Preparing for the Enhanced ACT takes more than solving practice questions. You also need to remember the formulas that appear repeatedly on the exam. According to ACT, the Enhanced ACT does not provide a formula sheet during the Math test, so students are expected to know the most common formulas before test day.
That makes a reliable ACT math formula sheet one of the most valuable study resources you can have.
This guide organizes the most important ACT math formulas by topic, explains when to use them, and helps you build an effective ACT math study sheet for exam day.
Does the Enhanced ACT Give You a Formula Sheet?
Although the Enhanced ACT introduces several updates to the exam experience, the Math section still does not include a formula sheet. ACT has confirmed that students should already know the commonly tested formulas. If a question requires an uncommon formula, it is generally provided within that question.
This means creating your own formula sheet for ACT math is one of the best ways to prepare for ACT. Instead of memorizing formulas at random, organize them by topic and practice applying them until they become second nature.
What Math Topics Are Tested on the Enhanced ACT?
Before diving into the ACT math formulas sheet, it helps to understand what the Math section measures.
|
ACT Math Topic |
Common Skills Tested |
|
Algebra |
Linear equations, quadratics, inequalities, systems of equations |
|
Coordinate Geometry |
Slope, midpoint, distance, graphs |
|
Plane Geometry |
Angles, triangles, circles, polygons |
|
Solid Geometry |
Volume and surface area |
|
Statistics & Probability |
Mean, median, probability, counting |
|
Functions |
Function notation, graphs, transformations |
|
Trigonometry |
Right triangle trigonometry and special triangles |
Each topic relies on a specific set of formulas. Learning them in categories makes revision easier and improves recall during the test.
The Ultimate ACT Math Formula Sheet
Algebra Formulas
Algebra questions make up a significant portion of the ACT Math section. Mastering these ACT math formulas can save valuable time during the exam.
|
Formula |
Purpose |
|
m= y2 - y 1x2-x1 |
Slope of a line |
|
y= mx + b |
Slope-intercept form |
|
y-y1 = m (x - x1) |
Point-slope form |
|
Ax + By = C |
Standard form of a line |
|
x = -b±b2 - 4ac2a |
Quadratic formula |
|
y = a(x-h)2+k |
Vertex form of a parabola |
|
(a+b)2= a2+2ab+b2 |
Square of a binomial |
|
(a-b)2= a2-2ab+b2 |
Square of a binomial |
|
a2-b2=(a+b)(a-b) |
Difference of squares |
Exponent Rules
These formulas appear regularly in algebra and function questions.
|
Rule |
Formula |
|
Product Rule |
aman=am+n |
|
Quotient Rule |
aman=am-n |
|
Power Rule |
(am)n=amn |
|
Zero Exponent |
a0=1 |
|
Negative Exponent |
a-n=1an |
When studying your ACT math reference sheet, focus on recognising which rule applies instead of simply memorising equations.
Coordinate Geometry Formulas
Coordinate geometry questions often combine graphs with algebra.
|
Formula |
Use |
|
(x2-x1)2+(y2-y1)2 |
Distance between two points |
|
x1+ x22,y1+ y22 |
Midpoint of a segment |
These formulas frequently appear together, so keeping them on the same ACT math study sheet makes revision much easier.
Geometry Formulas
Geometry remains one of the highest-weighted content areas on the ACT, making these ACT math formulas essential.
Area Formulas
|
Shape |
Formula |
|
Square |
A=s2 |
|
Rectangle |
A=lw |
|
Triangle |
A=12bh |
|
Parallelogram |
A=bh |
|
Trapezoid |
A=12(a+b)h |
|
Rhombus |
A=12d1d2 |
|
Circle |
A=r2 |
Perimeter and Circumference
|
Shape |
Formula |
|
Square |
p=4s |
|
Rectangle |
p= 2l+2w |
|
Circle |
2r=d |
Circle Formulas
|
Formula |
Use |
|
C= 2r |
Circumference |
|
A=r2 |
Area |
|
s=3602r |
Arc Length |
|
A=360r2 |
Sector Area |
One of the most common mistakes students make is forgetting to square the radius when finding the area of a circle.
