About the AP Calculus Exam: 2027 Format, Topics, Calculator Rules & AB vs BC
Everything you need to know before your first AP Calculus AB or BC exam.
What changes in May 2027
1. What is the AP Calculus Exam?
College-level calculus in high school — with potential college credit.
The AP Calculus exams are part of the College Board’s Advanced Placement program. Students take a university-level calculus course in high school and, with a qualifying score, can earn college credit or advanced placement.
- AP Calculus AB — comparable to a first-semester college calculus course.
- AP Calculus BC — comparable to two semesters (a full year) of college calculus.
2. AB vs BC
BC covers everything in AB plus two more units — and reports an AB subscore.
| Feature | Calculus AB | Calculus BC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Limits, derivatives, integrals, differential equations | All of AB + parametric, polar, vector functions + series |
| College equivalent | 1 semester | 2 semesters |
| Units | 8 | 10 |
| Subscore | — | AB subscore reported |
Both exams have the same format and timing. BC students also receive an AB subscore, so colleges can see AB-level performance.
3. Exam format (May 2027)
Two sections, four timed parts — the same for AB and BC.
| Section | Part | Questions | Time | Calculator | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I · Multiple choice 42 questions · 1 h 40 min | Part A | 29 | 62 min | Not permitted | 50% |
| Part B | 13 | 38 min | Graphing calculator required | ||
| II · Free response 6 questions · 1 h 30 min | Part A | 2 | 30 min | Graphing calculator required | 50% |
| Part B | 4 | 60 min | Not permitted |
Free-response questions include at least two questions set in a real-world context. Multiple-choice questions use analytical, graphical, tabular and verbal representations.
4. Topics covered
Eight AB units; BC adds Units 9 and 10.
Some topics inside Units 6–8 are BC-only: integration by parts, partial fractions, improper integrals, Euler’s method, logistic models and arc length.
5. Scoring
Scores from 1 to 5; each section counts for 50%.
| Score | Meaning | Typical college credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely well qualified | Credit (often Calc I & II for BC) |
| 4 | Well qualified | Credit at many colleges |
| 3 | Qualified | Sometimes accepted |
| 1–2 | Possibly / no recommendation | Usually no credit |
There is no penalty for wrong answers on the multiple-choice section, so answer every question. Credit policies are set by each college.
6. Hybrid digital exam & Bluebook
Multiple choice on screen; free response written by hand.
- Multiple choice is answered in the Bluebook testing app.
- Free-response questions are shown in Bluebook, and you write your answers by hand in a paper booklet.
- Bluebook lets you flag questions, use a built-in Desmos graphing calculator in calculator parts, and track time.
7. Calculator policy
A graphing calculator is required in MCQ Part B and FRQ Part A — and not permitted in the other parts.
You can use the Desmos graphing calculator built into Bluebook, or bring your own approved handheld graphing calculator. Unlike the SAT, AP Calculus allows CAS calculators such as the TI-89 Titanium and TI-Nspire CX II CAS.
| Brand | Examples on the approved list |
|---|---|
| TI | TI-84 Plus family, TI-Nspire CX / CX II (including CAS models), TI-89 Titanium |
| Casio | fx-CG50, fx-9750 and fx-9860 series |
| HP | HP Prime |
More than half of the testing time is calculator-free (62 min MCQ + 60 min FRQ). Practise both with and without a calculator, and always check the official approved list before exam day.
8. How to prepare effectively
Think, justify, and rehearse under real timing.
- Learn concepts, not just formulas — AP rewards reasoning and justification.
- Practise released FRQs and write full justifications with units.
- Pace the new MCQ timing — about 2 min 8 s per Part A question and 2 min 55 s per Part B question.
- Use the calculator smartly — graph, find intersections, evaluate integrals; don’t over-rely on it.
- Take full-length mocks in the 2027 format and review every mistake.
9. Recommended resources
Official materials plus MATHIGH practice in the 2027 format.
— Engin Savaş, Mathigh Founder