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AP Physics Scoring: How the Exams are Scored
Understanding how AP Physics is scored is a competitive advantage. The students who plan around the rubric — not the topic — consistently earn more points with the same content knowledge.
Last updated June 24, 2026 · Written by the Cramapple team
Four exams, one structure
AP Physics is four separate exams. All four use 50/50 MCQ + FRQ weighting, but the FRQ mix differs.
| Exam | MCQ | FRQ mix | FRQ time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics 1 (algebra) | 50 questions, 90 min | 5 FRQs (incl. qualitative & experimental design) | 100 min |
| Physics 2 (algebra) | 50 questions, 90 min | 4 FRQs (incl. paragraph argument) | 100 min |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 35 questions, 45 min | 3 FRQs (calculus-heavy) | 45 min |
| Physics C: E&M | 35 questions, 45 min | 3 FRQs (calculus-heavy) | 45 min |
How FRQs are scored
FRQs are scored against a per-criterion rubric. Each rubric point is awarded independently for a specific diagram, principle, symbolic setup, calculation step, unit, or (for Physics C) limit-case check. You can be partly right and earn part of the available points.
- Diagram points (P1/P2) — labeled free-body diagrams, ray diagrams, circuit diagrams, field-line diagrams.
- Principle points — naming the physical law being applied (Newton II, conservation of energy, Gauss's law).
- Setup points — writing the correct equation before substituting.
- Calculation points — correct arithmetic with units.
- Derivation points (Physics C) — symbolic steps, integral setup, limit-case validation.
Scoring strategy implications
- Never leave an MCQ blank. No guessing penalty.
- Draw the diagram even when the prompt doesn't explicitly ask. It's almost always a point.
- Derive symbolically before plugging in numbers. Especially on Physics C — the derivation is the majority of points.
- Always carry units. Unit-carrying is a rubric point on its own in many prompts.
FAQ
How is AP Physics scored?
Each AP Physics exam has two equally-weighted sections: multiple choice (50%) and free response (50%). The exact FRQ mix differs — Physics 1 and 2 have 5 FRQs including qualitative-reasoning and experimental-design types; Physics C: Mechanics and E&M each have 3 FRQs heavily weighted on derivation.
What is a passing score on AP Physics?
A 3 or higher is considered passing. Historically, AP Physics 1 has one of the toughest curves in the AP portfolio; Physics C: Mechanics and E&M have some of the highest 5-rates (self-selected takers).
Is there a guessing penalty on AP Physics?
No. Always answer every MCQ, even if you have to guess.
Do I get credit for the right answer with wrong work?
Usually no. Physics FRQs are 'show your work' by design — the setup, principle, and symbolic derivation are worth more rubric points than the final number.
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