What Is The Difference Between AP Calculus AB and BC?

Key Takeaways

• AP Calculus AB covers one semester of college calculus, and AP Calculus BC covers two semesters.

• BC includes all AB content plus additional advanced topics.

• Both AP Calculus exams have the same format, with multiple-choice and free-response sections, but AP Calculus BC covers more material.

• BC students can earn both a BC score and a separate AB subscore on their exam.

AP Calculus AB vs BC: Which Should You Take?

Choosing between AP Calculus AB and BC can be a little confusing. It really comes down to making the best decision for reaching your future career goals. 

If you plan on pursuing a STEM field in science or engineering, AP Calculus BC is the better option. 

If you need a strong mathematical background, or you’re taking other AP classes, AP Calculus AB may be the better option. 

What's the Difference Between AP Calculus AB and BC?

The main difference is simple: BC is AB plus more. Think of AB as the foundation and BC as the complete package.

AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a first-semester college calculus course, whilst AP Calculus BC is equivalent to both first and second-semester college calculus. This means BC covers roughly double the content in the same academic year.

Here's a look at the main differences:

Topics Covered

AP Calculus AB covers all the basics of Calculus I: limits and continuity, derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. You'll learn how to find rates of change, analyze graphs, calculate areas, and solve real-world problems using calculus.

The AB and BC curriculum include these shared topics:

• Limits and continuity

• Differentiation (definition and basic rules)

• Applications of derivatives

• Integration (definite and indefinite)

• Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

• Differential equations and slope fields

• Applications of integration

AP Calculus BC (opens in a new tab)includes all AB topics plus parametric equations, polar coordinates, vector-valued functions, and sequences and series. These additional topics make up roughly 40% of the BC exam content.

The extra BC topics include:

• Parametric equations and curves

• Polar coordinates and graphs

• Vector-valued functions

• Advanced integration techniques (integration by parts, partial fractions)

• Improper integrals

• Sequences and series (convergence tests, power series, Taylor series)

• Polynomial approximations

Course Pace and Depth

AP Calculus AB (opens in a new tab) has a faster pace and covers just the first semester of college calculus. AP Calculus BC moves faster because it covers all of AB calculus, plus advanced topics. BC covers two semesters of work in the same amount of time. Here’s a chart to help:

Exam Format and Structure

Both exams follow the same format and timing. Each exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice (45 questions) and free-response (6 questions). Here’s a breakdown of the tests:

Section 1: Multiple Choice

• Part A: 30 questions, 60 minutes, no calculator

• Part B: 15 questions, 45 minutes, Graphing calculator required

Section 2: Free Response

• Part A: 2 questions, 30 minutes, graphing calculator required

• Part B: 4 questions, 60 minutes, no calculator

How Do AP Credits Work for AB and BC?

Each college sets their own policies. Most of the time, BC gets more college credit because it covers a whole year, or two semesters, of calculus. A high score on the AP Calculus BC exam may earn you credit for both Calculus I and II. A high score on Calculus AB may grant you credit for college level Calculus I. 

How Most Colleges Award Credit

• Amount of Credit: BC usually earns two semesters of college calculus credit or 8 credits. AB usually earns credit for one semester, or 4 credits.

• Placement vs. Credit: Some colleges offer college credit, which counts as the hours needed to obtain a degree. Others offer advanced placement instead. This means you can skip introductory courses and start at a more advanced level.

• Minimum Score: In most cases, you’ll need to score a 3 or higher to earn credit. More selective schools will likely require a 4 or a 5.

• AB Subscore: If you take the AP Calculus BC exam, you’ll receive a score for the BC portion (opens in a new tab)and a subscore for the AB portion. If you don’t score high enough on the BC portion, some colleges may give credit for the AB portion. But each school is different.

How Schools Treat AB and BC Scores 

• University of California (opens in a new tab). High scores can earn you 4 credits for AP Calculus AB and 8 credits for AP Calculus BC.

• University of Michigan (opens in a new tab). A score of 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam earns 4 credit hours. A score of 4 on the AP Calculus BC exam earns 4 credit hours as well. A score of 5 on the BC exam earns 8 credit hours.

• New York University. (opens in a new tab) Making at least a 4 on the AB or BC exam earns you 4 points for Calculus I. Making a 5 on the BC exam earns you 8 credit points for Calculus I and II.

Be sure to check with your college choices to see if they grant credits, points, or advanced placement for higher scores on AP exams. You can use the College Board AP Credit Policy Search (opens in a new tab) tool.

