The AP Physics 1 exam format
AP Physics 1 is a hybrid digital exam lasting 3 hours: 42 multiple-choice questions in 85 minutes (50%), then four free-response questions in 95 minutes (50%), handwritten in a booklet. Calculators and an equation sheet are allowed. The course was revised in 2024–25 and now includes fluids.
The four free-response questions are always the same types, with different point totals in the 2025 and 2026 scoring guidelines:
- Mathematical routines (10 points): derive and calculate.
- Translation between representations (12 points): connect a diagram, graph and equation.
- Experimental design and analysis (10 points): design a procedure or analyze data, often by linearizing a graph.
- Qualitative/quantitative translation (8 points): explain physics in words and connect it to equations.
| Section | Scored out of | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Section I: Multiple choice (42 questions) | 42 questions | 50% |
| Section II: Free response (4 questions) | 10 + 12 + 10 + 8 pts | 50% |
How this AP Physics 1 score estimate works
Section I: points ÷ 42 × 50 Section II: points ÷ 40 × 50 Composite = sum of the lines above (0–100)
By our estimate a 5 takes about 68 composite points, which an even performance reaches with 29 of 42 multiple-choice questions and 27 of 40 free-response points. A 3 takes about 40: 17 of 42 multiple-choice questions and 16 of 40 free-response points. These lines are educated guesses rather than published cut scores (why), so a result within two or three points of one could go either way.
| AP score | Estimated composite |
|---|---|
| 5 | 68–100 |
| 4 | 54–67 |
| 3 | 40–53 |
| 2 | 28–39 |
| 1 | 0–27 |
Worked example
Maya gets 26 of 42 multiple choice and earns 6, 7, 5 and 4 on the free-response questions (22 of 40).
Multiple choice: 26 ÷ 42 × 50 = 31.0
Free response: 22 ÷ 40 × 50 = 27.5
Composite: 58.5 → estimated 4
Physics 1 has historically needed one of the lower percentages for a 5 among the sciences, but it also has a high share of 1s, so a composite near 55% is already a strong result.
AP Physics 1 scores in 2026
In 2026, 43% scored a 4 or 5 but 17% scored a 1. The pass rate was 68%, a big improvement on Physics 1’s historically low rates.
Tips for a higher AP Physics 1 score
- Start derivations from a fundamental equation. Mathematical routines points go to writing Newton’s second law or conservation of energy for the system before substituting.
- Draw clean free-body diagrams. Arrows from the object’s center, labeled forces, nothing extra. A wrong extra force can cost the point.
- Linearize lab data. Know how to choose what to plot so the graph is a straight line, and how the slope relates to the quantity you want.
- Explain with physics words. In the qualitative question, name the principle (conservation of momentum) and say why it applies.
Questions students ask
How many points are the AP Physics 1 free-response questions?
In 2025 and 2026: mathematical routines 10, translation between representations 12, experimental design and analysis 10, and qualitative/quantitative translation 8, for 40 points.
How many multiple-choice questions are on AP Physics 1?
42 questions in 85 minutes, worth 50% of the score.
Is AP Physics 1 still the hardest AP exam?
It had the lowest pass rate for years, but the revised course has done better: 68% scored 3 or higher in 2026.
Sources
Checked: November 2026
Results are estimates for planning. Your school, college or testing organization calculates your official numbers. UpMyGPA is not affiliated with College Board, ACT, LSAC or the AAMC.