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Built for the May 2027 exam

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Score Calculator

Enter your points from a Physics 1 practice test to predict your 1–5 score. A 5 takes about 70 of 100 points.

How the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam is scored

The exam is 3 hours long. Multiple choice (42 questions) is 50% of your score and free response is 50%. The free response has four questions: two worth 10 points, one worth 12 and one worth 8. Each part is scaled by its weight and added into a composite out of 100, which is then converted to a score from 1 to 5.

What does it take to get a 5?

About 70 of 100 composite points, by our estimate. One way to get there is roughly 30 of 42 multiple choice questions right and 28 of 40 free-response points. A 4 takes about 54 points and a 3 about 40. In 2026, 19% of students earned a 5 and 68% earned a 3 or higher.

Where students lose points

The four free responses each test one skill: mathematical routines, translating between representations, experimental design, and connecting qualitative and quantitative reasoning. Free-body diagrams are graded on their own, so draw every force with a label. When asked to justify, tie your answer to a physics principle, not just an equation.

Course

3 hr · 42 MCQ (85 min) + 4 FRQ (95 min). A 5 takes about 70 of 100 points, a 4 about 54, and a 3 about 40.

Section I: Multiple choice

50% of score
42 questions
/ 42

Section II: Free response

50% of score
10 points
/ 10
12 points
/ 12
10 points
/ 10
8 points
/ 8
3
Predicted AP Score

Solid. A little more practice turns this into a 4.

Multiple Choice19
Free Response21
Total Score40/100

25% of Physics 1 students earned a 3 in 2026.

Practice

An estimate, not an official score. Cut scores change every year. AP® is a trademark of the College Board, which does not endorse this tool.

Where your score falls

How Physics 1 students spread across the composite in 2026.

At 40, you're ahead of about 33% of test takers.

You · 40
1
17%
2
15%
3
25%
4
24%
5
19%

Estimated curve built from the College Board's 2026 score distribution and our cut-score estimates.

Points needed for each score

570–100 of 100
454–69 of 100
340–53 of 100
225–39 of 100
10–24 of 100

Our estimate for AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based. The College Board does not publish cut scores.

Physics 1 scores in 2026

519% of students
424% of students
325% of students
215% of students
117% of students

From the College Board's official score distributions.

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About the calculator

How the estimate works and how to use it

Enter the points you expect on each part of the exam. Each section is weighted the way the College Board weights it, added into a total out of 100, and compared with estimated cut scores for a 5, 4, 3, and 2.
It is an estimate. The College Board sets new cut scores every year and does not publish them. Ours are based on the estimates other AP score calculators publish, so your real score can land a point either side.
The College Board's official AP score distributions for the most recent exam year.
Grade a practice free response with its scoring guidelines, the way AP readers do. The College Board posts past free-response questions with their scoring guidelines on AP Central.
Most colleges give credit for a 3 or higher, and selective colleges often ask for a 4 or 5. Check your college's AP credit policy for the exact rule.
Usually in early July, after the May exams. You see them in your College Board account.