The AP Calculus exam (AB and BC) has two sections worth equal weight. Section I is 45 multiple choice questions. Section II is 6 free response questions, each scored out of 9 points. The composite score (out of approximately 108) is then converted to the 1-5 AP scale.
MC weighted: (MC correct / 45) x 54
FRQ weighted: (FRQ total / 54) x 54
Composite: MC weighted + FRQ weighted (max ~108)
AB Score Cutoffs (Approximate)
Score 5: composite 75-108
Score 4: composite 60-74
Score 3: composite 44-59
Score 2: composite 29-43
Score 1: composite 0-28
35 MC Correct, 45 FRQ Points: AP Calculus AB Composite and Score Step by Step
A student takes the AP Calculus AB practice exam and answers 35 MC questions correctly. On the six FRQ questions, they earn 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, and 8 points.
A composite of 87 is well above the typical 5 cutoff of around 75. This student would qualify for college calculus credit at almost any institution that accepts AP scores. To reach this level on a practice test is a strong indicator of exam readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
AP Calculus AB covers differential and integral calculus, roughly equivalent to one semester of college calculus. AP Calculus BC covers all of AB plus additional topics including series, polar coordinates, and parametric equations, equivalent to two semesters of college calculus. BC students receive both a BC score and a Calculus AB subscore. Both exams use the same structure: 45 multiple-choice questions and 6 free-response questions.
FRQ sub-parts are scored independently. Even if you cannot solve part (a) of a question, you can still earn full credit on parts (b) and (c) if you set up the approach correctly. Write something for every sub-part.