AP Grade Calculator
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Most AP exams are scored the same way: each section earns a share of a composite score, and the College Board converts that composite into a score from 1 to 5. Choose your exam below, enter your percent in each part, and the calculator estimates your AP score. The estimate is rough, because the College Board sets the cutoffs after each exam, so use it for planning and not as a promise.
How AP exams are scored
Each exam has a multiple-choice section and a free-response section, and some have extra parts. Raw points are weighted so each section counts for its share of the composite. The College Board then draws cutoffs for 5, 4, 3 and 2 on the composite. The cutoffs change every year and differ by exam, which is why there is no single correct conversion.
| AP score | College Board description |
|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely well qualified |
| 4 | Well qualified |
| 3 | Qualified |
| 2 | Possibly qualified |
| 1 | No recommendation |
Weights for the exams this calculator covers
These are the section weights as published for each exam. Check the current Course and Exam Description for your exam before test day, because formats are updated from time to time.
| AP exam | Multiple choice | Free response or other sections |
|---|---|---|
| AP Psychology | 100 questions, about 66.7% of the score | 2 free-response questions, about 33.3% |
| AP U.S. Government and Politics | 55 questions, 50% | 4 free-response questions, 50% |
| AP World History: Modern | 55 questions, 40% | 3 short answers (20%), document-based question (25%), long essay (15%) |
| AP Art History | 80 questions, 50% | 6 free-response questions, 50% |
| AP Computer Science Principles | 70 questions, 70% | Create performance task completed in class, 30% |
AP Psychology grade calculator
AP Psychology has about two thirds of its weight in the 100 multiple-choice questions and one third in two free-response questions. Example: you answer 75% of the multiple-choice questions correctly and earn 60% of the free-response points. The composite is 0.667 × 75 + 0.333 × 60 = 70%, which sits right at the usual line between a 4 and a 5, so it could go either way.
AP Government grade calculator
AP U.S. Government and Politics splits evenly between 55 multiple-choice questions and four free-response questions, so 60% on each gives a composite of 60%. Because the free-response section is half of the score, a blank or weak essay costs as much as a missed block of multiple-choice questions.
AP World History grade calculator
AP World History: Modern has four parts: multiple choice (40%), short-answer questions (20%), the document-based question (25%) and the long essay (15%). Enter your estimated percent in each part. Writing is worth 60% of the composite, so the essays are where scores move most.
AP Art History and AP Computer Science Principles
AP Art History is split 50/50 between 80 multiple-choice questions and six free-response questions. AP Computer Science Principles is different: 30% of the score comes from the Create performance task, which you finish in class before the exam, and 70% from the multiple-choice exam. If your performance task is already submitted, estimate its score and enter it in the calculator.
How to read your estimate
Treat the number as a range. As a rough guide, a composite around 70% or more tends to be a 5, around 55% to 70% a 4, around 40% to 55% a 3, and around 30% to 40% a 2. A given year can sit several points above or below those lines, so a result near a boundary could go either way. Free-response practice scores also tend to be harder to judge than multiple choice, so be conservative with your own essay estimates.
AP class grade versus AP exam score
Your AP class grade and your AP exam score are separate. The class grade comes from your teacher’s gradebook and goes on your transcript. The exam score is set by the College Board and is used for college credit and placement. To work out your class grade, use the standard calculator. For a weighted GPA that adds a point for AP classes, see how to calculate your GPA.
Which score do colleges accept?
Credit policies are set by each college. Many give credit for a 3 or higher, many require a 4 or a 5, and some give no credit but allow placement. Check the college’s AP credit policy page for the exam you are taking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my AP exam score?
Work out your percent on each section, multiply each by its weight, and add them for a composite. The College Board then converts the composite to a 1 to 5 score using cutoffs it sets each year.
What percentage do you need for a 5 on an AP exam?
It varies by exam and year, but a composite of roughly 70% or more has often been enough. Some exams need more and some need less.
How is the AP Psychology exam scored?
About two thirds of the score is from 100 multiple-choice questions and about one third from two free-response questions.
How is AP World History scored?
Multiple choice is 40%, short-answer questions are 20%, the document-based question is 25% and the long essay is 15%.
Is an AP class grade the same as an AP exam score?
No. The class grade is from your teacher and appears on your transcript. The exam score is a 1 to 5 score reported by the College Board.
Calculate it automatically
Paste your gradebook into Grade Calculator and the table fills in on its own. Change any score, or add an upcoming assignment, to see your class grade update.