What each course covers
Calculus AB is a first calculus course: limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, integrals and the accumulation of change, differential equations and the applications of integration. Calculus BC covers the same ground, in places in more depth, and adds two units of its own.
| Unit | AB topics | BC topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Limits and Continuity | 16 | 16 |
| 2. Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties | 10 | 10 |
| 3. Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions | 6 | 6 |
| 4. Contextual Applications of Differentiation | 7 | 7 |
| 5. Analytical Applications of Differentiation | 12 | 12 |
| 6. Integration and Accumulation of Change | 11 | 14 |
| 7. Differential Equations | 7 | 9 |
| 8. Applications of Integration | 12 | 13 |
| 9. Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions | Not in AB | 9 |
| 10. Infinite Sequences and Series | Not in AB | 15 |
The exam
The AP Calculus AB and BC exams both have two sections worth half of the score each: 42 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes, and 6 free-response questions in 90 minutes. A graphing calculator is required for part of each section. Both are on Monday, May 10, 2027, in the morning session.
How students score
| 2026 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Students in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB | 20% | 28% | 17% | 24% | 11% | 285,891 |
| Calculus BC | 46% | 22% | 14% | 14% | 4% | 160,436 |
Do not read BC's higher share of 5s as BC being easier. The students who take BC are a different group from those who take AB, so the shares are not a like-for-like comparison. Compare the courses by content and pace.
Which should you take?
Take AB if you want a first calculus course at a steadier pace, and BC if you have strong algebra and trigonometry and want the extra two units; the lists below say more.
Take AB if
- This is your first calculus course.
- You want a steadier pace and time to consolidate.
- Your school offers only AB, or BC would crowd out other courses.
Take BC if
- You are comfortable with precalculus, including trigonometry and functions.
- You like the faster pace, and your school offers BC.
- You are aiming at a degree where more calculus helps, such as engineering or the physical sciences. Colleges differ on the credit they give, so check the policies of the colleges you care about.
Your teacher knows your school's course and your preparation, so ask them too. Both courses are on Tutix: AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC.
The Programs page shows the hours of the two courses side by side.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between AP Calculus AB and BC?
BC covers everything in AB and adds parametric, polar and vector-valued functions and infinite sequences and series. It moves faster and goes further.
Is AP Calculus BC harder than AB?
BC covers more and moves faster, so it asks more of a student. Its higher share of 5s reflects who takes it, not that it is easier.
Should I take AB or BC?
Take AB if it is your first calculus course or you want a steadier pace. Take BC if you are strong in precalculus and your school offers it.
Are the AB and BC exams different?
In 2027 they have the same shape: 42 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes and 6 free-response questions in 90 minutes, with different content.
Do I need AB before BC?
No. BC includes the AB material, so you can take BC as your first calculus course if you are well prepared.
Sources
- AP Calculus AB and BC exam, College Board (accessed October 21, 2026)
- AP Calculus AB and BC: course and exam description clarifications and corrections, College Board (May 2026)
- AP score distributions, 2026, College Board (2026 results)
- AP exam dates, College Board (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Getting credit and placement, College Board (accessed October 21, 2026)
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