AP Physics 1 Score Calculator

How It Works

AP Physics 1 has two parts: Section I (Multiple Choice) with 50 questions (45 single-select and 5 multi-select), and Section II (Free Response) with five questions: Experimental Design (12 points), Quantitative/Qualitative Translation (12 points), and three Short Answer questions (7 points each), totaling 45 points.

Default weights are MCQ 50%, FRQ 50%. You can edit these weights, section totals, and the scoring curve in Advanced Settings.

We compute a weighted raw percentage and map it to a 1–5 estimate using adjustable score bands. The exact AP curve varies each year based on exam difficulty and overall student performance.

Inputs Explained

• MCQ Correct and Total: Enter the number of multiple choice questions you answered correctly out of 50 (default). You can change the total if you used a shortened practice test.
• Q1 - Experimental Design: Enter points earned (0-12 by default) for the question that asks you to design, conduct, or analyze an experiment.
• Q2 - Quantitative/Qualitative Translation: Enter points earned (0-12 by default) for the question that asks you to translate between different representations (graphs, equations, diagrams, descriptions).
• Q3-Q5 - Short Answer: Enter points earned (0-7 each by default) for three short-answer questions covering various physics concepts.
• Advanced Settings: Adjust section weights (must sum to 100%), edit FRQ totals if your rubric differs, and customize score band thresholds to match a specific curve.

Example Calculation

Let's walk through a sample calculation:

• MCQ: 34 out of 50 → 34 ÷ 50 = 68.0%
• FRQs: 8 + 9 + 5 + 5 + 6 = 33 out of 45 → 33 ÷ 45 ≈ 73.3%

Using the default weights (MCQ 50%, FRQ 50%), the weighted raw percentage is:

(0.680 × 0.50) + (0.733 × 0.50) ≈ 0.706 = 70.6%

With the default curve, 70.6% falls into the 60-74% range, yielding an estimated score of 3.

Tips & Notes

• Curves Change Yearly: College Board adjusts the curve annually based on overall performance. Treat this calculator as a study guide, not a prediction of your actual score.
• FRQ Strategy: For FRQs, define variables clearly, include units and significant figures, show your reasoning step-by-step, and justify any assumptions you make. Small rubric gains can significantly impact your overall estimate.
• Practice Both Conceptual and Quantitative: AP Physics 1 tests both conceptual understanding (forces, energy, waves, circuits) and quantitative problem-solving. Practice using diagrams and free-body diagrams for clarity.
• Master Key Topics: Focus on kinematics, dynamics (Newton's laws), work and energy, momentum, circular motion and gravitation, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotation, electric charge and circuits, and waves.
• Show Your Work: On FRQs, partial credit is awarded for correct physics reasoning even if you make calculation errors. Always show your work and explain your thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Educational tool only. Unofficial estimate. Not affiliated with the College Board. This AP Physics 1 Score Calculator is provided for informational and practice purposes. The estimated scores are based on approximate scoring curves that may differ from actual College Board curves, which vary each year. Always refer to your official AP score report for your actual exam results.

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