SAT and ACT format and scoring compared
The digital SAT takes 2 hours 14 minutes with two sections and is scored 400 to 1600. The ACT’s core test takes about 2 hours 5 minutes, with Science and Writing optional, and is scored 1 to 36. Colleges generally accept either.
Last checked October 2026. Based on test-prep and college-prep guides. Guides disagree on small details such as ACT question counts and when Science became optional, so confirm with act.org and collegeboard.org.
| Digital SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 2 hours 14 minutes | About 2 hours 5 minutes core; 2 hours 45 minutes with Science; 3 hours 25 minutes with both optional sections |
| Sections | Reading and Writing, and Math | English, Math, Reading, plus optional Science and optional Writing |
| Scoring | 400 to 1600, each section 200 to 800 | 1 to 36 composite; Science scored separately if taken |
| Format | Fully digital in the Bluebook app, section-adaptive | Digital or paper, depending on the version |
| Science | No separate section; data interpretation sits in other sections | Optional section, 40 minutes |
| Base fee | $68 | $68, plus $25 Writing and $4 Science |
A side-by-side summary from 2026 guides.
The SAT’s 98 questions and the ACT’s 131 core questions, as one guide counts them, mean the ACT is faster-paced. The College Board and ACT publish a concordance table that maps ACT composite scores to the SAT scale.
Common questions
Which should I take?
Most colleges accept both, so choose on your strengths and preferred pace. A faster-paced test with an optional Science section suits some students, and the digital SAT’s shorter, adaptive format suits others.
Are both tests digital?
The SAT is fully digital, using the Bluebook app. The ACT offers digital and paper options depending on the version.