AP Physics 1 Exam Score Calculator
Section I: Multiple Choice
There are 50 questions in total. No points are deducted for wrong answers.
Section II: Free Response
Total points for all 5 FRQs is typically 45.
Your Estimated Result
How is the AP Physics 1 Exam Scored?
The AP Physics 1 exam is split into two equal sections, each contributing 50% to your final composite score. Understanding this breakdown is key to prioritizing your study time effectively.
1. Section I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
The first section consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. These include single-select questions and multi-select questions (where you must choose two correct answers). Each correct answer earns 1 point. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should never leave a question blank.
2. Section II: Free Response Questions (FRQ)
The free-response section contains 5 questions with a total of 45 raw points. The questions cover specific skill sets:
- Experimental Design (12 pts): Designing a lab experiment to test a physical principle.
- Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (12 pts): Connecting mathematical equations to physical descriptions.
- Paragraph Argument Short Answer (7 pts): Creating a coherent, step-by-step physical argument.
- Short Answer Questions (7 pts each): Two shorter questions focused on specific physics concepts.
Composite Score Calculation and Curve
The raw scores from both sections are weighted so that each section is worth exactly 50 points, for a total composite score of 100. Because AP exams vary slightly in difficulty each year, the "cut-offs" for a 5, 4, or 3 shift slightly. However, the following is a general estimation of the curve:
| AP Score | Composite Range (Estimated) | Performance Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 70 – 100 | Extremely Well Qualified |
| 4 | 55 – 69 | Well Qualified |
| 3 | 40 – 54 | Qualified |
| 2 | 30 – 39 | Possibly Qualified |
| 1 | 0 – 29 | No Recommendation |
Example Scenario
If a student gets 30 out of 50 on the Multiple Choice and scores a total of 25 out of 45 on the FRQs:
- MCQ Weighted: (30 / 50) * 50 = 30 points
- FRQ Weighted: (25 / 45) * 50 = 27.7 points
- Composite Score: 30 + 27.7 = 57.7
- Result: An estimated score of 4.