AP Physics Score Calculator
Calculate your predicted AP Physics score with modern precision
Multiple Choice
40 Questions Total
Free Response
4 Questions with Variable Points
Score Breakdown
Your Predicted AP Score
Score Ranges
How It Works
Multiple Choice
40 questions, 1 point each. No penalty for incorrect answers.
Free Response
4 questions with varying points: 10, 10, 12, and 8 points respectively.
Weighting
Both sections count equally (50% each) toward your final composite score.
Final Score
Composite score converted to the standard 1-5 AP scale.
Note: Score ranges may vary between Physics 1 and Physics 2. Actual cut-off scores can change annually.
AP Physics Score Calculator
The AP Physics exams are among the most challenging AP tests offered by the College Board. They are designed to test a student’s understanding of key concepts in physics, problem-solving skills, and ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. Students can choose between AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, depending on their school curriculum and level of preparation.
AP Physics 1 focuses on foundational topics such as Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, waves, and basic electricity.
AP Physics 2 builds on this foundation and covers more advanced subjects including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
Both exams are equally rigorous and follow a similar structure, combining multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and free-response questions (FRQs) to assess a wide range of skills.
Scoring System Explained (MCQ vs FRQ Weighting)
The scoring system for AP Physics exams is straightforward but highly structured. The exam is divided into two major sections, and each contributes 50% of the final score.
Multiple-Choice Section (MCQ)
Consists of 50 questions for both Physics 1 and Physics 2.
Each correct answer contributes directly to the raw score.
No penalty for incorrect answers, so students are encouraged to attempt every question.
Free-Response Section (FRQ)
Includes four written problems.
Questions are designed to test deeper conceptual understanding, explanation skills, and the ability to solve multi-step problems.
Raw scores from this section are scaled to balance equally with the MCQ section.
After combining both sections, students receive a composite score which is then converted into the official AP score ranging from 1 to 5.
AP Score Scale Explained (1–5 Meaning)
The final AP Physics score is reported on a 1–5 scale, where each number corresponds to a level of qualification. Understanding this scale helps students know what their score means in terms of college credit and readiness:
5 – Extremely Well Qualified: Indicates mastery of the subject. Most colleges award credit or advanced placement.
4 – Well Qualified: Strong performance with a good chance of earning credit or placement.
3 – Qualified: A passing score recognized by many colleges. Suggests satisfactory understanding.
2 – Possibly Qualified: Below passing but shows some potential. Unlikely to earn credit.
1 – No Recommendation: Indicates insufficient preparation for college-level work.
This scale is universally used for AP exams, but the cutoffs between composite scores and AP scores can vary from year to year.
Why Students Should Use the Calculator:
Waiting until July for AP results can be stressful. That’s where the AP Physics Score Calculator becomes extremely useful. Students should use this calculator for several reasons:
Accuracy: It provides a close prediction of actual results based on official scoring patterns.
Planning: By knowing your predicted score, you can identify weak areas and adjust your study strategy before the exam.
Stress Reduction: Instead of guessing how well you performed, you can get a realistic idea of where you stand, which helps reduce exam-related anxiety.
For example, if a student scores well on the MCQ section but struggles on FRQs, the calculator will show the impact on the final score, making it easier to focus on improving that section.
Differences Between Physics 1 and Physics 2 Scoring Ranges:
While both exams follow the same structure, the scoring ranges differ slightly because the difficulty level and question style are not identical.
AP Physics 1 tends to have a broader range of cutoffs, and historically, fewer students score a 5 compared to Physics 2.
AP Physics 2 usually has higher averages, and students often perform slightly better in terms of AP score distribution.
These differences are reflected in the calculator, which adjusts its scoring based on whether you select Physics 1 or Physics 2. By switching tabs in the calculator, you can ensure the predictions are aligned with the exam you are preparing for.
Related Calculators:
AP Biology Score Calculator, AP Environmental Science Score CalculatorExternal Resources:
AP Physics Score Calculator on Albert
The calculator is based on past scoring data and official guidelines, so it gives a very close estimate. However, the College Board may adjust score cutoffs each year, so predictions are not guaranteed.
Yes! It’s perfect for practice exams. Just enter your raw scores from MCQs and FRQs to see what your AP score would likely be.
Absolutely. You can switch between Physics 1 and Physics 2 within the tool, and the scoring ranges will automatically update.
It depends on your college. Most universities accept a 3 or higher, but competitive programs may require a 4 or 5 for credit.
No, this is an estimate. The calculator is a guide, not an official prediction. The real score is determined by the College Board after grading all exams.