AP Physics C Score Calculator

AP Physics C scores are calculated by combining your Multiple Choice (50%) and Free Response (50%) scores. The Multiple Choice section has 35 questions worth 50% of your total score. The Free Response section has 3 questions (15 points each) worth 50% of your total score. The raw composite score is then converted to a 1-5 AP score using the College Board's conversion scale.

Formula: Composite = (MC Raw/35 × 50) + (FRQ Total/45 × 50) = Score out of 100

Physics C: Mechanics covers classical mechanics including kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and oscillations. It requires calculus knowledge.

Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism covers electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. It also requires calculus.

Both exams are separate and you can take one or both. Each gives separate college credit.

A score of 3 is considered passing and may qualify for college credit at many universities. However, selective STEM programs often require a 4 or 5 for credit. Here's the breakdown:

• 5 - Extremely well qualified (typically 65-100 points)
• 4 - Well qualified (typically 50-64 points)
• 3 - Qualified (typically 35-49 points)
• 2 - Possibly qualified (typically 20-34 points)
• 1 - No recommendation (0-19 points)

Each FRQ is worth 15 points and is scored based on a detailed rubric. Points are awarded for:

• Correct setup of equations (3-5 points)
• Proper application of physics principles (4-6 points)
• Correct mathematical derivation (3-4 points)
• Final answer with correct units (1-2 points)

Partial credit is generously awarded, so always show your work!

Yes! AP Physics C is a calculus-based physics course. You should be comfortable with:

• Derivatives (velocity from position, acceleration from velocity)
• Integrals (work from force, position from velocity)
• Basic differential equations

If you haven't taken calculus yet, consider taking AP Physics 1 first.

Yes! Many students take both the Mechanics and E&M exams. They are offered on the same day (usually) with Mechanics in the morning and E&M in the afternoon. Each exam is scored separately, and you can earn college credit for both.

This calculator uses official College Board weighting and scoring guidelines. However, the exact conversion from composite to AP score can vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty. This calculator provides a close estimate (±0.2) based on historical data and should be used as a guide for your performance.

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam covers:

• Kinematics (10-15%) - Motion in 1D and 2D
• Newton's Laws (15-20%) - Forces, friction, circular motion
• Work, Energy, Power (15-20%) - Conservation of energy
• Systems of Particles, Linear Momentum (10-15%) - Collisions, center of mass
• Rotational Motion (15-20%) - Torque, angular momentum
• Oscillations & Gravitation (10-15%) - Springs, pendulums, gravity

The AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism exam covers:

• Electrostatics (15-20%) - Coulomb's law, electric fields, Gauss's law
• Conductors, Capacitors, Dielectrics (10-15%) - Capacitance, energy storage
• Electric Circuits (15-20%) - Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's rules, RC circuits
• Magnetic Fields (15-20%) - Biot-Savart law, Ampere's law
• Electromagnetism (15-20%) - Faraday's law, inductance, Maxwell's equations