📅 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
8:00 AM Local Time • 3 Hours Total
🚫

No Calculator Allowed! AP Physics 1 does not permit calculators on either section. All problems are designed to be solved without one.

📊 More AP Score Calculators

All Score Calculators AP Biology AP Chemistry AP US History AP US Gov 2026 AP Exam Dates
1
Predicted AP Score
0
MCQ Points
0
FRQ Points
0
Composite /100
Section I: Multiple Choice (90 min, No Calculator)
Correct Answers (50 questions) 0 / 50
Section II: Free Response (90 min)
Long Questions
Q1: Experimental Design (12 pts) 0 / 12
Q2: Qual/Quant Translation (12 pts) 0 / 12
Short Answer Questions (7 pts each)
Q3: Short Answer 0 / 7
Q4: Short Answer 0 / 7
Q5: Short Answer 0 / 7
AP Score Thresholds (Composite Points)
5
70-100
4
54-69
3
40-53
2
25-39
1
0-24

Score Conversion Chart

Composite Range AP Score Qualification Typical Credit
70-100 5 Extremely Well Qualified Full credit (3-4 hrs)
54-69 4 Well Qualified Full credit (3-4 hrs)
40-53 3 Qualified Partial credit (varies)
25-39 2 Possibly Qualified Rarely credit
0-24 1 No Recommendation No credit

Note: Cut-offs based on 2022-2025 College Board data. Actual thresholds may vary ±2 points. Average score is ~2.5.

How AP Physics 1 Scoring Works

  • Section I (MCQ): 50 questions, 90 minutes → 50% of composite (scaled to 50 points). No calculator.
  • Section II (FRQ): 5 questions, 90 minutes → 50% of composite (scaled to 50 points)
  • Q1: Experimental Design (12 points) — design experiments, analyze data, ~25 min
  • Q2: Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (12 points) — represent physics in multiple ways, ~25 min
  • Q3-Q5: Short Answer (7 points each, 21 total) — focused problems, ~13 min each
  • Total Raw FRQ: 45 points, scaled to 50 composite points
  • Total Composite: 100 points maximum

Tips to Score a 5

🎯 Multiple Choice Strategy (No Calculator!)

  • Draw free-body diagrams for every forces problem
  • Use dimensional analysis to eliminate wrong answers
  • Leave answers in symbolic form or simplified fractions
  • No penalty for guessing—answer every question

🔬 Experimental Design FRQ

  • Clearly identify independent and dependent variables
  • Write step-by-step procedures with specific equipment
  • Draw expected graphs with labeled axes and units
  • Explain how to minimize experimental error

📊 Qualitative/Quantitative Translation

  • Translate between words, equations, graphs, and diagrams
  • Show symbolic work even without numerical answers
  • Justify reasoning using physics principles
  • Use proper terminology: "net force," "kinetic energy," etc.

⚡ Key Concepts to Master

  • Newton's Laws: F = ma, equilibrium, action-reaction
  • Kinematics: v² = v₀² + 2aΔx, projectile motion
  • Energy: KE = ½mv², PE = mgh, conservation
  • Momentum: p = mv, impulse J = FΔt = Δp
  • Circular Motion: ac = v²/r, Fc = mv²/r
  • Rotational: τ = rF sin θ, angular momentum

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the AP Physics 1 exam scored?
Section I (MCQ) has 50 questions worth 50% of your score, no calculator allowed. Section II (FRQ) has 5 questions worth 50%: 1 experimental design (12 pts), 1 translation (12 pts), and 3 short answers (7 pts each). Total = 100 composite points → 1-5 scale.
What is a good AP Physics 1 score?
3 or higher is passing. A 5 is extremely well qualified (only 7-8% of students). The average score is around 2.4-2.6, making Physics 1 one of the hardest AP exams.
Can I use a calculator on AP Physics 1?
No, calculators are NOT allowed on any section of AP Physics 1. The exam is designed so all problems can be solved without one. Leave answers in symbolic form or simplified fractions.
Why is AP Physics 1 so hard?
It emphasizes conceptual understanding over memorization. You must explain reasoning, design experiments, and translate between representations—not just plug numbers into formulas.
When is the 2026 AP Physics 1 exam?
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 8:00 AM local time. The exam lasts 3 hours total. Late testing available May 18-22, 2026.
What topics are covered?
7 units: Kinematics (12-18%), Dynamics (16-20%), Circular Motion (6-8%), Energy (20-28%), Momentum (12-18%), Simple Harmonic Motion (2-4%), and Rotational Motion (12-18%).
Is there an equation sheet?
Yes, AP Physics 1 provides an equation sheet with formulas and constants. Memorize when to apply each formula—the sheet helps, but understanding is key.
How long are the FRQ responses?
Section II is 90 minutes total. Long FRQs (Q1, Q2) should take ~25 min each. Short FRQs (Q3-Q5) should take ~13 min each.
What is the experimental design FRQ?
You design or analyze an experiment: identify variables, describe procedures, draw graphs, predict outcomes, and justify your design. Practice with past FRQs from College Board.
How accurate is this calculator?
Within ±1 point for most students. Uses averaged score distributions from 2022-2025 exams. Actual scores depend on College Board's scaling for your specific exam year.
Do colleges accept a 3 for credit?
Many do, but policies vary. Engineering programs often require 4 or 5. Check specific college AP policies before the exam.
What's the passing rate?
About 45-50% earn a 3+. Only 7-8% earn a 5, 16-18% earn a 4, and 20-22% earn a 3. It has one of the lowest 5 rates of all AP exams.
Should I use formulas or concepts first?
Concepts first! Understand the physics principle, then choose the right equation. The exam tests whether you understand WHY, not just what to plug in.
How do I prepare for no calculator?
Practice without one! Get comfortable with symbolic answers like "2g" or "√(2gh)". Use fractions instead of decimals. Recognize common values like sin(30°) = 0.5.
What's the difference between Physics 1 and C?
Physics 1 is algebra-based; Physics C uses calculus. Physics 1 covers mechanics broadly; Physics C goes deeper into mechanics and adds E&M. Physics C allows calculators.
Can I retake AP Physics 1?
Yes, but only once per year. You can retake in a future year. Both scores are reported unless you request cancellation.
What should I study the last week?
Review past FRQs and rubrics from College Board. Practice experimental design and translation questions. Refresh key equations and their applications. Don't cram new material.