Algebra 1 Regents Score Calculator
Enter your raw points for each section to instantly calculate your scaled score. Check if you pass (65+) or earn mastery (85+).
24 questions × 2 points each = 48 points max
8 questions × 2 points each = 16 points max
4 questions × 4 points each = 16 points max
1 question × 6 points = 6 points max
January 2026 Raw-to-Scale Conversion Chart
Official NYSED conversion table for the January 2026 Algebra 1 Regents Examination.
| Raw Score | Scale Score | Performance Level |
|---|
Tips to Maximize Your Score
Strategic advice to help you pass and earn mastery on the Algebra 1 Regents.
Show All Work
Parts II-IV award partial credit. Write every step, even if you're unsure of the answer. Method points add up!
Never Leave Blanks
MCQs have no penalty for wrong answers. Bubble something for every question. For Part II-IV, attempt every problem.
Master Quadratics
Quadratic equations appear in ~30% of questions. Know factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.
Use Your Calculator
Graphing calculators are allowed. Use TABLE and GRAPH features to check your work and find zeros/intersections.
2026 Algebra 1 Regents Exam Format & Scoring
The Algebra 1 Regents is a standardised examination administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and is required for earning a Regents diploma. The exam is offered three times per year — January, June, and August — and tests your mastery of Common Core Algebra 1 standards. Understanding the exact format and scoring is essential for strategic preparation.
| Part | Type | Questions | Pts Each | Total Pts | % of Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Multiple Choice | 24 | 2 | 48 | 55.8% |
| II | Short Response | 8 | 2 | 16 | 18.6% |
| III | Medium Response | 4 | 4 | 16 | 18.6% |
| IV | Extended Response | 1 | 6 | 6 | 7.0% |
| Total | 37 | — | 86 | 100% |
Performance Levels
Your raw score (out of 86) is converted to a scaled score (0–100) using a conversion chart that changes with each administration. Each scaled score maps to a performance level:
- Level 1 (0–54): Below Standard — significant gaps in algebra knowledge.
- Level 2 (55–64): Approaching Standard — close to passing but needs improvement.
- Level 3 (65–84): Meets Standard — passing score for Regents diploma.
- Level 4 (85–89): Meets Standard with Distinction — qualifies for Mastery.
- Level 5 (90–100): Exceeds Standard — outstanding mastery of algebra.
Detailed Scoring Breakdown
Part I: Multiple Choice (48 points)
Part I consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, each worth 2 points. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should always answer every question. Each question has four answer choices (A, B, C, D). Questions cover all Algebra 1 topics and range from straightforward computation to multi-step reasoning problems. This section is worth over half your total raw score, making it the most important section for your final grade.
Strategy: Budget about 1 minute per question (24 minutes total). If you're unsure, eliminate obviously wrong answers and make your best guess. Mark difficult questions and return to them if time permits. Use your graphing calculator to verify answers — plug in answer choices to check equations.
Part II: Short Response (16 points)
Part II has 8 questions worth 2 points each. These require you to show your work and provide a clear, justified answer. Partial credit is available — you can earn 1 point for a correct method with an incorrect final answer, or 1 point for demonstrating partial understanding. Common question types include solving equations, evaluating expressions, interpreting graphs, and explaining mathematical reasoning.
Strategy: Always show every algebraic step. Label your answer clearly. Even if you're stuck, write any relevant equation or computation — graders look for evidence of mathematical thinking.
Part III: Medium Response (16 points)
Part III contains 4 questions worth 4 points each. These are multi-step problems that require thorough work. Questions often involve graphing, creating systems of equations, modelling real-world scenarios, or constructing arguments with algebraic evidence. You can earn 1, 2, or 3 points for partial work. These questions typically require 2–3 distinct steps.
Strategy: Break the problem into steps and show each one. If a question asks you to graph, use a ruler and label axes clearly. If it says "explain" or "justify," write a complete sentence — don't just write a number.
Part IV: Extended Response (6 points)
Part IV has one question worth 6 points. This is the most complex problem on the exam, typically involving multiple parts (a, b, c) that build on each other. It may require you to model a situation with equations, solve a system algebraically and graphically, and then interpret or explain your results in context. Partial credit is generous — you can earn points for each correct step even if you can't complete the entire problem.
Strategy: Read the entire question first to understand what's being asked. Tackle each sub-part individually. If you get stuck on part (b), still attempt part (c) — it may not depend on your previous answer. Show all work and write in complete sentences when explaining.
What You Need for the Algebra 1 Regents Exam
Before the Exam
Preparation for the Algebra 1 Regents should begin at least 3–4 weeks before the exam date. Create a study schedule that allocates time to each major topic area based on your weaknesses. Use past Regents exams (available free on the NYSED website) as your primary study material — the format and question styles are extremely consistent from year to year.
- Reference Sheet: You receive an official reference sheet with key formulas including the quadratic formula, slope-intercept form, point-slope form, and exponential growth/decay formulas. Familiarise yourself with this sheet before exam day.
- Graphing Calculator: Bring a fully charged graphing calculator (TI-84, TI-Nspire non-CAS, or similar). Know how to use TABLE, GRAPH, INTERSECT, and ZERO functions — these can verify answers and save time.
- Practice Tests: Complete at least 3–4 full past Regents exams under timed conditions (3 hours). Review every mistake and understand why you got it wrong.
- Know the Curve: Use this calculator to understand how many raw points you need. Knowing you only need 28/86 to pass can reduce anxiety significantly.
What to Bring on Test Day
- Graphing calculator — approved models only (TI-84, TI-Nspire non-CAS, Casio fx-9750GII).
