AP World Score Calculator

How It Works

AP World History: Modern has four score components: Multiple Choice (MCQ) with 55 questions, Short Answer Questions (SAQ) with 3 questions totaling 9 points, Document-Based Question (DBQ) worth 7 points, and Long Essay Question (LEQ) worth 6 points.

Default weights are MCQ 40%, SAQ 20%, DBQ 25%, LEQ 15%. You can edit these weights and the scoring curve in Advanced Settings if your teacher uses different values.

We compute a weighted raw percentage for each section and combine them to get your overall weighted raw percentage. This is then mapped to a 1–5 score using adjustable score bands. The exact AP curve varies each year based on overall student performance and exam difficulty.

Inputs Explained

• MCQ Correct and Total: Enter the number of multiple choice questions you answered correctly out of 55. You can change the total if you used a shortened practice test.
• SAQ Points and Total: Enter the total rubric points you earned across all 3 Short Answer Questions (typically 9 points total: 3 SAQs × 3 points each). You can change the total in the form or Advanced Settings if your rubric differs.
• DBQ Points and Total: Enter the rubric points earned on the Document-Based Question (0-7 by default). The DBQ rubric rewards thesis, contextualization, document analysis, evidence beyond documents, and complex understanding.
• LEQ Points and Total: Enter the rubric points earned on the Long Essay Question (0-6 by default). The LEQ rubric rewards thesis, contextualization, evidence, analysis, and complex understanding.
• Advanced Settings: Adjust section weights (must sum to 100%), edit section totals, and customize score band thresholds to match a specific curve or teacher's grading scale.

Example Calculation

Let's walk through a sample calculation:

• MCQ: 36 out of 55 → 36 ÷ 55 ≈ 65.5%
• SAQ: 7 out of 9 → 7 ÷ 9 ≈ 77.8%
• DBQ: 5 out of 7 → 5 ÷ 7 ≈ 71.4%
• LEQ: 4 out of 6 → 4 ÷ 6 ≈ 66.7%

Using the default weights (MCQ 40%, SAQ 20%, DBQ 25%, LEQ 15%), the weighted raw percentage is:

(0.655 × 0.40) + (0.778 × 0.20) + (0.714 × 0.25) + (0.667 × 0.15)

≈ 0.262 + 0.156 + 0.179 + 0.100 = 0.697 = 69.7%

With the default curve, 69.7% falls into the 60-74% range, yielding an estimated score of 3.

Tips & Notes

• Curves Change by Year: College Board adjusts the curve annually based on overall performance. Treat this calculator as a study guide, not a prediction of your actual score.
• SAQ and DBQ Structure: These sections reward clear thesis statements, historical evidence, and thoughtful analysis. Small rubric gains can significantly shift your overall estimate.
• Match Your Teacher's Curve: If your teacher shares a specific curve, edit the bands in Advanced Settings to mirror it for more relevant practice feedback.
• Practice Document Sourcing (HIPP): For DBQ success, master Historical situation, Intended audience, Purpose, and Point of view analysis. This earns sourcing points.
• Contextualization and Comparison: Both DBQ and LEQ reward contextualization (broader historical context). Practice connecting specific events to larger trends and patterns in world history.
• Know Your Themes: AP World covers themes like governance, economic systems, social structures, technology, culture, and interactions. Practice tracing themes across time periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Educational tool only. Unofficial estimate. Not affiliated with the College Board. This AP World Score Calculator is provided for informational and practice purposes. The estimated scores are based on approximate scoring curves that may differ from actual College Board curves, which vary each year. Always refer to your official AP score report for your actual exam results.

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