Digital ACT vs Paper ACT — For many years, taking the ACT meant sitting down with a stack of paper, a sharpened #2 pencil, and carefully bubbling in answers by hand. But the landscape is evolving.
In December 2023, the ACT organization introduced a pilot version of the digital ACT. By early 2024, they expanded access, allowing more students across the United States to choose between the traditional paper ACT and a new online format. (It’s important to note that international students are now required to take the ACT digitally.)
Today, students in the U.S. have the flexibility to select either the paper-based or the digital version of the ACT.
But which format is right for you?
In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences between the digital and paper ACT, the pros and cons of each, and how to make the best choice based on your testing preferences and goals.
How Do the Paper and Digital ACT Compare?
Since February 2024, students across the United States have had the option to choose between taking the ACT on paper or digitally. When registering for the ACT, selecting the “Computer” option will display a list of test centers offering the online version. If you initially sign up for the paper ACT but later decide you prefer the digital format (or vice versa), you can switch formats up until the late registration deadline—though a $44 change fee applies.
It’s important to understand that the difficulty level remains consistent across both versions. Whether you take the ACT on paper or online, you’ll encounter the same types of questions covering the same academic content.
Here’s what remains the same between the digital and paper ACT:
- The format and total length of the test are identical.*
- The cost is the same: $69 for the ACT without Writing, and $94 with the optional Writing section.
- Multiple-choice questions still have four answer choices.
- Students can use scratch paper during the exam.
- Approved calculators are allowed during the Math section.
- Fee waivers are accepted for both formats.
- Testing accommodations are available for eligible students.
*Note: Beginning in Spring 2025, some temporary format changes will be introduced for the digital ACT. (Details on this are covered in the next section.)
Beyond the obvious difference—one format uses pencil and paper while the other is completed on a computer—there are a few important ways the paper and digital ACT experiences differ.
When taking the paper ACT, the process will feel familiar to most students. A test proctor will guide the session by announcing instructions and managing timing for each section. All students in the room begin and end each section at the same time. During the exam, you’ll receive a printed booklet containing all the test questions and an answer sheet where you’ll bubble in your responses. Scratch paper will be provided, and an approved calculator can be used for the Math section.
On the other hand, students who choose the digital ACT will take the exam at a testing center equipped with computers or laptops. The device will be provided by the testing center—personal laptops or tablets cannot be used.
Currently, the digital ACT is administered on Chromebooks and Windows devices, with plans to expand to other platforms, such as Apple devices, in the future.
Although a test supervisor will still be present, the digital ACT experience is more independent. Students will read instructions directly from their screens and automatically move to the next section once time expires. Because the digital version is individually timed, students in the room may be starting and finishing sections at slightly different times.
Should You Take the Digital or Paper ACT?
For years, taking the ACT meant opening a paper booklet, sharpening your #2 pencil, and carefully bubbling in answers. But now, things are changing.
Since February 2024, students across the U.S. have the option to take the ACT either on paper or digitally on a computer. When registering, students can select “Computer” to view available digital testing centers. If you change your mind later, you can switch between the paper and digital versions before the late registration deadline (with a $44 change fee).
Importantly, the difficulty of the two formats is identical. Both versions test the same content, have the same structure, and carry the same scoring system. Here’s what remains consistent between the two:
- Same overall format and length*
- Same cost: $69 without Writing, $94 with the optional Writing section
- Four answer choices per multiple-choice question
- Scratch paper permitted
- Approved calculators allowed for the Math section
- Fee waivers accepted
- Testing accommodations available
*Note: Changes are coming to the ACT beginning Spring 2025, which we’ll cover below.
How the Paper and Digital ACT Experiences Differ
While the content is the same, the testing experience varies between the paper and digital ACT.
If you choose the paper ACT, the process will be familiar: a proctor will guide you through each section, announce when time is up, and ensure that all students start and finish together. You’ll receive a paper booklet for questions and an answer sheet for bubbling in responses. Scratch paper is available, and you’ll use your approved calculator during the Math section.
If you opt for the digital ACT, you’ll complete the test at a designated center equipped with laptops or computers (personal devices are not allowed). Currently, the digital ACT runs on Chromebooks and Windows systems, with plans to expand to Apple devices in the future. While a test supervisor will be present, the digital ACT is more independent—you’ll navigate the test instructions and sections directly on your screen. Because timing is individual, students in the room may be working on different sections at any given moment.
Features and Tools in the Digital ACT
Taking the digital ACT offers several additional features designed to support test-takers. On the screen, the left side displays the passage, while the right side shows the question and answer choices. Selecting an answer is as simple as clicking the corresponding circle—and you can change your answer at any time.
The top of the screen shows your question number and time remaining, helping you manage pacing. You’ll also have access to a set of digital tools:
- Magnifier: Zoom in or out on specific areas
- Highlighter: Mark important parts of the passage or question
- Line Reader: Focus on one line at a time for better reading
- Answer Eliminator: Cross out incorrect answer choices
- Answer Masking: Focus on one answer choice at a time to minimize distractions
These tools make it easier to stay organized and focused during the exam.
Upcoming Changes to the ACT in 2025
Although the digital and paper ACT are currently identical, major changes are expected starting in Spring 2025—especially for the digital version. These updates include:
- The Science section will become optional for all students
- Each test section will include experimental questions (which won’t count toward your score)
- Fewer questions in most sections
- The total test time will decrease to just over 2 hours, compared to the current 3-hour format
These changes will first be implemented in the digital ACT beginning Spring 2025. Updates to the paper ACT are expected to follow, likely by Fall 2025.
This means for a few months, the two formats will differ significantly—which could influence your choice depending on your preferences.
Pros and Cons of Taking the Digital ACT
Pros of the Digital ACT
- Familiar interface if you’ve practiced with official online ACT practice tests
- Accessibility features like screen readers, zoom, and text-to-speech support
- Helpful tools (highlighter, magnifier, line reader, timer, answer eliminator, masking tool)
- No manual writing—easier to change answers or edit your essay (if taking ACT Writing)
- Shorter testing time and optional Science section (for students testing from Spring 2025 onward)
Cons of the Digital ACT
- Limited availability of digital testing centers (may require travel)
- Adjustment period for students more comfortable with paper-based exams
- Individualized timing can feel less structured than group-timed paper exams
Pros and Cons of Taking the Paper ACT
Pros of the Paper ACT
- Greater availability of practice materials in paper format
- More widespread test center options, especially in 2024
- Familiar experience for students used to traditional standardized tests
- Easier physical annotation—circle, underline, cross out directly in the booklet
Cons of the Paper ACT
- No built-in countdown timer—you’ll rely on the room clock or proctor
- You must bring your own approved calculator (and ensure it has sufficient battery)
- If taking ACT Writing, you must handwrite the entire essay
- Slightly longer exam duration compared to the future digital format
Final Thoughts: Which ACT Format Should You Choose?
As of 2024, students in the United States can choose whether to take the ACT on paper or digitally. Colleges do not have a preference for which format you choose—the decision should be based on your personal comfort, preparation, and testing style.
If you prefer digital tools, shorter exams, and working independently, the digital ACT may be the better fit—especially for tests taken after Spring 2025. If you’re more comfortable with paper-based tests, traditional timing, and physical annotation, the paper ACT might be the right choice for you.
At Ascend Now, we guide students through every step of ACT preparation, helping them choose the right format, build customized study plans, and achieve their best scores. Whether you’re planning for the digital or paper ACT, our expert tutors are here to help you succeed.
