AP Calculus AB vs BC: which one should you take?

What's the same

• The exam structure. Both exams have 29 no-calculator and 13 calculator multiple-choice questions, then 2 calculator and 4 no-calculator free-response questions, in 190 minutes of testing time. The AB format guide has the details.
• The first eight units. The titles match, from Limits and Continuity through Applications of Integration, and BC covers all of the AB topics.
• The calculator rules. Desmos is built into Bluebook on the calculator parts only, an approved handheld is allowed, and setups have to be written down on free response.
• The exam date. Both exams are on Monday, May 10, 2027.

What BC adds

BC has two more units and some extra topics inside the shared ones.

• Unit 9: parametric equations, polar coordinates, and vector-valued functions.
• Unit 10: infinite sequences and series, including Taylor series.
• Inside Unit 6: integration by parts, partial fractions, and improper integrals.
• Inside Unit 7: Euler's method and logistic growth.
• Inside Unit 8: arc length.

Units 9 and 10 together are 25% to 35% of the BC multiple-choice section, so the shared units take up less of that exam. BC students also get an AB subscore, based on the part of the exam that covers AB content.

You can see what's in the BC course on the AP Calculus BC page.

How the year feels different

Because BC covers more in the same school year, it usually moves faster through the shared topics. Schools set this up in different ways. Some teach BC in one year after precalculus, and others offer it as a second year after AB. Ask how your school does it, since that changes the comparison.

Questions to help you decide

• How solid is your precalculus? Both courses lean on algebra, trig, and exponential and log functions. If those are shaky, the extra pace of BC leaves less time to catch up.
• What else is on your schedule? A course that moves faster usually takes more weekly time. Look at the whole year, including your other classes and activities.
• What does your school offer? The right answer depends on what's available, who teaches it, and whether AB leads into BC at your school.
• Do you want to go further in math now? If series and polar curves sound interesting, or your plans involve a lot more math, that's a reason to look at BC. If not, AB covers the core of differential and integral calculus.
• What does your math teacher think? They've seen your work and they know how the course runs at your school.

College credit and placement policies differ from one college to another and can change, so this guide doesn't try to predict them. If that matters to your decision, read the published AP policy of each college you're considering.

Questions

Is AP Calculus BC harder than AB?

When both are taught as one-year courses, BC covers more material in the same school year, so the pace is faster. How hard it feels depends on your preparation, your teacher, and the rest of your schedule.

Are the AB and BC exams on the same day?

Yes. For 2027, both exams are on Monday, May 10.

Do AB and BC have the same exam format?

Yes. Both have 42 multiple-choice and 6 free-response questions in 190 minutes, with the same split between calculator and no-calculator parts. The content is what differs.

Will I get college credit for AB or BC?

That depends on the college, and policies change. Look up the published AP credit policy for each college you're considering.