Pros and Cons of Taking AP Calculus AB or BC

Both courses have their advantages and challenges. Your choice depends on your circumstances, not which course is "better."

Pros and Cons of AP Calculus AB

Pros:

• Slower pace

• Good for building a strong math foundation

• Easier to manage with a busy schedule

• Still earns college credit

Cons:

• Covers less material

• Might not be enough for some STEM majors

• Looks less advanced than BC for competitive programs

Pros and Cons of AP Calculus BC

Pros:

• Covers two semesters of college calculus

• Better preparation for engineering, physics, and other STEM fields

• Can earn more college credit

• Includes AB subscore as a backup

Cons:

• Much faster pace

• More homework and study time

• Harder exam

• Can be stressful if you’re not ready

How to Choose Between AP Calculus AB and BC

This decision isn't about being "smart enough" for BC. It's about what makes sense for your situation.

Your Math Background

Students who excelled in pre-calculus (earning A grades consistently) are generally well-prepared for BC. If you found pre-calculus challenging or earned B/C grades, AB might be the better choice.

Have you taken accelerated math courses before? Students who've succeeded in honors or advanced math classes typically handle BC's pace better.

Your comfort with algebra matters too. BC moves quickly, assuming you can handle complex algebra without much review. If you still occasionally struggle with factoring, fractions, or trigonometric identities, AB gives you more time to strengthen these skills.

Your Academic Goals

Your intended university major can help you make this decision.

Engineering, physics, computer science, and mathematics majors typically need BC or will have to take multiple calculus courses at the university level. BC gives you a head start and may fulfill more requirements.

If you're considering medicine, biology, chemistry, or economics, either course works. Check your target universities' requirements. Some medical schools accept AB credit for their math requirement.

For humanities, social sciences, or business majors, AB usually provides sufficient preparation. Many business schools only require one semester of calculus, making AB fine.

Your Workload and Schedule

Be honest about your current commitments.

Taking 4-5 other AP courses? BC's demanding pace might be too much. AB takes less time and allows you to work on other classes.

Involved in time-intensive extracurriculars like varsity sports, theater, or part-time work? Consider whether you'll have 1-2 hours nightly for BC homework and study.

BC students typically spend 8-12 hours per week on coursework outside class. AB students spend 5-8 hours a week studying. Factor this into your decision.

Can You Skip AB and Go Straight to BC?

Yes, and many students do this successfully.

You don't need to take AB before BC because BC covers all AB content plus additional topics. Taking both courses would be redundant.

Most students who go straight to BC have:

• Completed pre-calculus with strong grades (A or high B)

• Strong algebraic and trigonometric skills

• Confidence in their math abilities

• Recommendation from their pre-calculus teacher

If you are not sure, AP Calculus AB is usually fine and will look great on your college applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AP Calculus BC harder than AB?

Yes, BC is more challenging. BC covers significantly more content and moves at a faster pace, making it more demanding. The exam is also considered more difficult. Just remember that “harder” doesn’t mean impossible!

Can you get college credit for both AB and BC?

No, most universities only grant credit for one AP Calculus exam. If you've taken both (which isn't recommended), they'll typically only count the BC credit.

Should I take AP Calculus BC if I want to study engineering?

Yes, BC is highly recommended for engineering students. Most engineering programs require at least two semesters of calculus, and BC covers this material.

What grade level do most students take AB or BC?

Most students take AB in 11th or 12th grade.

Can I switch from AB to BC during the year?

This depends on your school's policies. Some schools allow switches within the first few weeks if you're finding AB too easy.

Switching later becomes difficult because BC moves faster and covers different content. If you're considering switching, speak with your teacher and guidance counselor as early as possible.

Switching from BC to AB is usually easier and more common, as you won't have missed any content.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between AB and BC isn’t about proving how smart you are. It’s about choosing the class that fits your skills, goals, and schedule.

• AB is great if you want a solid foundation and a more comfortable pace.

• BC is great if you're ready for a challenge and want to move ahead in math or STEM.

Take your time, think about your strengths, and pick the class that helps you do your best. Either way, you’re getting a strong start in calculus.

If you are planning on taking AP Calculus or other AP course, check out the study tools and resources at Save My Exams. For example, we have past papers for all the calculus exams to help you prepare and get used to the format.

Resources

College Board AP Calculus BC Course (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Calculus AB Course (opens in a new tab)

College Board Special Score Structure for Calculus BC (opens in a new tab)

University of California AP Credits (opens in a new tab)

NYU AP Credits (opens in a new tab)

University of Michigan AP Credits (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Credit Policy Search (opens in a new tab)