AP US History Score Calculator 2026
The AP® U.S. History exam is divided into two main sections, each designed to test different historical skills.
Section 1 focuses on:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Short-answer questions
Section 2 includes:
- One Document-Based Question (DBQ)
- One Long Essay Question (LEQ)
Final AP U.S. History scores are reported on a 1–5 scale, where 5 represents the highest possible score.
The scores shown in this calculator are estimated using data from previous years’ scoring curves. Since the College Board adjusts scoring slightly each year, actual score conversions may vary from one exam to another.
AP® US History Score Calculator
Calculate Your AP® US History Score – Updated for 2025
Enter your scores for each section using the sliders below to calculate your estimated AP® score. For the Short Answer section, you only need to complete 3 out of 4 questions – choose your best score between questions 3 and 4.
How Is The AP® US History Exam Structured?
The AP® US History exam consists of two main sections with the following structure:
| Section | Part | Question Type | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Part A | Multiple Choice | 55 minutes | 55 questions |
| Part B | Short Answer | 40 minutes | 3 questions | |
| Section 2 | Part A | Document-Based Question (DBQ) | 60 minutes (including 15-min reading period) | 1 question |
| Part B | Long Essay | 40 minutes | 1 question |
Total exam time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Section Details
Section 1, Part A (Multiple Choice)
• 55 questions testing your knowledge of historical events, periods, and themes from 1491 to the present
• Questions may include stimulus materials like primary and secondary sources, maps, and images
• Each question has 4 answer choices
Section 1, Part B (Short Answer)
• 3 required questions (choose between questions 3 and 4)
• Questions 1 and 2 use primary and secondary sources
• Questions 3 and 4 test different time periods without sources
• Each response requires brief written answers analyzing historical evidence
Section 2, Part A (Document-Based Question)
• Analyze and synthesize historical evidence from 7 provided documents
• Develop an argument supported by the documents and your knowledge
• Includes 15-minute reading period to analyze documents
• Tests your ability to work with primary sources and craft historical arguments
Section 2, Part B (Long Essay)
• Choose 1 question from 3 options covering different time periods
• Write a well-developed essay with a clear thesis
• Support your argument using specific historical evidence
• Demonstrate your ability to analyze historical causation and patterns of continuity/change
Scoring Process
The AP® US History exam uses a weighted scoring system that combines your performance on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. The multiple-choice section accounts for 40% of your score, while the free-response section (including short answer, DBQ, and long essay) makes up 60%.
Your raw scores from each section are converted into a composite score, which is then converted to the final AP® score of 1-5. The distribution of scores from the most recent exam was:
What Is A Good Score?
A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though many top colleges only award credit for scores of 4 or 5. For college admissions purposes, a 4 or 5 is considered a strong score for most colleges, and for top-20 schools a 5 is very much the norm for admitted students.
To earn a high score (4 or 5), students typically need to demonstrate strong analytical skills, deep historical knowledge, and excellent writing abilities. The DBQ and long essay questions particularly test students’ ability to construct well-reasoned arguments using historical evidence.
Score Breakdown:
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