How is the AP Physics 2 exam scored?

Two equal sections. Section I is 40 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes, scaled to 50 points (50%). Section II is 4 free-response questions in 100 minutes worth 40 raw points scaled to 50 points (50%): Q1 about 10 points, Q2 about 12, Q3 about 10, Q4 about 8. The composite is out of 100 and maps to the 1-5 scale.

What changed in AP Physics 2 for 2025?

The exam was revised for May 2025. Multiple-choice answers were standardized to 4 choices, the section moved to 40 questions in 80 minutes, and there are now 4 free-response questions in 100 minutes. Fluids moved out of Physics 2 to Physics 1, while modern physics and RC circuits got more emphasis. The exam is hybrid digital: multiple choice in Bluebook, free response handwritten.

Can I use a calculator on AP Physics 2?

Yes. A 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections, and an equation sheet with formulas and constants is provided. You still need to know which equation applies to each situation.

What is the AP Physics 2 pass rate in 2025?

In 2025, 72.6% of 24,322 students scored a 3 or higher, with a mean near 3.38. The distribution was 5: 21.7%, 4: 28.8%, 3: 22.1%, 2: 20.2%, 1: 7.2%.

What is the difference between AP Physics 2 and Physics 1?

Both are algebra-based and share the same 40 MCQ plus 4 FRQ format. Physics 1 covers mechanics and now fluids. Physics 2 covers thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Physics 1 is usually taken first; Physics 2 builds on it.

AP Physics 2 Score Calculator 2026 | Predict Your AP Physics 2 Score

Q: Is there an equation sheet?

Yes. An equation sheet with formulas and physical constants is provided for both sections, so you do not memorize equations, but you must understand when and how to apply each one.

Q: When is the 2026 AP Physics 2 exam?

It is given during the May 2026 AP exam window. The exam runs 3 hours: 80 minutes of multiple choice and 100 minutes of free response. Check AP Central for the exact 2026 date and time.

📋

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 the per-part rubric. The four question types are the same across the revised physics exams; points follow the 2025 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

🎯 Likely score range — cutoffs move each year, so we show a band near boundaries

Enter your scores to see your most likely score and how close you are to the next one.

🎯 Target Score Mode

Select a target score to see what you need.

💡 What-If Scenarios

Auto-generated based on your current scores

📊 Topic Confidence Tracker — 7 Areas

Rate your confidence in each topic area. Thermodynamics and electricity carry the most questions, so weak spots there cost the most points.

Thermodynamics~15-18%

Electric Force, Field & Potential~15-18%

Electric Circuits (incl. RC)~10-13%

Magnetism & EM Induction~10-13%

Geometric Optics~10-13%

Waves, Sound & Physical Optics~10-13%

Modern Physics~12-15%

🆕 What Changed in 2025 (and Stays for 2026)

AP Physics 2 was revised for May 2025. The section structure was standardized to match the other physics exams, Fluids moved out to Physics 1, and the test became hybrid digital. Here is what changed:

Feature	Old Format (pre-2025)	New Format (2025+)
MCQ Count	50 questions	40 questions
MCQ Choices	5 choices	4 choices only
MCQ Time	90 minutes	80 minutes
FRQ Time	90 minutes	100 minutes
Fluids	On Physics 2	Moved to Physics 1
Modern Physics & RC Circuits	Lighter	Expanded emphasis
Delivery	Paper	Hybrid digital (Bluebook MCQ)
Calculator	Allowed	Allowed (no change)
2025 Mean	3.20 (2024)	3.38 (2025)

How AP Physics 2 Scoring Works

The exam has two equally weighted sections. An equation sheet with formulas and constants is provided for both, and a calculator is allowed throughout. The composite below is out of 100 and maps to the 1-5 scale using cutoffs that shift slightly each year.

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. Each correct MCQ is worth 1.25 composite points; each FRQ raw point is also worth 1.25.

Target

~40 / 100

≈ 40% overall

Target

~54 / 100

≈ 54% overall

Target

~70 / 100

≈ 70% overall

Topic Weights on the AP Physics 2 Exam

Physics 2 spreads its weight fairly evenly across seven topic areas. Thermodynamics and electricity carry the most multiple-choice questions. These ranges are approximate and based on the published course framework.

