Estimate your 5-point scale score based on Section I and Section II performance.
Section I: Multiple Choice
Section II: Free Response Questions
Your Estimated AP Grade
–
Composite Score: 0 / 108
function calculateAPScore() {
var mcq = parseFloat(document.getElementById('mcq_correct').value) || 0;
var f1 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq1').value) || 0;
var f2 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq2').value) || 0;
var f3 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq3').value) || 0;
var f4 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq4').value) || 0;
var f5 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq5').value) || 0;
var f6 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq6').value) || 0;
// Validation
if (mcq > 45) mcq = 45;
if (f1 > 9) f1 = 9; if (f2 > 9) f2 = 9; if (f3 > 9) f3 = 9;
if (f4 > 9) f4 = 9; if (f5 > 9) f5 = 9; if (f6 > 9) f6 = 9;
// AP Calculus BC Weighting Logic
// MCQ is 50% of the score. 45 questions * 1.2 = 54 points.
// FRQ is 50% of the score. 6 questions * 9 points = 54 points.
// Total Composite = 108.
var scaledMCQ = mcq * 1.2;
var totalFRQ = f1 + f2 + f3 + f4 + f5 + f6;
var compositeScore = Math.round(scaledMCQ + totalFRQ);
var grade = 1;
// Typical BC Curves (vary by year, these are standard estimates)
if (compositeScore >= 68) {
grade = 5;
} else if (compositeScore >= 55) {
grade = 4;
} else if (compositeScore >= 42) {
grade = 3;
} else if (compositeScore >= 31) {
grade = 2;
} else {
grade = 1;
}
document.getElementById('ap-results-area').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('ap-grade-display').innerText = grade;
document.getElementById('ap-composite-display').innerText = 'Composite Score: ' + compositeScore + ' / 108';
document.getElementById('ap-results-area').scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}
How the AP Calculus BC Score is Calculated
Understanding your AP Calculus BC score requires breaking down the two primary components of the exam: the Multiple Choice Section and the Free Response Section. Each section contributes exactly 50% to your final composite score.
The Weighting Formula
The College Board converts your raw points into a composite score of 108. Here is how the math works:
Multiple Choice (Section I): There are 45 questions. To make this section 54 points (half of 108), your raw correct count is multiplied by 1.2.
Free Response (Section II): There are 6 questions, each worth 9 points. This section totals 54 points. The multiplier is 1.0.
Composite Score: (MCQ Raw × 1.2) + (FRQ Raw Score) = Composite Score (Max 108).
Score Ranges and Cutoffs
While the "curve" changes slightly every year based on the difficulty of the exam, the AP Calculus BC exam is known for having a relatively generous curve compared to other AP subjects. Below are the typical composite score ranges required for each grade:
AP Score
Composite Score Range (Approx.)
Performance Level
5
68 – 108
Extremely Well Qualified
4
55 – 67
Well Qualified
3
42 – 54
Qualified
2
31 – 41
Possibly Qualified
1
0 – 30
No Recommendation
What is the AB Subscore?
When you take the AP Calculus BC exam, you also receive an AB Subscore. This score represents how you performed on the portion of the BC exam that covers AB Calculus topics (approximately 60% of the exam). This is helpful because many colleges will grant credit for Calculus I even if you don't pass the full BC exam, provided your AB Subscore is high enough.
Tips for Maximizing Your Score
Master the FRQs: Since each FRQ is worth 9 points, missing even one whole question can significantly impact your composite score. Practice the "Big 6" topics (Polar/Parametric, Series, Differential Equations, Area/Volume, etc.).
Don't Leave MCQ Blank: There is no penalty for guessing on the AP Calculus BC exam. If you are stuck, eliminate what you can and make an educated guess.
Show All Work: On Section II, you can get partial credit for the correct setup even if your final answer is wrong. Conversely, a correct answer with no work will often earn 0 points.