AP Chemistry Score Calculator
Calculate your predicted AP Chemistry score by entering your multiple-choice and free-response section results. This tool uses the standard AP Chemistry scoring guidelines to estimate your final score from 1 to 5.
AP Score Ranges
How AP Chemistry Scoring Works
- Multiple Choice: 60 questions worth 50% of total score
- Free Response: 7 questions worth 50% of total score
- Long FRQs: 3 questions (10 points each) = 30 points total
- Short FRQs: 4 questions (4 points each) = 16 points total
- Composite Score: Weighted combination of both sections (out of 150)
- Final Score: Converted to 1-5 scale based on composite score
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about AP Chemistry Scoring
How is the AP Chemistry exam scored?
The AP Chemistry exam has two equally weighted sections: Multiple Choice (50%) and Free Response (50%). Your raw scores from both sections are combined and then converted to a final AP score on a scale of 1 to 5. There is no penalty for incorrect multiple-choice answers, so it's always best to guess if you don't know.
What is a "composite score" in AP Chemistry?
A composite score is the total raw score from both the multiple-choice and free-response sections after they have been scaled. For AP Chemistry, both sections are typically scaled to contribute 50 points each, resulting in a total composite score out of 100 points, which is then used to determine your final AP score of 1-5.
What are the approximate raw score cutoffs for each AP score (1-5)?
The College Board does not release exact raw score cutoffs, and they can vary slightly each year. However, based on historical data, common estimates for a composite score out of 100 are: 72-100 for a 5, 58-71 for a 4, 42-57 for a 3, 27-41 for a 2, and 0-26 for a 1. Our calculator uses these general guidelines.
How many multiple-choice questions are on the AP Chemistry exam?
There are 60 multiple-choice questions on the AP Chemistry exam. You have 90 minutes to complete this section. Each correct answer contributes one point to your raw MC score.
How many free-response questions are on the AP Chemistry exam, and how are they weighted?
The AP Chemistry free-response section consists of 7 questions. There are 3 long free-response questions, each typically worth 10 points, and 4 short free-response questions, each typically worth 4 points. This totals a maximum raw FRQ score of 46 points (3*10 + 4*4 = 30 + 16 = 46).
Is this calculator accurate for all AP Chemistry exams?
This calculator provides a strong estimation based on the current exam format and historically observed scoring distributions. While the College Board adjusts specific cut scores annually, the scaling and general ranges used here are widely accepted as good predictors. It's a useful tool for practice, but your official score will come directly from the College Board.