How is the revised AP Physics 1 exam scored?

40 MCQs (4 choices, 80 min) scaled to 50 pts (50%) and 4 FRQs (100 min) totaling 40 raw points scaled to 50 pts (50%). FRQ types: Q1 Mathematical Routines (10 pts), Q2 Translation Between Representations (12 pts), Q3 Experimental Design (10 pts), Q4 Short Answer/Paragraph (8 pts). Total composite: 100 pts.

What changed in the AP Physics 1 exam for 2025?

Major revisions for 2025: MCQs reduced from 50 to 40 (now 4 choices instead of 5, 80 min instead of 90). FRQs reduced from 5 to 4 (now 100 min instead of 90). Multiselect removed. Fluids added as Unit 8. Calculators now allowed! Pass rate jumped from 47% to 67%.

Can I use a calculator on AP Physics 1?

YES! Starting 2025, calculators (4-function, scientific, or graphing) are allowed on BOTH sections. This is a major change from previous years when no calculator was permitted. An equation sheet with formulas and constants is also provided.

What is the AP Physics 1 pass rate in 2025?

In 2025, 67.3% of 174,401 students scored 3+, with a mean of 3.12. This is a massive jump from 47.3% pass rate in 2024 — the biggest single-year improvement of any AP exam, driven by the revised exam format.

What is the difference between AP Physics 1 and Physics C?

Physics 1 is algebra-based and covers broad mechanics + fluids. Physics C uses calculus, goes deeper into mechanics (separate E&M exam). Physics 1 allows calculators (since 2025); Physics C always allowed them. Physics 1 has 8 units; Physics C: Mechanics has fewer but deeper topics.

Is there an equation sheet?

Yes, an equation sheet with formulas and physical constants is provided for both sections. You don't need to memorize equations, but you must understand when and how to apply each formula.

When is the 2026 AP Physics 1 exam?

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM local time. Total: 3 hours (80 min MCQ + 100 min FRQ). This follows the revised format introduced in 2025.

AP Physics 1 Score Calculator 2026 | Predict Your AP Physics Score

Q: What are the 8 units in AP Physics 1?

Unit 1: Kinematics (12-18%), Unit 2: Dynamics (16-20%), Unit 3: Circular Motion & Gravitation (6-8%), Unit 4: Energy (20-28%), Unit 5: Momentum (12-18%), Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion (2-4%), Unit 7: Rotational Motion (12-18%), Unit 8: Fluids (NEW, moved from Physics 2).

📋

Section I: Multiple Choice

40 questions · 4 choices each · 80 minutes · 50% of score · Calculator allowed

/ 40

Scaled: 0.0 / 50 pts

✍️

Section II: Free Response

4 questions · 40 total raw pts · 100 minutes · 50% of score · Calculator allowed

Click each FRQ to expand per-part rubric. Points based on 2025 official scoring guidelines.

Mathematical Routines

MR · 10 pts · ~25 min

0/10 ▼

Derive expressions, solve multi-step problems, use algebra

A(i) Sketch/graph (e.g., momentum vs time)

A(ii) Conservation equation setup

A(iii) Apply equation to problem context

A(iv) Multi-step derivation (relationship identification)

A(v) Correct mass/velocity substitution

A(vi) Final symbolic expression

A(vii) Correct numerical/symbolic answer

B(i) Qualitative claim (increase/decrease/constant)

B(ii) Physics principle justification

B(iii) Reasoning connecting force to momentum

Translation Between Representations

TBR · 12 pts · ~25 min

0/12 ▼

Translate between words, equations, graphs, diagrams, bar charts

A(i) Energy bar chart — correct type of energy

A(ii) Second bar chart — correct energy types

A(iii) Bar heights consistent with conservation

B(i) Conservation of energy setup

B(ii) Equate correct energy forms

B(iii) Correct distance/displacement substitution

B(iv) Correct final expression for unknown

C(i) Sketch total mechanical energy on graph

C(ii) Sketch potential energy — correct trend

C(iii) Correct starting point on graph

D(i) Speed comparison claim

D(ii) Justification using energy graph

Experimental Design & Analysis

LAB · 10 pts · ~25 min

0/10 ▼

Design experiment, describe procedure, analyze data, graph results

A(i) Describe procedure with equipment

A(ii) Method to reduce uncertainty (repeat/multiple)

B(i) Identify quantities to plot for linear graph

B(ii) Relate slope to unknown quantity

C(i) Identify vertical axis quantity

C(ii) Label axis with units and scale

C(iii) Plot data points correctly

C(iv) Draw best-fit line

D(i) Calculate slope from graph

D(ii) Use slope to determine unknown

Short Answer / Paragraph Argument

SA · 8 pts · ~25 min

0/8 ▼

Focused problems, written explanations, justify claims with physics

A(i) Identify physics principle or claim

A(ii) Apply equation or concept

A(iii) Correct substitution or calculation

B(i) Qualitative reasoning / comparison

B(ii) Paragraph justification with evidence

B(iii) Correct use of physics terminology

C(i) Diagram / FBD / graph interpretation

C(ii) Final reasoning or conclusion

1AP Score

No Recommendation

Enter your scores above to see your prediction.

