How the AP Physics 1 exam is scored
The 2027 AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam is on Wednesday, May 5, 2027 (Session 2, usually afternoon), and AP scores come out in July.[6][7] AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based is a hybrid exam. For 2027, multiple choice takes 1 hour 25 minutes and free response 1 hour 35 minutes, a little different from the 2026 timing. Each section is half the score.[1] In hybrid exams you read everything in Bluebook but handwrite free-response answers in a paper booklet.[4]
| Part | Questions / points | Time | Share of score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 42 questions | 1 h 25 min | 50% |
| Mathematical routines | 10 points | 1 h 35 min for all four | |
| Translation between representations | 12 points | ||
| Experimental design and analysis | 10 points | ||
| Qualitative/quantitative translation | 8 points | 50% for all four |
The four free-response questions are mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation. They are worth 10, 12, 10 and 8 points; the 2025 averages were 4.74, 6.09, 4.93 and 4.65.[5]
AP Physics 1 score distribution
In 2026, 68% of AP Physics 1 students scored 3 or higher and 19% earned a 5.[2] In 2025 the figures were 67.4% and 19.8%, from 174,401 students with a mean score of 3.12.[3]
| AP score | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 19% | 19.8% |
| 4 | 24% | 24.7% |
| 3 | 25% | 22.9% |
| 2 | 15% | 13.4% |
| 1 | 17% | 19.2% |
How this AP Physics 1 score estimate works
No AP Physics 1 chart has ever been released, so the 1–5 uses the average of nine other subjects’ charts. See where the cut points come from.
| AP score | At least |
|---|---|
| 5 | 70.1% |
| 4 | 58.1% |
| 3 | 46.6% |
| 2 | 34.6% |
Example
65% of the multiple choice plus the 2025 average free-response scores gives 58.4%: an estimated 4.
Physics 1 results are spread wide: in 2026, 19% earned a 5 and 17% a 1. No Physics chart has been published, so cut points are the average from other subjects. Free-response points count equally in this calculator, so the 12-point representations question carries the most weight.
Other AP score calculators
Taking more than one exam? Try the AP Calc AB score calculator, AP Chem score calculator or APES score calculator. Every calculator uses that exam’s own section weights.
Frequently asked questions
How is AP Physics 1 scored?
42 multiple-choice questions are 50% of the score; four free-response questions worth 40 points are the other 50%.
What are the AP Physics 1 free-response question types?
Mathematical routines (10), translation between representations (12), experimental design and analysis (10), and qualitative/quantitative translation (8).
What percent get a 5 on AP Physics 1?
19% in 2026; 68% scored 3 or higher.