For the current ACT format, the science section itself is 35–40 minutes long and the full ACT “with science” usually lasts about 2 hours 45 minutes, not counting check‑in and breaks. If you also add the optional writing section, the total testing time goes up to around 3 hours 25 minutes.

Quick Scoop

  • The ACT includes core sections in English, Math, and Reading, plus an optional Science section in the latest formats.
  • When you register “with science” (and no writing), plan on roughly 2 hours 45 minutes of actual test time, plus extra time for check‑in and short breaks.
  • If you take both science and the optional writing essay, the test can stretch to about 3 hours 25 minutes of testing time overall.

Science section timing

  • Traditional ACT science timing is 35 minutes for 40 questions, which works out to just under a minute per question.
  • In updated “enhanced” ACT formats, the science‑style portion is listed as a 40‑minute section with 40 questions, still about 1 minute per question.

Full test timing with science

  • Without science or writing, the ACT is about 2 hours 5 minutes of testing time.
  • Adding science only brings you to about 2 hours 45 minutes (165 minutes) of testing time.
  • Adding science and writing can extend the total to about 3 hours 25 minutes (205 minutes) of testing time, plus breaks and check‑in, so your morning is essentially fully booked.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.