MCQ (50%)

0.0

0/40

FRQ (50%)

0.0

0/40

Total

0.0

/ 100

1 (0-24)2 (25-39)3 (40-53)4 (54-69)5 (70+)

MCQ: (0/40) × 50 = 0.0 | FRQ: (0/40) × 50 = 0.0 | Total: 0.0 / 100

🎯 Target Score Mode

Select a target score to see what you need.

💡 What-If Scenarios

Auto-generated based on your current scores

📊 Unit Confidence Tracker — 8 Units

Rate your confidence in each of the 8 units. Unit 8 (Fluids) is new — moved from AP Physics 2 starting 2025.

Unit 1: Kinematics12-18%

Unit 2: Dynamics (Newton's Laws)16-20%

Unit 3: Circular Motion & Gravitation6-8%

Unit 4: Energy (Work, KE, PE, Conservation)20-28%

Unit 5: Momentum (Impulse, Collisions)12-18%

Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion2-4%

Unit 7: Rotational Motion (Torque, Angular Momentum)12-18%

Unit 8: Fluids (Pressure, Buoyancy, Flow) NEW4-6%

🆕 What Changed in 2025 (and Stays for 2026)

AP Physics 1 underwent major revisions starting May 2025. The result? Pass rate jumped from 47.3% to 67.3% — the biggest single-year improvement of any AP exam. Here's what changed:

Feature	Old Format (pre-2025)	New Format (2025+)
MCQ Count	50 questions	40 questions
MCQ Choices	5 choices + multiselect	4 choices only
MCQ Time	90 minutes	80 minutes
FRQ Count	5 questions	4 questions
FRQ Time	90 minutes	100 minutes
Calculator	NOT allowed	YES — allowed!
Units	7 units	8 units (Fluids added)
Pass Rate	~45% (2024)	67.3% (2025)
Mean Score	2.59 (2024)	3.12 (2025)

How AP Physics 1 Scoring Works

The exam has two equally weighted sections. An equation sheet with formulas and constants is provided for both. Calculators (4-function, scientific, or graphing) are allowed on both sections — a major change from pre-2025.

Section	Questions	Time	Weight	Raw → Scaled
I: Multiple Choice	40 Qs (4 choices)	80 min	50%	40 → 50 pts
II-Q1: Mathematical Routines	~25 min	100 min	50%	10 pts
II-Q2: Translation (TBR)	~25 min			12 pts
II-Q3: Experimental Design (LAB)	~25 min			10 pts
II-Q4: Short Answer / Paragraph	~25 min			8 pts

Composite = (MCQ correct / 40) × 50 + (FRQ raw / 40) × 50 = out of 100.

Target

~40 / 100

≈ 40% overall

Target

~54 / 100

≈ 54% overall

Target

~70 / 100

≈ 70% overall

Unit Weights on the AP Physics 1 Exam

The exam now covers 8 units. Energy (Unit 4) is the heaviest at 20-28%. Fluids (Unit 8) is new — moved from AP Physics 2 starting 2025.

Unit 1: Kinematics12–18%

Unit 2: Dynamics (Newton's Laws)16–20%

Unit 3: Circular Motion & Gravitation6–8%

Unit 4: Energy20–28%

Unit 5: Momentum12–18%

Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion2–4%

Unit 7: Rotational Motion12–18%

Unit 8: Fluids4–6%

High PriorityMediumLower Priority

Key Equations Reference

An equation sheet is provided on the exam. Here are the most frequently tested equations across the 8 units.

