How long is the AP Precalculus exam?
The AP Precalculus exam is 2 hours 55 minutes long. Section I has 42 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour 45 minutes and counts for 62.5% of your score. Section II has 4 free-response questions in 1 hour 10 minutes and counts for 37.5%. A graphing calculator is required for parts of both sections. In 2027 the exam is on Tuesday, May 11, in the morning session.
In more detail
Section I has two timed parts. Part A is 29 questions in 65 minutes with no calculator, just over 2 minutes each. Part B is 13 questions in 40 minutes, with a graphing calculator required for some of them and set to radian mode, about 3 minutes each. Part A is worth 43.75% of your score and Part B 18.75%.
Section II also has two parts of 35 minutes each. Part A is 2 questions with a graphing calculator, on function concepts and on modeling a non-periodic context. Part B is 2 questions with no calculator, on modeling a periodic context and on symbolic manipulations. Each part is worth 18.75%, so plan about 17 minutes per question.
Some older guides still list 40 multiple-choice questions and a 2-hour first section. The College Board's current exam page lists 42 questions and 1 hour 45 minutes. In 2027 Precalculus is in Session 1 on Tuesday, May 11, typically the morning, and for most schools exams start at 8 a.m. local time. Check-in and instructions come on top, and approved accommodations such as extended time make the sitting longer.
AP Precalculus exam format and calculator rules (College Board, October 2026)
| Part | Questions and time | Share of score | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice, Part A | 29 questions, 65 min | 43.75% | Not allowed |
| Multiple choice, Part B | 13 questions, 40 min | 18.75% | Graphing calculator required for some questions |
| Free response, Part A | 2 questions, 35 min | 18.75% | Graphing calculator required |
| Free response, Part B | 2 questions, 35 min | 18.75% | Not allowed |
| Total | 46 questions, 2 h 55 min | 100% | Depends on the part |
Step by step
- 1
Take one full practice exam in one sitting: 105 minutes of multiple choice, then 70 minutes of free response.
- 2
Pace multiple-choice Part A at just over 2 minutes per question without a calculator, and Part B at about 3 minutes.
- 3
Practice the calculator parts with the graphing calculator you will bring, set to radian mode, and learn its graphing, table and zero-finding functions.
- 4
Work one question of each free-response type: function concepts, modeling a non-periodic context, modeling a periodic context and symbolic manipulations.
- 5
Give each free-response question about 17 minutes, and write out the setup and the justification it asks for.
- 6
Score your answers with the official scoring guidelines and review the units behind your misses.
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See also
More questions
How many questions are on the AP Precalculus exam?
46 in total: 42 multiple-choice questions in Section I and 4 free-response questions in Section II.
Is the AP Precalculus exam shorter than AP Calculus AB?
Yes. Precalculus is 2 hours 55 minutes, and Calculus AB is 3 hours 10 minutes.
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