- Pens and pencils — use blue or black pen for Parts II–IV. Use pencil for Part I (MCQ) so you can erase.
- Ruler or straightedge — for graphing questions in Parts III and IV.
- Student ID — required for admission to the testing room.
- Water and a snack — the exam is 3 hours long, so staying hydrated and energised helps maintain focus.
Time Management During the Exam
You have 3 hours (180 minutes) for 37 questions. Here's a recommended time breakdown:
| Part | Questions | Suggested Time | Time Per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | 24 MCQ | 30–35 min | ~1.3 min |
| Part II | 8 Short | 30–35 min | ~4 min |
| Part III | 4 Medium | 40–45 min | ~10 min |
| Part IV | 1 Extended | 20–25 min | ~20 min |
| Review Time | 30–40 min | ||
Topic-by-Topic Content Guide
Every major topic area tested on the Algebra 1 Regents, with exam frequency and key concepts.
Linear Equations & Inequalities (~25%)
Solving one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations. Literal equations (solving for a variable). Writing and graphing linear inequalities. Compound inequalities. This is the most heavily tested topic — master slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), point-slope form, and standard form conversions.
Systems of Equations (~15%)
Solving systems by graphing, substitution, and elimination. Interpreting solutions as intersection points. Systems with no solution (parallel lines) and infinite solutions (same line). Word problems involving two unknowns — these appear frequently in Parts III and IV.
Functions & Relations (~15%)
Function notation f(x), domain and range, evaluating functions, identifying functions from tables/graphs/equations. Arithmetic and geometric sequences. Transformations of functions. Know the vertical line test and how to determine if a relation is a function.
Quadratics (~20%)
Factoring trinomials, difference of squares. Solving by factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula. Graphing parabolas — vertex, axis of symmetry, x-intercepts (zeros), y-intercept. Interpreting quadratic word problems (projectile motion, area problems).
Exponents & Exponential Functions (~10%)
Laws of exponents (product, quotient, power rules). Negative and zero exponents. Exponential growth and decay models. Comparing linear vs. exponential growth. Know the formula A = P(1 + r)^t and A = P(1 - r)^t.
Statistics & Data Analysis (~10%)
Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode). Box-and-whisker plots, dot plots, histograms. Scatter plots and lines of best fit. Correlation vs. causation. Residuals and interpreting regression equations. Know how to read and create data displays.
Polynomials (~5%)
Adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials. Identifying degree and leading coefficient. Factoring out GCF. These questions tend to be more straightforward and are easy points if you practise the mechanics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors cost students the most points. Learn them so you don't make them.
- ❌ Not showing work on Parts II–IV: Even if your final answer is correct, you can lose points if you don't show how you got there. Always write every algebraic step.
- ❌ Distributing negatives incorrectly: The most common algebraic error. When you see -(3x - 5), the result is -3x + 5, not -3x - 5.
- ❌ Forgetting to flip the inequality sign: When multiplying or dividing an inequality by a negative number, the inequality sign reverses direction.
- ❌ Mixing up slope and y-intercept: In y = mx + b, m is the slope (rate of change) and b is the y-intercept (starting value). Many students confuse these on word problems.
- ❌ Leaving MCQ answers blank: There's no penalty for wrong answers! Never leave a multiple choice question unanswered — even a random guess has a 25% chance of being correct.
- ❌ Not using the graphing calculator: Your calculator can check equations, find intersections, generate tables, and verify solutions. Students who use their calculators strategically score significantly higher.
4-Week Study Plan for the Algebra 1 Regents
| Week | Focus Areas | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Linear equations, inequalities, and functions | Review notes, complete practice problems, take diagnostic test |
| Week 2 | Quadratics and systems of equations | Master factoring, practice all 3 solving methods for systems |
| Week 3 | Exponents, statistics, and polynomials | Complete 2 full past Regents exams under timed conditions |
| Week 4 | Review weak areas, exam strategies | Take 1–2 more practice exams, review all mistakes, rest before exam day |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about the Algebra 1 Regents exam.
A passing score is 65 out of 100 on the scaled score. Based on the January 2026 chart, you need approximately 28 raw points out of 86 to achieve a 65 and pass.
To earn a Regents Diploma with Mastery designation, you need a scaled score of 85 or higher (Performance Level 4 or 5). On the January 2026 exam, this requires approximately 69 raw points out of 86.
The exam has 4 parts: Part I (24 MCQ, 2 pts each = 48 pts), Part II (8 short response, 2 pts each = 16 pts), Part III (4 medium response, 4 pts each = 16 pts), and Part IV (1 extended response = 6 pts). Total raw score is 86 points.
Yes! Parts II, III, and IV award partial credit. Always show your work—graders award method points even if your final answer is wrong. Never leave a constructed response blank.
Graphing calculators are allowed for the entire exam. Approved models include TI-84, TI-Nspire (non-CAS), and Casio fx-9750GII. Scientific calculators are also permitted.
No, there is no penalty for wrong answers on multiple choice. Always bubble in an answer for every question, even if you have to guess.
The Algebra 1 Regents is 3 hours long. Budget about 1 minute per MCQ and more time for Parts II-IV. You may request restroom breaks.
Key topics include: linear equations/inequalities, systems of equations, functions, quadratic equations, exponents, polynomials, statistics, and algebraic modeling.
The exam is offered three times per year: January, June, and August. Most students take it in June. January and August are available for retakes or accelerated students.
This calculator uses the official January 2026 NYSED conversion chart. Expect your actual score to be within ±2-3 scaled points, as each administration's curve varies slightly.