AP Calculus AB vs BC: Which Should You Take and How to Prepare

AP Calculus is one of the most popular Advanced Placement subjects taken by students globally. But there are two versions — AB and BC — and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, marks, and university credit. Here is everything you need to make the right decision.

What Is the Difference Between AB and BC?

AP Calculus AB covers approximately the content of a single semester of university calculus (Calculus I). AP Calculus BC covers that same content plus an additional semester (Calculus II). BC is a superset of AB — everything in AB is in BC, plus more.

Content Covered in AP Calculus AB

Limits and continuity
Differentiation — definition, rules, applications
Integration — definite and indefinite integrals
Differential equations (basic)
Applications of integration (area, volume)

Additional Content in AP Calculus BC (Beyond AB)

Parametric equations and polar coordinates
Sequences and series (Taylor and Maclaurin series)
Advanced techniques of integration
More differential equations

The BC Sub-Score: Students who take AP Calculus BC also receive an "AB Sub-Score" — a separate score that reflects their performance on the AB-equivalent portion of the BC exam. This means BC test-takers get two scores, which can be useful if their overall BC score is lower than expected.

Which Exam Is Harder?

BC is objectively harder because it covers more material. However, the passing rate (score of 3 or above) is often similar between the two — around 60–65% — because students who take BC tend to be stronger Maths students. The percentage scoring 5 (the highest score) is actually higher in BC than in AB in most years.

How Much University Credit Do They Give?

This varies by university, but in general:

A score of 4 or 5 on AB typically earns credit for Calculus I
A score of 4 or 5 on BC typically earns credit for both Calculus I and Calculus II

If your target university awards more credit for BC, and you are confident in your Maths ability, BC is worth the extra effort.

Which Should You Choose?

Take AB if: You are solid in algebra and pre-calculus but not exceptionally advanced in Maths, or if you want to get into university calculus concepts without the extra BC content
Take BC if: You are applying to engineering, Maths, Physics or Computer Science programmes, or if you want to skip two semesters of university Maths rather than one

How to Prepare for AP Calculus

The key to AP Calculus success is doing problems — not reading about them. For every concept you study, complete 10–15 practice problems before moving on. Free response questions (FRQ) require you to show full working and justify your reasoning — practise these from past AP exam papers, available free at College Board's website. Aim to complete at least six full past papers in the final six weeks before the exam.