AP Calculus BC
Course Information
AP Calculus BC is designed to be equivalent to both a first-semester college calculus course and the subsequent single-variable calculus course.
Subject Area: Mathematics
UC A-G Area: C – Mathematics
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/10/2026
Course End: 4/29/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This course provides useful preparation for many quantitative, STEM, and analytical college pathways, including:
Engineering / Computer Science / Mathematics / Physics / Data Science / Statistics / Economics / Finance / Chemistry / Applied Mathematics
Prerequisites
Students should:
- Earn an A or B in Precalculus Honors or AP Calculus AB
Students should also have a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, functions, and function composition.
Familiarity with sequences and series, as well as some exposure to parametric and polar equations, is also important preparation for AP Calculus BC.
Course Units
- Limits and Continuity
- Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties
- Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions
- Contextual Applications of Differentiation
- Analytical Applications of Differentiation
- Integration and Accumulation of Change
- Differential Equations
- Applications of Integration
- Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions
- Infinite Sequences and Series
Units 9 and 10 contain content specific to AP Calculus BC beyond the AP Calculus AB curriculum.
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 10, 2027 | Exam Duration: 3 Hours 10 Minutes
Section I
Multiple Choice
- 42 questions
- 1 Hour 40 Minutes
- 50% of Score
Part A
- 29 questions
- 62 minutes
- 35% of Score
- Graphing calculator not permitted
Part B
- 13 questions
- 38 minutes
- 15% of Score
- Graphing calculator required
Questions may include algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and general functions presented through analytical, graphical, tabular, and verbal representations.
Section II
Free Response
- 6 questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 50% of Score
Part A
- 2 questions
- 30 minutes
- 16.7% of Score
- Graphing calculator required
Part B
- 4 questions
- 60 minutes
- 33.3% of Score
- Calculator not permitted
Students solve both procedural and conceptual calculus problems and must clearly communicate mathematical reasoning, notation, and supporting work.
At least two free-response questions include a real-world context or scenario.
Students view free-response questions in Bluebook and handwrite their answers in the provided exam booklet.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Apply calculus to motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and other foundational mechanics concepts.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Use calculus to study electric fields, circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction.
AP Computer Science A
Apply mathematical reasoning and structured problem-solving to object-oriented programming and algorithm development in Java.
AP Statistics
Develop skills in data analysis, probability, statistical inference, and quantitative reasoning.
Questions About AP Calculus BC
Where can I find official AP Calculus BC resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, exam information, calculator policies, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Calculus BC page.
Do I need to take AP Calculus AB before AP Calculus BC?
Not necessarily. Franklin Academy allows students who earn an A or B in Precalculus Honors to enter AP Calculus BC directly. An A or B in AP Calculus AB also satisfies the prerequisite.
How is AP Calculus BC different from AP Calculus AB?
AP Calculus BC includes the major concepts taught in AP Calculus AB and extends them to additional integration techniques, parametric and polar functions, vector-valued functions, and infinite sequences and series.
Can I take both the AP Calculus AB and BC Exams in the same year?
No. College Board does not allow students to take both AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC Exams in the same year.
Will I need a graphing calculator?
Yes. A graphing calculator is required for designated portions of the AP Calculus BC Exam and is also an important tool for exploring functions, graphs, numerical solutions, and calculus applications throughout the course.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.