Thermodynamics~15–18%

Electric Force, Field & Potential~15–18%

Electric Circuits~10–13%

Magnetism & Electromagnetic Induction~10–13%

Geometric Optics~10–13%

Waves, Sound & Physical Optics~10–13%

Modern Physics~12–15%

High PriorityMediumLower Priority

Key Equations Reference

An equation sheet is provided on the exam. Here are formulas you should recognize and know when to apply on the exam.

Ideal Gas

PV = nRT

Heat

Q = mc∆T

1st Law

∆U = Q + W

Avg KE of Gas

K = (3/2)k_B T

Coulomb's Law

F = kq₁q₂/r²

Electric Field

E = F/q

Potential

V = kq/r

Capacitance

C = Q/V

Ohm's Law

V = IR

Electric Power

P = IV

Resistors (series)

R = ΣRᵢ

Magnetic Force

F = qvB

Force on Wire

F = BIL

Induced EMF

ε = −∆Φ/∆t

Lens / Mirror

1/f = 1/dₒ + 1/dᵢ

Magnification

m = −dᵢ/dₒ

Photon Energy

E = hf

Mass–Energy

E = mc²

2025 AP Physics 2 Score Distributions

In 2025, 24,322 students took the revised exam. The pass rate was 72.6%, with a mean of 3.38. A 4 was the most common score, and the spread is wide — plenty of 5s, but a real cluster at 2.

21.7%

28.8%

22.1%

20.2%

7.2%

Mean Score: 2024 vs 2025

3.20

2024

3.38

2025

Source: College Board score distributions, 2025.

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, then plug in numbers at the end. Label final answers. Common topics: thermodynamics, circuits, and electric fields.

📊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 2 vs AP Physics 1

Feature	AP Physics 2	AP Physics 1
Math Level	Algebra-based	Algebra-based
Topics	Thermo, E&M, optics, modern physics	Mechanics + fluids
Calculator	Yes	Yes (since 2025)
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	72.6%	67.3%
2025 Mean	3.38	3.12
Best For	Students who finished Physics 1	First-year physics students

Frequently Asked Questions

Two equal sections. 40 MCQs (80 min) scale to 50 points and 4 FRQs (100 min, 40 raw points: roughly 10/12/10/8) scale to 50 points. The 100-point composite maps to the 1-5 scale.

Multiple choice standardized to 4 answer choices and 40 questions in 80 minutes, with 4 FRQs in 100 minutes. Fluids moved to Physics 1, modern physics and RC circuits got more emphasis, and the exam is now hybrid digital (multiple choice in Bluebook, free response handwritten).

Yes. A 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections, and an equation sheet is provided. Knowing which equation to apply still matters most.

In 2025, 72.6% of 24,322 students scored a 3 or higher, with a mean of 3.38. The breakdown was 5: 21.7%, 4: 28.8%, 3: 22.1%, 2: 20.2%, 1: 7.2%.

Thermodynamics, electric force/field/potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, waves and sound, and modern physics. Fluids is no longer part of Physics 2.

Both are algebra-based with the same 40 MCQ + 4 FRQ format. Physics 1 is mechanics and fluids; Physics 2 is thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Most students take Physics 1 first.

Yes. Formulas and constants are provided for both sections, so you do not memorize equations but must know when and how to apply each one.

During the May 2026 AP exam window. The exam runs 3 hours: 80 minutes of multiple choice and 100 minutes of free response. Check AP Central for the exact date.

AP Physics 2 Score Calculator ALGEBRA-BASED

📊 Topic Confidence Tracker — 7 Areas

🆕 What Changed in 2025 (and Stays for 2026)

How AP Physics 2 Scoring Works

Topic Weights on the AP Physics 2 Exam

Key Equations Reference

2025 AP Physics 2 Score Distributions

Mean Score: 2024 vs 2025

Exam Strategies by Section

📋Multiple Choice

🔢Q1: Mathematical Routines

📊Q2: Translation (TBR)

🔬Q3: Experimental Design

AP Physics 2 vs AP Physics 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Related AP Calculators