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AP Calculus AB Score Calculator
Your exam
There are 45 multiple-choice questions and 6 free-response questions worth 9 points each, for 54 free-response points in total.
Example: 35 of 45 multiple-choice questions right and 40 of 54 free-response points gives a composite of 35 × 1.2 + 40 = 82 — an AP score of 5. With 25 multiple-choice right and 30 free-response points, the composite is 60, an AP score of 4, and 10 more points would reach a 5.
Behind the numbers
How your AP Calculus AB score is calculated
Your raw results are turned into a single composite score out of 108. Each multiple-choice question is worth 1.2 points, so the 45 questions are worth 54 points, and each free-response point is worth 1.0 point, so the 54 free-response points are also worth 54 points — the two halves of the exam count equally. The composite is then matched to an AP score from 1 to 5 using the year's cutoffs.
Maximum composite = 45 × 1.2 + 54 × 1.0 = 108. Worked example: 35 × 1.2 + 40 × 1.0 = 42 + 40 = 82, which is above the typical cutoff of 70 for a 5, so the AP score is 5. Second example: 25 × 1.2 + 30 = 30 + 30 = 60, which is in the typical 57–69 range for a 4, and 70 − 60 = 10 more points would be needed for a 5.
Typical cutoffs
Composite score to AP score
| AP score | Composite range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 70–108 | Extremely well qualified |
| 4 | 57–69 | Well qualified |
| 3 | 44–56 | Qualified |
| 2 | 32–43 | Possibly qualified |
| 1 | 0–31 | No recommendation |
These are typical cutoffs; actual cutoffs vary by year, because the College Board sets them after the exam is scored. Treat the result as an estimate, not a guarantee.
Worked examples
Example AP Calculus AB scores
| Multiple-choice | Free-response | Composite | AP score | Points to next score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 / 45 | 40 / 54 | 82 | 5 | — (top score) |
| 25 / 45 | 30 / 54 | 60 | 4 | 10 more for a 5 |
| 20 / 45 | 25 / 54 | 49 | 3 | 8 more for a 4 |
| 30 / 45 | 35 / 54 | 71 | 5 | — (top score) |
Each multiple-choice question is worth 1.2 composite points and each free-response point is worth 1.0, so one extra multiple-choice question moves the composite by 1.2 points.
Make every point count.
Answer every multiple-choice question — there is no penalty for a wrong answer, and each correct one is worth 1.2 composite points.
Show your work on the free-response questions: partial credit is given for correct steps even when the final answer is wrong.
Free-response questions are worth half the composite, so do not spend all your time on multiple choice — practice the six free-response questions under timed conditions.
Near a cutoff, a single question can change your AP score: at a composite of 60, one more multiple-choice question and a few free-response points can be the difference between a 4 and a 5.
Good to know
Your AP Calculus AB questions, answered.
How is the AP Calculus AB composite score calculated?
Each multiple-choice question is worth 1.2 points and each free-response point is worth 1.0 point. With 45 multiple-choice questions and 54 free-response points, the maximum composite is 45 × 1.2 + 54 = 108.
What composite score do I need for a 5?
Typically 70 out of 108. For example, 35 multiple-choice correct and 40 free-response points gives 82, which is a 5. Cutoffs move a little each year, so 70 is a typical value, not a guarantee.
What score do I need to earn college credit?
Most colleges give credit for a 3 or higher, and some require a 4 or 5. Check the AP credit policy of the college you plan to attend — it varies by school.
Is the multiple-choice section worth more than free-response?
They are weighted equally in the composite: 45 × 1.2 = 54 points from multiple choice and 54 points from free response, so each half is worth 54 of the 108 total points.