AP Physics 2 Score Distribution 2026
AP Physics 2 (algebra-based) maps a composite score (0–150) to a final AP grade. The exam covers fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
AP Physics 2 Score Distribution 2026
| AP Score | Composite Score Range | % of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 108–150 | 14% |
| 4 | 83–107 | 21% |
| 3 | 57–82 | 23% |
| 2 | 38–56 | 23% |
| 1 | 0–37 | 19% |
Composite max: 150 points · Overall pass rate (3+): ~58%
Use the AP Physics 2 Score Calculator to predict your grade.
How the Composite Score Is Calculated
| Section | Content | Max Points |
|---|---|---|
| Section I — Multiple Choice | 50 questions (90 min); includes single-select, multi-select, and lab-based Qs | 75 |
| Section II — Free Response | 4 questions (105 min): 1 experimental design, 2 short answer, 1 quantitative/qualitative | 75 |
| Total | 150 |
Each section counts for 50% of the final score. AP Physics 2 does not use calculus — all reasoning is algebraic — but the conceptual depth required is considerable.
What Score Do You Need?
| Target | Composite Needed | Rough Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 108/150 (72%) | ~38/50 MC + ~70/75 FRQ |
| 4 | 83/150 (55%) | ~29/50 MC + ~54/75 FRQ |
| 3 | 57/150 (38%) | ~20/50 MC + ~37/75 FRQ |
A 3 on AP Physics 2 requires only 38% of points — one of the lower pass thresholds in the AP program. However, fewer than 60% of students reach that threshold, reflecting the exam's conceptual difficulty.
Hardest Topics by Point Weight
| Unit | % of Exam | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity & Magnetism | 25–35% | Gauss's law (conceptual), capacitors, RC circuits |
| Thermodynamics | 12–18% | PV diagrams, heat engines, entropy reasoning |
| Waves & Optics | 15–20% | Interference, diffraction, ray optics |
| Fluid Mechanics | 10–15% | Bernoulli, buoyancy, continuity equation |
| Modern Physics | 10–15% | Photoelectric effect, atomic models, nuclear decay |
Electricity & Magnetism is the largest unit and the area where most students lose points. Deep conceptual understanding of electric fields and circuits is more important than memorizing formulas.