Last Updated: January 10, 2025
The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam consists of two sections: multiple choice and free response questions. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 - 5, with a 5 being the highest possible score.
The scores in this calculator are estimates based on previous scoring curves. The actual scoring curve may vary year to year.
Instructions
Enter your scores for each section using the sliders below to calculate your estimated AP score.
Section 1: Multiple Choice
Free Response Questions
Question 1: Mathematical Routines
Question 2: Translation Between Representations
Question 3: Experimental Design and Analysis
Question 4: Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
PREDICTED AP® SCORE
0 | Score range: 1 - 5
SECTION SCORES
Multiple Choice Score
0 / 45
Free Response Score
0 / 45
Combined Composite Score
0 / 90
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The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam consists of two main sections:
| Section | Question Type | Time | Questions | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Multiple Choice | 80 minutes | 40 questions | 50% |
| Section 2 | Free Response | 100 minutes | 4 questions | 50% |
Total exam time: 3 hours
Section 1: Multiple Choice
40 questions testing physics concepts and problem-solving skills
Questions may be discrete or in sets based on a shared scenario or data
Calculators and equations sheet are allowed
Section 2: Free Response
Four questions, each focusing on different skills:
Mathematical routines
Translation between representations
Experimental design and analysis
Qualitative/quantitative translation
Calculators and equations sheet are allowed
The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam uses a weighted scoring system that combines your performance on both sections. The multiple-choice section accounts for 50% of your score, and the free-response section makes up the other 50%.
Your raw scores from each section are converted into a composite score out of 90, which is then converted to the final AP score of 1-5. The distribution of scores from the most recent exam was:
| AP Physics C: Mechanics Score | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| 5 | 28.5% |
| 4 | 26.8% |
| 3 | 20.9% |
| 2 | 13.2% |
| 1 | 10.5% |
A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though many top colleges only award credit for scores of 4 or 5. For college admissions purposes, a 4 or 5 is considered a strong score.
To earn a high score (4 or 5), students typically need to demonstrate:
Strong understanding of mechanics concepts and principles
Ability to solve complex physics problems
Skills in mathematical analysis and calculation
Clear explanation of physics reasoning
Application of physics concepts to real-world scenarios
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