AP® Physics 1 Score Calculator 2026

How We Convert Raw Points to Scaled Scores

• Section I: Multiple-choice – 50 questions, 90 minutes (50% of composite score, scaled to 50 points). No calculators permitted.
• Section II: Free-response – 5 questions, 90 minutes (50% of composite score, scaled to 50 points)
• Question 1: Experimental Design – 12 points, approximately 25 minutes
• Question 2: Qualitative/Quantitative Translation – 12 points, approximately 25 minutes
• Questions 3-5: Short Answer – 7 points each (21 points total), approximately 17 minutes each
• Composite scaled to 100 points total. We average the last three curves to map composite scores to the 5‑point AP scale.

2025 Raw Score → Scaled Score Chart (Estimate)

This calculator uses composite scoring based on recent AP Physics 1 exams. The exact conversion may vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty and College Board's equating process.

Note: Cut-offs based on College Board score distributions from 2022-2025. Actual thresholds may shift by ±2 points depending on exam difficulty.

Study Tips to Earn a 5

Multiple-Choice Strategy

• Draw free-body diagrams – For every forces problem, sketch all forces acting on the object.
• Use process of elimination – Cross out obviously wrong answers to improve your odds.
• Check units – Even without a calculator, dimensional analysis can eliminate wrong answers.
• No penalty for guessing – Answer every question; leave no blanks.

Experimental Design FRQ

• Identify variables clearly – State the independent variable (what you change) and dependent variable (what you measure).
• Write detailed procedures – Include specific equipment, measurements, and steps in logical order.
• Draw appropriate graphs – Label axes with variables and units; show expected relationships (linear, inverse, etc.).
• Justify your design – Explain why your procedure tests the relationship and how it minimizes error.

Qualitative/Quantitative Translation

• Practice representations – Be comfortable translating between words, equations like \(F = ma\), graphs, and diagrams.
• Explain reasoning thoroughly – Don't just state an answer; justify it using physics principles.
• Use proper terminology – Terms like "net force," "acceleration," "kinetic energy" demonstrate mastery.
• Show your work symbolically – Even if you can't calculate a number, set up equations correctly.

Short Answer Questions

• Answer all parts – Short answer questions often have multiple parts (a, b, c, d). Don't skip any.
• Include units – Always write units with numerical answers: m/s, N, J, kg⋅m/s.
• Draw diagrams when helpful – Sketches of situations, vectors, or energy bar charts can clarify your reasoning.
• Be concise but complete – You don't need paragraphs, but explain your reasoning clearly.

Key Physics Concepts to Master

• Newton's Laws – \(F = ma\), action-reaction pairs, equilibrium (\(\sum F = 0\))
• Kinematics – Equations like \(v^2 = v_0^2 + 2ax\), projectile motion, graphs of motion
• Energy – Work-energy theorem (\(W = \Delta KE\)), conservation of energy, \(KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\), \(PE = mgh\)
• Momentum – \(p = mv\), conservation of momentum in collisions, impulse \(J = F\Delta t = \Delta p\)
• Circular Motion – Centripetal acceleration \(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\), centripetal force \(F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}\)
• Rotational Motion – Torque \(\tau = rF\sin\theta\), rotational inertia, angular momentum

Frequently Asked Questions