APUSH Score Calculator

MCQs count for 40% of the total score.
SAQs make up 20% of your APUSH score.
DBQ carries 25% weight.
LEQ is worth 15% of the total score.

Composite Score: -

Estimated AP Score: -

Preparing for the AP US History (APUSH) exam can feel overwhelming, especially with its complex structure and high expectations. To tackle this challenge, knowing how your performance translates into your final score is crucial. That’s why we introduce a game-changing tool, the free APUSH score calculator for 2025. 

What to Expect from the AP US History Exam 

The APUSH exam is designed to test your knowledge of US history while evaluating your critical thinking, analysis, and writing skills. Let’s break down its structure to understand what lies ahead. 

Section 1

Part A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) 

  • # of Questions: 55 
  • Time: 55 minutes 
  • Weight: Accounts for 40% of your score 
  • Skills Tested:
    • Analysis of historical documents, images, and charts
    • Application of historical reasoning skills 
    • Focus on periods from 1491 to the present 

Part B: Short-Answer Questions (SAQs) 

  • # of Questions: 3 (you’ll answer 3 out of 4) 
  • Time: 40 minutes 
  • Weight: Part of the free-response section (combined weight of 60%). 
  • How it Works:
    • SAQ 1 and 2 use primary/secondary sources. 
    • Choose between SAQ 3 (pre-1800) or SAQ 4 (post-1800). 

Section 2 

Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ) 

  • # of Questions: 1 
  • Time: 60 minutes (includes a 15-minute reading period) 
  • Weight: The DBQ accounts for a significant portion of your free-response score. 
  • Key Focus:
    • Analyze seven provided historical documents.
    • Develop a well-supported argument.

Part B: Long Essay Question (LEQ) 

  • # of Questions: Choose 1 out of 3 options 
  • Time: 40 minutes 
  • Weight: Part of the free-response score. 
  • What’s Required:
    • Write a coherent essay with a clear thesis.
    • Provide specific historical evidence and analysis. 

How to Calculate Your APUSH Score 

Understanding how APUSH is scored can help you set realistic goals. Here’s how the process works. 

Step 1: Raw Scores 

Each section awards points as follows:

  • MCQs: 1 point for every correct answer (55 points total). 
  • SAQs: 3 points per question, totaling 9 points. 
  • DBQ: Scored out of 7 points. 
  • LEQ: Scored out of 6 points.

Step 2: Weighted Scoring 

The sections contribute to your score based on their weights:

  • MCQs = 40% of the total 
  • Free-Response (SAQs + DBQ + LEQ) = 60% of the total 

Step 3: Composite Score Conversion 

Your raw scores are converted to a composite score ranging from 0 to 130. The College Board uses a grading curve to assign final scores of 1-5 based on this composite score.

AP ScoreComposite Score RangePassing?
5113–130Yes
492–112Yes
374–91Yes
248–73No
10–47No

Using Our Free APUSH Score Calculator 

Our free APUSH score calculator is your ultimate tool to estimate your score before the big day. Its features include weighted scoring and section-specific insights. Here’s how to use it:

Step-by-Step Instructions 

  1. Enter:
  • Correct MCQs out of 55. 
  • SAQ scores (out of 3 each). 
  • DBQ score (out of 7). 
  • LEQ score (out of 6). 
  1. Click “Calculate.” 
  2. Review the estimated AP score and section breakdown. 

Example Calculation 

Imagine:

  • You answered 40 MCQs correctly (40/55 points). 
  • Scored 7/9 in SAQs. 
  • Got 5/7 on the DBQ and 4/6 on the LEQ. 

Your raw scores would weigh as follows:

  • MCQ: 40 × 0.40 = 16 
  • SAQs + DBQ + LEQ (combined free-response): 24 × 0.60 = 14.4 
  • Total Composite Score = 30.4 

Based on the curve, you’d likely score a 3. 

Tips for Boosting Your APUSH Score 

1. Master Study Strategies 

  • Focus on high-yield periods like Reconstruction and Cold War history. 
  • Use flashcards for key terms and people. 
  • Test yourself with old APUSH exams.

2. Hone Your Writing Skills 

  • Practice answering essay prompts within the time limit. 
  • Use clear thesis statements and back them up with evidence. 

3. Manage Your Time 

  • Spend ~1 minute per MCQ. 
  • Leave time to proofread essays. 

4. Leverage Resources 

  • Explore APUSH study guides and YouTube tutorials. 
  • Take advantage of online practice quizzes.

Score Distribution Insights 

Historically, APUSH score distributions provide valuable context for goal setting. Here’s the data from recent years:

Year% Scoring 5% Scoring 4% Scoring 3% Scoring 2% Scoring 1
202412.8%33.3%26.0%19.4%8.4%
202313.0%31.5%27.0%17.5%11.0%

This data shows how challenging it is to score a 5 and emphasizes the importance of preparation.

Why Our APUSH Score Calculator Stands Out 

Unlike competing calculators, ours offers:

  • A user-friendly interface tailored for students. 
  • Mobile compatibility for accessing insights on the go. 
  • Explanations and tips for improving raw scores. 

Try it today and take control of your APUSH prep! 

Empower Your AP Success 

The AP US History exam may be daunting, but with the right tools and preparation, you can excel. Use our APUSH score calculator to track progress and focus your efforts where they’re needed most.