APUSH Score Calculator
Estimate your AP US History exam score by combining your performance across all four sections of the test to see if you are on track for a 5.
This is an unofficial estimate and is not endorsed by the College Board.
How It Works & Formula
Your APUSH composite score out of 100 is calculated by weighting the sections: Multiple Choice (40%), Short Answer Questions (20%), Document-Based Question (25%), and Long Essay Question (15%).
Calculation Steps:
- 1Multiply MCQ score (out of 55) by (40/55).
- 2Multiply SAQ score (out of 9) by (20/9).
- 3Multiply DBQ score (out of 7) by (25/7).
- 4Multiply LEQ score (out of 6) by (15/6).
- 5Sum the weighted scores and compare to historical cutoffs.
Example Score Calculation
Given Parameters:
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- 1MCQ Weighted: 40 × (40/55) = 29.09
- 2SAQ Weighted: 7 × (20/9) = 15.56
- 3DBQ Weighted: 5 × (25/7) = 17.86
- 4LEQ Weighted: 4 × (15/6) = 10.00
- 5Composite Score: 72.51
A composite score of 72.51 is a very high 4. It falls just short of the estimated 73-point cutoff required to achieve a 5.
Estimated Historical Score Cutoffs
Approximate percentage cutoffs for APUSH scores.
| Score | Estimated Composite Needed |
|---|---|
| 5 | 73% - 100% |
| 4 | 58% - 72% |
| 3 | 43% - 57% |
| 2 | 28% - 42% |
| 1 | 0% - 27% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is APUSH scored?
The APUSH exam is scored out of 100 composite points. MCQ makes up 40%, SAQ 20%, DBQ 25%, and LEQ 15%. This composite score is then translated to the 1-5 scale.
Do I need the DBQ complexity point to get a 5?
No. Many students score a 5 without earning the DBQ complexity point. Strong performance on the MCQ and SAQ sections can make up for missed points on the essays.
What MCQ score is needed for a 4?
If you perform averagely on the written sections (e.g., getting half points), you generally need about 35-40 correct out of 55 on the MCQ to secure a 4.
Do score cutoffs change by year?
Yes, slightly. The College Board uses a process called standard setting to ensure a score means the same thing year over year. If an exam is slightly harder, the cutoffs drop slightly.
What is a good DBQ score?
A score of 4 or 5 out of 7 is considered a strong DBQ score. Getting the thesis, contextualization, and two evidence points provides a solid foundation.
Can a bad LEQ ruin my score?
The LEQ is only worth 15% of your total score. While bombing it isn't ideal, it's entirely possible to get a 4 or even a 5 with a low LEQ score if you dominate the MCQ and DBQ.
How are SAQs graded?
Each SAQ consists of three parts (A, B, C). You earn 1 point for each part you answer correctly and completely, for a maximum of 3 points per question.
Is guessing penalized?
No. The College Board eliminated the guessing penalty. You should always guess if you don't know the answer, as leaving it blank guarantees 0 points.
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