How to Use This Calculator
Our AP Macroeconomics score calculator helps you estimate your AP score based on your performance on both the multiple choice and free response sections. Follow these simple steps:
Enter Your Multiple Choice Score
Enter the number of questions you answered correctly out of 60. This section counts for 66.67% of your total score.
Enter Your FRQ Scores
Enter your estimated points for each of the 3 free response questions. FRQ 1 is worth up to 10 points, while FRQs 2 and 3 are worth up to 5 points each.
View Your Predicted Score
The calculator instantly displays your composite score and predicted AP score from 1-5, along with a detailed breakdown.
Pro Tip: Use the target score buttons to see what you need to achieve for a 3, 4, or 5. This helps you set realistic goals for your exam preparation.
AP Macroeconomics Exam Format
The AP Macroeconomics exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes long and consists of two main sections: multiple choice and free response.
| Section | Questions | Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I: Multiple Choice | 60 questions | 70 minutes | 66.67% |
| Section II: Free Response | 3 questions (20 pts total) | 60 minutes | 33.33% |
Free Response Question Breakdown
- FRQ 1 (Long Question): 10 points - Typically requires multiple graphs, analysis of economic scenarios, and policy recommendations
- FRQ 2 (Short Question): 5 points - Focuses on specific macroeconomic concepts with graph work
- FRQ 3 (Short Question): 5 points - Focuses on specific macroeconomic concepts with graph work
Topic Distribution on the Exam
- Basic Economic Concepts: 5-10% of exam
- Economic Indicators and the Business Cycle: 12-17% of exam
- National Income and Price Determination: 17-27% of exam
- Financial Sector: 18-23% of exam
- Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies: 20-30% of exam
- Open Economy - International Trade and Finance: 10-13% of exam
Scoring Guide & Cutoffs
Understanding how your raw scores translate to the final 1-5 AP score is crucial for exam preparation. Here is how the scoring works:
How Composite Scores Are Calculated
The composite score is calculated by weighting the two sections:
MC Weighted Score = (MC Correct / 60) x 60 pointsFRQ Weighted Score = (FRQ Points / 20) x 30 pointsComposite Score = MC Weighted + FRQ Weighted (out of 90)Approximate Score Cutoffs
| AP Score | Qualification | Composite Range | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | 68-90 | ~75%+ |
| 4 | Well Qualified | 55-67 | ~61-74% |
| 3 | Qualified | 42-54 | ~47-60% |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | 30-41 | ~33-46% |
| 1 | No Recommendation | 0-29 | ~0-32% |
Important: These cutoffs are estimates based on historical data. The College Board adjusts the exact cutoffs each year through a process called equating to ensure fairness across different exam versions.
Study Tips for AP Macroeconomics
Maximize your AP Macroeconomics score with these proven study strategies:
Master the AD-AS Model
The Aggregate Demand-Aggregate Supply model is fundamental. Practice drawing and labeling these graphs, understanding shifts, and explaining equilibrium changes.
Understand Policy Tools
Know the difference between fiscal policy (taxes, government spending) and monetary policy (Fed tools). Understand how each affects the economy.
Learn Key Formulas
Memorize the spending multiplier (1/MPS), money multiplier (1/RR), and GDP calculations. These appear frequently on the exam.
Practice Past FRQs
The College Board publishes past FRQs with scoring guidelines. Practice these to understand exactly what graders are looking for.
Connect Economic Indicators
Understand relationships between GDP, unemployment, inflation, and interest rates. Questions often test these connections.
Time Yourself
Practice under timed conditions. You have about 1 minute per MC question and 20 minutes per FRQ on average.
Key Topics to Focus On
- Circular flow model and GDP measurement
- Aggregate demand and supply curves and their shifters
- Phillips curve relationship (short-run and long-run)
- Federal Reserve tools and money creation
- Fiscal policy and automatic stabilizers
- International trade, exchange rates, and balance of payments
- Long-run economic growth factors