The ACT evaluates a student’s readiness for college across multiple sections, including Math and Science, which require a solid grasp of key formulas and concepts. While the ACT doesn’t provide an official formula sheet, memorizing essential math and science formulas can significantly boost your performance. This guide compiles the most critical formulas for the ACT Math and Science sections, along with tips to apply them effectively, helping you tackle the test with confidence.

Why You Need a Formula Sheet

The ACT Math section tests algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus, often requiring quick recall of formulas to solve problems efficiently within the 60-minute, 60-question timeframe. The Science section, while more focused on data interpretation, occasionally involves calculations requiring basic scientific formulas, especially in physics, chemistry, or biology-related passages. Since time is tight, knowing these formulas by heart allows you to solve problems accurately without second-guessing.

💡 Tip: Download official ACT practice tests to see how formulas are tested in real questions.

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Essential ACT Math Formulas

Below are the must-know formulas for the ACT Math section, organized by topic. These cover approximately 90% of the concepts tested, based on official ACT practice materials.

👉 For quick review, check Khan Academy’s free ACT Math practice (though designed for the SAT, much of the math overlaps).

Arithmetic and Number Properties

1. Percentage: Part = (Percent/100) × Whole
2. Average (Mean): Sum of terms / Number of terms
3. Percent Change: [(New Value – Original Value) / Original Value] × 100
4. Ratio: Part:Whole or Part/Whole (used in proportion problems)

Algebra

1. Slope of a Line: m = (y₂ – y₁) / (x₂ – x₁)
2. Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b (m = slope, b = y-intercept)
3. Quadratic Formula: x = [-b ± √(b² – 4ac)] / 2a (for ax² + bx + c = 0)
4. Distance Formula: √[(x₂ – x₁)² + (y₂ – y₁)²]
5. Midpoint Formula: [(x₁ + x₂)/2, (y₁ + y₂)/2]
6. Exponent Rules:

• a^m × a^n = a^(m+n)
• a^m / a^n = a^(m-n)
• (a^m)^n = a^(m×n)
• a^0 = 1

Geometry

1. Area of a Rectangle: A = length × width
2. Area of a Triangle: A = (1/2) × base × height
3. Area of a Circle: A = πr²
4. Circumference of a Circle: C = 2πr or πd
5. Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c² (for right triangles)
6. Area of a Trapezoid: A = (1/2) × (base₁ + base₂) × height
7. Volume of a Rectangular Prism: V = length × width × height
8. Volume of a Cylinder: V = πr²h
9. Surface Area of a Cylinder: SA = 2πr² + 2πrh
10. Special Right Triangles:

• 30-60-90: Sides = x, x√3, 2x
• 45-45-90: Sides = x, x, x√2

Trigonometry

1. SOHCAHTOA
2. sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1
3. 180° = π radians
4. Common Trig Values

Probability and Statistics

1. Probability: P(event) = Favorable outcomes / Total outcomes
2. Combinations: C(n, r) = n! / [r!(n-r)!]
3. Permutations: P(n, r) = n! / (n-r)!

Essential ACT Science Formulas

The ACT Science section primarily tests data analysis, but certain passages may require calculations. Below are key formulas that occasionally appear, especially in physics or chemistry contexts:

1. Speed = Distance / Time
2. Density = Mass / Volume
3. Force: F = mass × acceleration (Newton’s Second Law)
4. Percent Error = [(|Experimental – Actual| / Actual)] × 100
5. Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT
6. pH Formula = -log[H⁺]
7. Kinetic Energy = (1/2)mv²

👉 Want practice? Use Varsity Tutors’ free ACT Science questions to apply these formulas in context.

Tips for Mastering Formulas on the ACT

1. Memorize Efficiently – Try Quizlet ACT formula flashcards for quick daily reviews.
2. Practice Application – Solve problems with official ACT practice tests.
3. Understand, Don’t Just Memorize – Watch breakdowns on PatrickJMT’s YouTube channel for algebra/geometry refreshers.
4. Time Management – Train with 1-minute drills from Kaplan’s ACT resources.
5. Use the Calculator Wisely – Familiarize yourself with TI-84 ACT calculator tips.
6. Check Units in Science – Use ACT.org’s science prep guide to practice unit conversions.

