication-capable devices are prohibited. Confirm your model against the ACT calculator policy. [needs_review]
There is no penalty for wrong answers on the Math section. Answer every question; a blank is always worse than a guess.
Do not open the test booklet or begin any section until the proctor instructs you. Follow all proctor directions immediately.
Breaks are scheduled by the proctor. Do not take extra breaks or leave the testing area without permission. Confirm the break schedule with the provider. [needs_review]
The Math section is scored 1–36 from the number of correct answers; your composite averages the four multiple-choice sections. The optional Writing test is scored separately.
Do not discuss, record, or share test content before, during, or after the exam. Unauthorized disclosure can invalidate your score.