If you’re preparing for the ACT, one of the most important things to understand is this: the ACT does not provide a formula sheet during the test. Every formula you need, from the quadratic formula to the law of cosines, has to be either memorized or quickly reconstructed from scratch.
That’s a significant ask across 45 math questions in 50 minutes.
The good news? The ACT Math section tests a predictable set of topics, which means you can prepare systematically. And that’s exactly why we created the Ultimate ACT Math Formula Sheet — a free, comprehensive reference covering every formula tested on the ACT.
👉 View the Free ACT Math Formula Sheet
What Math Topics Are on the ACT?
The ACT Math section draws from a wide range of topics, spanning pre-algebra through pre-calculus. Our formula sheet organizes them into 19 categories:
- Number Definitions
- Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
- Rates, Ratios & Proportions
- Exponents, Roots & Polynomials
- Parabolas
- Graphing Lines
- Parent Graphs & Transformations
- Data, Probability & Combinatorics
- Angles
- Triangles
- Circles
- Polygons
- Solids
- Trigonometry
- Sequences & Series
- Logarithms
- Vectors
- Matrices
- Conic Sections
This isn’t a partial list or a “cheat sheet lite”. This is our Ultimate ACT Formula Sheet, which is designed to cover everything you might encounter on test day. Some of these topics, like fractions, exponents, and triangles, are high-frequency. You can expect to see multiple questions on these topics on each test. Others, like logarithms, vectors, and matrices, are low-frequency, meaning you might have to take a few tests before seeing even one question in that topic. Students who would be delighted with a score in the mid-20s can skip the last four sections on our sheet. However, students who are pushing themselves for scores above 30 need to be prepared for anything and everything.
Why a Formula Sheet Matters for ACT Prep
Students often lose points on ACT Math not because they don’t understand the concept, but because they can’t recall a specific formula under pressure. Having a formula sheet as part of your study routine helps in two big ways:
- It reveals gaps. When a student looks at a formula and thinks “I’ve never seen this,” that’s valuable diagnostic information. It’s not a reason to panic. It’s a motivator to start studying.
- It builds fluency. Reviewing formulas regularly (especially in context, while solving practice problems) helps students internalize them so they’re accessible during the test.
How to Use This Formula Sheet
We recommend using it in three ways:
- As a study companion. Bookmark this page and keep it open while doing ACT Math practice problems. This isn’t cheating. It’s an important part of the learning process.
- Check your answers. If you got a question incorrect, use our guide to check if you were using the correct formula.
- As a printable reference. We’ve included a downloadable PDF version so students can print it and keep it at their desk, in a binder, or on their wall during the months leading up to test day.
📄 Download the Printable PDF Formula Sheet
Which Formulas Do Students Forget Most?
In our experience working with ACT students, these are the topics most likely to trip students up:
- Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. These are often skipped during geometry class but are seen on the ACT on a regular basis.
- Sinusoidal functions. Amplitude, period, phase shift, and vertical shift are all based on numbers you can “see” in the trig function. You have to know what to look for, but if you do, you can get a high-difficulty question correct in a matter of seconds.
- Combinations vs. Permutations. The good news is you don’t have to memorize these formulas because they are already built in to most calculators. Just make sure you understand which one is which. (Order matters for permutations, but not combinations.)
- Logarithm properties. The product, quotient, and power rules are easy to confuse under pressure.
- Conic Sections. Ellipses and hyperbolas appear on harder ACT questions and are rarely covered in standard math classes. Expect to see one question in this category on your test.
Our formula sheet covers all of these in detail.
Ready to Boost Your ACT Math Score?
A formula sheet is a great starting point — but knowing when and how to apply each formula is where real score gains happen. If you are looking for expert guidance alongside great resources, World Class Tutoring offers personalized SAT and ACT prep with subject matter experts in math, English, and science.
Learn more about our ACT prep packages →
And in the meantime, grab the formula sheet — it’s completely free.
👉 Get the Free ACT Math Formula Sheet
World Class Tutoring helps students in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and across the country earn their best SAT and ACT scores. Questions? Reach us at yourteam@worldclasstutoring.com.
Photo by Kyle Gregory Devaras on Unsplash
