How AP Calculus AB Scoring Works
The AP Calculus AB exam consists of two main sections that are equally weighted. Understanding how each section contributes to your final score helps you develop an effective study strategy and manage your time during the exam.
Section I: Multiple Choice
The multiple choice section contains 45 questions and accounts for 50% of your total score. This section is divided into two parts:
- Part A (30 questions, 60 minutes): No calculator allowed. Tests fundamental calculus skills and algebraic manipulation.
- Part B (15 questions, 45 minutes): Graphing calculator required. Tests ability to use technology for calculus applications.
Section II: Free Response
The free response section contains 6 questions and accounts for 50% of your total score. This section is also divided into two parts:
- Part A (2 questions, 30 minutes): Graphing calculator required. Typically includes one question involving data or graphs.
- Part B (4 questions, 60 minutes): No calculator allowed. Tests pure analytical and algebraic skills.
Important: There is no penalty for wrong answers on the multiple choice section. Always guess if you are unsure, as leaving questions blank guarantees zero points.
Score Breakdown and Weights
Understanding how your raw scores convert to the final AP score helps you set realistic goals and focus your study efforts effectively.
Multiple Choice Scoring
Each correct answer is worth 1 point. Your raw score (0-45) is then weighted:
MC Weighted Score = (Number Correct / 45) x 54 = Number Correct x 1.2Example: 36 correct answers = 36 x 1.2 = 43.2 weighted points
Free Response Scoring
Each of the 6 FRQ questions is scored on a 0-9 scale by trained AP readers:
FRQ Total Score = Sum of all 6 question scores (max 54 points)Partial credit is awarded for correct work even if the final answer is incorrect
Composite to AP Score Conversion
| AP Score | Composite Range | Percentage | College Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 70-108 | 65-100% | Most colleges |
| 4 | 55-69 | 51-64% | Many colleges |
| 3 | 42-54 | 39-50% | Some colleges |
| 2 | 33-41 | 31-38% | Rarely accepted |
| 1 | 0-32 | 0-30% | Not accepted |
Note: These cutoffs are approximate and can vary by 2-5 points each year based on the exam difficulty and the curve applied by the College Board.
Tips to Improve Your AP Calculus AB Score
Whether you are aiming for a 3, 4, or 5, these strategies can help maximize your performance on the AP Calculus AB exam.
Multiple Choice Strategies
- Process of elimination: Even if you cannot solve completely, eliminate wrong answers to improve guessing odds
- Time management: Spend about 1.5-2 minutes per question; mark difficult ones and return later
- Read carefully: Pay attention to what is being asked (derivative, integral, limit, etc.)
- Check reasonableness: Does your answer make sense given the context?
- Use your calculator wisely: In Part B, graph functions to visualize behavior
Free Response Strategies
- Show all work: Partial credit is awarded generously; even a correct setup earns points
- Label clearly: Identify what you are calculating and include units where applicable
- Answer every part: Parts are often independent; do not skip parts you can solve
- Check your setup: Verify limits of integration and correct functions before calculating
- Practice with rubrics: Study official AP scoring guidelines to understand point allocation
Study Recommendations
- Master the fundamentals: Focus on derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
- Practice past exams: Complete full-length practice tests under timed conditions
- Review common errors: Learn from mistakes on practice problems
- Memorize key formulas: Derivative rules, integration techniques, and common antiderivatives
- Understand concepts: The exam tests understanding, not just memorization
How We Calculate Your Score
Our calculator uses the official AP Calculus AB scoring methodology to estimate your composite and AP scores.
Calculation Methodology
Step 1: Weight Multiple Choice Score
Convert your raw MC score to weighted points:
MC Weighted = Number Correct x 1.2This weights the MC section to 54 points (50% of 108 total)
Step 2: Add Free Response Score
Your FRQ points are already on the correct scale:
FRQ Total = Sum of all 6 question scores (0-54)Each question is scored 0-9, for a total of 54 possible points
Step 3: Calculate Composite Score
Add the weighted scores together:
Composite Score = MC Weighted + FRQ TotalMaximum possible: 54 + 54 = 108 points
Step 4: Convert to AP Score
Apply cutoff thresholds to determine AP score 1-5:
- 70+ points = Score of 5
- 55-69 points = Score of 4
- 42-54 points = Score of 3
- 33-41 points = Score of 2
- 0-32 points = Score of 1
Disclaimer: These cutoffs are based on historical data and may vary each year. The College Board adjusts score thresholds based on exam difficulty. Use this calculator as an estimate, not a guarantee of your actual AP score.