Final Thoughts

While the ACT doesn’t provide a formula sheet, mastering these 34 essential math and science formulas equips you to handle the majority of problems in both sections. Combine memorization with practice using prep books from Princeton Review or Kaplan, and leverage free video lessons on Khan Academy to strengthen weak areas. By internalizing these formulas and applying them strategically, you’ll approach the ACT with confidence, maximizing your score potential in the Math and Science sections.

ACT Test Formula Sheet & Math Prep FAQs

1. Is there a formula sheet for the ACT?

No, the ACT does not provide a formula sheet during the test. Unlike some other exams (like the SAT, which gives a reference sheet), students must memorize key math formulas.

2. Do I need to memorize formulas for the ACT?

Yes. Since no formula sheet is given, you’ll need to memorize important formulas for algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. However, the test is designed around commonly used formulas that most students encounter in high school math.

3. What are the 12 algebraic formulas I should know for the ACT?

Some must-know algebraic formulas include:

• Slope formula: m=y2−y1x2−x1m = \frac{y_2 – y_1}{x_2 – x_1}m=x2​−x1​y2​−y1​​
• Slope-intercept form: y=mx+by = mx + by=mx+b
• Quadratic formula: x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 – 4ac}}{2a}x=2a−b±b2−4ac​​
• Difference of squares: a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b)a^2 – b^2 = (a – b)(a + b)a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b)
• Point-slope form: y−y1=m(x−x1)y – y_1 = m(x – x_1)y−y1​=m(x−x1​)
• Distance formula: d=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2d = \sqrt{(x_2 – x_1)^2 + (y_2 – y_1)^2}d=(x2​−x1​)2+(y2​−y1​)2​
• Midpoint formula: (x1+x22,y1+y22)\left(\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2}\right)(2×1​+x2​​,2y1​+y2​​)
• Exponent rules: am⋅an=am+na^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}am⋅an=am+n
• Logarithm rule: log⁡a(xy)=log⁡ax+log⁡ay\log_a (xy) = \log_a x + \log_a yloga​(xy)=loga​x+loga​y
• Factoring quadratics: ax2+bx+c=(px+q)(rx+s)ax^2 + bx + c = (px + q)(rx + s)ax2+bx+c=(px+q)(rx+s)
• Arithmetic sequence: an=a1+(n−1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1)dan​=a1​+(n−1)d
• Geometric sequence: an=a1⋅r(n−1)a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)}an​=a1​⋅r(n−1)

4. Is there a reference sheet for the ACT?

No official reference sheet is provided. However, many prep companies (like Kaplan, Princeton Review, or Khan Academy) publish ACT Math Formula Sheets (PDFs) that students can use while studying.

5. Where can I find an ACT Math Formula Sheet PDF?

You can download free and paid formula sheets online, such as:

• Kaplan ACT Formula Sheet PDF
• Magoosh ACT Math Cheat Sheet (2025 version)
• Princeton Review ACT Math Reference PDF
• Unofficial formula sheets from study blogs and Reddit threads

6. Is there a difference between the ACT formula sheet 2022 and 2025?

No official difference—since ACT doesn’t provide one, any “2022” or “2025” sheets you see online are created by prep companies. They may vary slightly in format, but the formulas themselves remain the same.

7. What about the SAT formula sheet?

Unlike the ACT, the SAT does provide a formula/reference sheet at the start of each math section. It includes geometry formulas (area, volume, etc.) and some algebraic relationships. This is one reason SAT prep feels different from ACT prep.

8. Can I use a cheat sheet during the ACT?

No. Cheat sheets are not allowed in the exam room. However, many students use ACT math cheat sheets while studying to quickly review formulas before practice tests.

9. Should I use ACT Math practice tests with formula sheets?

Yes. Using practice tests along with a formula sheet while studying helps reinforce memory. Over time, aim to solve problems without looking at the sheet, since you won’t have one on test day.