AP Biology Score Calculator
Section I: Multiple Choice (50% Weight)
Include the 60 single-select questions. Grid-ins are no longer part of the standalone section as of the latest format update.
Section II: Free Response (50% Weight)
How the AP Biology Exam is Scored
The AP Biology exam consists of two distinct sections, each weighted at 50% of your total score. Understanding how these raw points convert to the 1-5 scale is crucial for setting your study goals.
Section I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
The first section contains 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes to complete this section. Each correct answer earns 1 point. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should ensure every question is answered.
Section II: Free Response Questions (FRQ)
The second section consists of 6 free-response questions. There are two "long" questions (typically 8–10 points each) and four "short" questions (4 points each). These test your ability to explain biological concepts, analyze data, and design experiments.
The Composite Score Calculation
To calculate your final score, the College Board uses a weighted formula to ensure both sections contribute exactly 50%. Typically, the calculation looks like this:
- Multiple Choice Score: (Number Correct) × 1.0 = Weighted Section I Score (Max 60).
- Free Response Score: (Total Points Earned) × 1.666 = Weighted Section II Score (Max 60).
- Composite Score: Weighted Section I + Weighted Section II (Max 120).
AP Biology Score Curve (Estimated)
| AP Score | Composite Score Range (Approximate) | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 75 – 120 | Extremely Well Qualified |
| 4 | 60 – 74 | Well Qualified |
| 3 | 45 – 59 | Qualified |
| 2 | 30 – 44 | Possibly Qualified |
| 1 | 0 – 29 | No Recommendation |
Tips for Success on the AP Biology Exam
1. Master the Big Ideas: Focus on Evolution, Energetics, Information Storage/Transfer, and System Interactions. These core themes appear in almost every question.
2. Practice Data Interpretation: AP Biology is less about memorization and more about analyzing experiments. Be comfortable reading graphs, error bars, and chi-square results.
3. Watch the Verb in FRQs: If the question says "Describe," provide a detailed account. If it says "Identify," a brief answer is sufficient. If it says "Explain," you must describe the 'how' or 'why'.