AP Physics 1 Score Calculator 2026
Slide the values below to estimate your AP Physics 1 score.
Section I: Multiple Choice
28/40
40 questions · 80 minutes · 50% of total score
Section II: Free Response
10/15
8/12
7/10
5/8
4 questions · 100 minutes · 50% of total score
AP Physics 1 Score Thresholds
Based on released College Board scoring worksheets. Exact cutoffs shift slightly each year.
| AP Score | Composite Range | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 72 – 100 | Extremely Well Qualified |
| 4 | 58 – 71 | Well Qualified |
| 3 | 42 – 57 | Qualified |
| 2 | 30 – 41 | Possibly Qualified |
| 1 | 0 – 29 | No Recommendation |
How AP Physics 1 Scoring Works
I
Multiple Choice (50%)
- 40 questions (removed multi-select)
- 80 minutes to complete
- No penalty for guessing - answer every question
- Now covers 8 units, including the newly added Fluids unit
II
Free Response (50%)
- 4 questions instead of the old 5
- 100 minutes to complete (25 mins per question)
- Standardized types: Mathematical Routines, Translation, Experimental Design, and Qual/Quant Translation
- Total of 45 raw points weighted to 50% of score
Score Distributions (2021-2025)
Between 45.7-67.3% of students pass each year.
2025Mean: 3.12 · 67.3% pass
5
4
3
2
1
2024Mean: 2.59 · 47.3% pass
5
4
3
2
1
2023Mean: 2.56 · 47.2% pass
5
4
3
2
1
2022Mean: 2.52 · 46.2% pass
4
3
2
1
2021Mean: 2.51 · 45.7% pass
4
3
2
1
5 4 3 2 1
| Year | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Pass% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19.8% | 24.7% | 22.9% | 13.4% | 19.2% | 67.3% |
| 2024 | 10.2% | 17.9% | 19.2% | 26.1% | 26.6% | 47.3% |
| 2023 | 8.8% | 18.2% | 20.2% | 25.8% | 27% | 47.2% |
| 2022 | 7.9% | 18% | 20.3% | 26.1% | 27.7% | 46.2% |
| 2021 | 7.5% | 17.8% | 20.4% | 27% | 27.3% | 45.7% |
Source: College Board AP Score Distributions, 2021-2025
How to Score Higher on AP Physics 1
Multiple Choice
- Focus on conceptual understanding - many questions test reasoning, not calculation
- Practice eliminating wrong answers using physical intuition
- Review all core topics: kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, waves
- Sketch free-body diagrams even for MCQ - it clarifies the physics
Long FRQs
- For experimental design: clearly state hypothesis, variables, procedure, and analysis
- For quantitative/qualitative: show all work and connect math to physical meaning
- Label diagrams, define variables, and include units in every calculation
- Explain your reasoning in words - partial credit comes from clear logic
Short Answer FRQs
- Paragraph argument questions require a coherent physics argument with evidence
- Be concise but complete - directly answer what's asked
- Use physics principles by name (Newton's 2nd Law, conservation of energy, etc.)
- Practice justifying answers with both equations and verbal explanations