Kinematics

v = v₀ + at

Kinematics

x = x₀ + v₀t + ½at²

Kinematics

v² = v₀² + 2a∆x

Newton's 2nd

F = ma

Friction

f = μN

Gravitation

F = Gm₁m₂/r²

Kinetic Energy

K = ½mv²

Potential Energy

U = mgh

Work-Energy

W = F·d·cosθ

Momentum

p = mv

Impulse

J = F∆t = ∆p

Centripetal

a = v²/r

Torque

τ = rF sinθ

Rotational KE

K = ½Iω²

SHM Period (spring)

T = 2π√(m/k)

Pressure

P = F/A

Buoyancy

F_b = ρVg

Continuity

A₁v₁ = A₂v₂

2025 AP Physics 1 Score Distributions

In 2025 (first year of the revised format), 174,401 students took the exam. The pass rate surged to 67.3% — up from 47.3% in 2024, the biggest single-year jump in AP Physics 1 history.

19.8%

24.7%

22.9%

13.4%

19.2%

Historical Pass Rate Trends (2020-2025)

51.6%

2020

42.1%

2021

43.2%

2022

45.6%

2023

47.3%

2024

67.3%

2025*

* 2025 = first year of revised exam format

Exam Strategies by Section

📋Multiple Choice

Now only 4 choices — easier to eliminate. Draw free-body diagrams for forces problems. Use dimensional analysis. Calculator allowed but most problems are conceptual. Budget ~2 min per question. No penalty for guessing.

🔢Q1: Mathematical Routines

Show ALL derivation steps. Start with a fundamental principle (conservation law). Define variables clearly. Use symbolic math — plug in numbers only at the end. Label final answers. Common topics: momentum, energy, kinematics.

📊Q2: Translation (TBR)

Practice energy bar charts, graphs, and diagrams. Translate between words → equations → graphs. Conservation of energy is a frequent topic. Label graph axes with units. Be consistent between different representations.

🔬Q3: Experimental Design

Name specific equipment. Describe step-by-step procedure. Identify independent/dependent variables. Explain how to reduce uncertainty (repeat trials). Plot linear graph — relate slope to unknown. This is often the most points-rich FRQ.

AP Physics 1 vs Physics C: Mechanics

Feature	AP Physics 1	AP Physics C: Mechanics
Math Level	Algebra-based	Calculus-based
Topics	Broad mechanics + fluids (8 units)	Deep mechanics (fewer units)
Calculator	Yes (since 2025)	Yes
MCQ	40 Qs, 80 min, 4 choices	40 Qs, 80 min, 4 choices
FRQ	4 Qs, 100 min	4 Qs, 100 min
2025 Pass Rate	67.3%	73.3%
2025 Mean	3.12	3.35
Best For	Non-calculus students, pre-med	Engineering, physics majors

Frequently Asked Questions

40 MCQs (4 choices, 80 min) scaled to 50 pts and 4 FRQs (100 min) with 40 total raw pts scaled to 50. FRQ types: Q1 Math Routines (10 pts), Q2 Translation (12 pts), Q3 Experimental Design (10 pts), Q4 Short Answer (8 pts). Total: 100 composite pts.

Major revisions: MCQs 50→40 (4 choices instead of 5), FRQs 5→4 (new types), time adjusted (80+100 min), multiselect removed, Fluids added as Unit 8, and calculators are now allowed. Pass rate jumped from 47% to 67%.

YES! Starting 2025, calculators (4-function, scientific, or graphing) are allowed on BOTH sections. This is a major change. An equation sheet is also provided.

In 2025, 67.3% of 174,401 students scored 3+, mean 3.12. This is up from 47.3% (2024) — the biggest improvement of any AP exam, driven by the revised format.

Kinematics (12-18%), Dynamics (16-20%), Circular Motion (6-8%), Energy (20-28%), Momentum (12-18%), Simple Harmonic Motion (2-4%), Rotational Motion (12-18%), and Fluids (4-6%, NEW from Physics 2).

Physics 1 is algebra-based, broader coverage (8 units). Physics C uses calculus, deeper mechanics. Both now allow calculators. Physics 1 is better for non-calculus students; Physics C for engineering/physics majors.

Yes! Formulas and constants are provided for both sections. You don't memorize equations but must understand when and how to apply each one.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM. Total: 3 hours (80 min MCQ + 100 min FRQ). Uses the revised format introduced 2025.

AP Physics 1 Score Calculator REVISED FORMAT

📊 Unit Confidence Tracker — 8 Units

🆕 What Changed in 2025 (and Stays for 2026)

How AP Physics 1 Scoring Works

Unit Weights on the AP Physics 1 Exam

Key Equations Reference

2025 AP Physics 1 Score Distributions

Historical Pass Rate Trends (2020-2025)

Exam Strategies by Section

📋Multiple Choice

🔢Q1: Mathematical Routines

📊Q2: Translation (TBR)

🔬Q3: Experimental Design

AP Physics 1 vs Physics C: Mechanics

Frequently Asked Questions

Related AP Calculators