Triangle Formulas
Basic Triangle Rules
|
Formula |
|---|
|
Interior Angles = 180° |
|
Exterior Angle = Sum of Remote Interior Angles |
|
Triangle Inequality Theorem |
Right Triangle Formulas
|
Formula |
|
a2+b2=c2 |
|
45-45-90: (1:1:2) |
|
30-60-90: (1:3 :2) |
Also include common triples such as:
- 3-4-5
- 5-12-13
- 7-24-25
- 8-15-17
Trigonometry Formulas
Here are the trigonometry formulas that you should know:
Basic Ratios
|
Formula |
|
sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse |
|
cos =AdjacentHypotenuse |
|
tan =OppositeAdjacent |
Reciprocal Functions
|
Formula |
|
sec =1cos |
|
csc = 1sin |
|
cot =1tan |
Three-Dimensional Geometry
Next, it is also necessary to be well-versed in three-dimensional geometry formulas.
Volume
|
Solid |
Formula |
|
Cube |
V= s3 |
|
Rectangular Prism |
V=lwh |
|
Cylinder |
V=r2h |
|
Cone |
V=13r2h |
|
Sphere |
V=43r3 |
Surface Area
|
Solid |
Formula |
|
Cube |
6s2 |
|
Rectangular Prism |
2(lw+lh+wh) |
|
Cylinder |
2r2+2rh |
|
Sphere |
4r2 |
Here are some other important formulas that need to be on your list of math formulas for act.
Statistics
|
Formula |
|
Mean = Sum of dataCount of data |
|
Weighted Mean (x-=(wi xi)w) |
|
Range = Maximum Value - Minimum Value |
Probability
|
Formula |
|
P(E)=Favourable OutcomesTotal Outcomes |
|
P(Not E)=1-P(E) |
Counting
|
Formula |
|
n! |
|
rn=n!r!(n-r)! |
|
nPr=n!(n-r)! |
Sequences and Financial Math
Arithmetic Sequence
|
Formula |
|
an=a1+(n-1)d |
|
Sn=n(a1+an)2 |
Geometric Sequence
|
Formula |
|
an=a1rn-1 |
|
Sn=a11-rn1-r |
|
S=a11-r(for( |
Financial Math
|
Formula |
|
Simple Interest: I=Prt |
|
Compound Interest: A=P1+rnnt |
Conclusion
Mastering ACT math formulas is about more than memorizing equations. Success on the Enhanced ACT comes from knowing which formula to apply, understanding the concepts behind it, and practicing until solving problems becomes second nature.
Use this ACT math formula sheet as a regular revision tool, revisit the formulas before every practice test, and identify the areas where you need more confidence. Consistent practice, combined with the right study strategy, can make a big difference in your Math score.
If you are aiming for a top ACT score, Pivot Tutors can help you get there. Our experienced ACT instructors provide personalized guidance, proven test-taking strategies, and targeted practice that strengthens both conceptual understanding and speed.
With expert support tailored to your goals, you can approach the Enhanced ACT with confidence and maximize your score potential.
Call us at 858-531-0508 or simply click here, and we will get in touch with you!
FAQs on ACT Math Formula Sheet
Does the Enhanced ACT provide a math formula sheet during the exam?
No. The Enhanced ACT does not provide a math formula sheet during the Math section. Students are expected to memorize commonly tested formulas before test day. Any uncommon formula required for a specific question is typically included within that question.
Do I need to memorize the quadratic formula for the ACT?
Yes. The quadratic formula is one of the most important algebra formulas on the ACT. It helps solve quadratic equations that cannot be factored easily and appears regularly in official ACT practice questions.
What is the fastest way to memorize ACT math formulas?
Study formulas by topic instead of memorizing them randomly. Create your own ACT math study sheet, review it daily, and apply each formula through timed practice questions to improve long-term retention.
Can I rely on the calculator instead of memorizing formulas?
No. A calculator can perform calculations but cannot replace conceptual understanding. Knowing the correct formula allows you to solve problems faster and reduces the chances of choosing the wrong approach.
How often should I review ACT math formulas before test day?
Review your formula sheet several times each week during preparation and every day in the week leading up to the exam. Frequent revision helps strengthen memory and improves confidence under timed conditions.
