AP Calculus ABBest courses
Summary: Best AP Calc AB prep resources (2025 - 2026)
AP Calculus AB is a college-level mathematics course designed for advanced high school students. This rigorous course offers in-depth instruction that exceeds the scope of regular high school math classes, preparing students for the College Board's comprehensive AP Calculus AB exam, as well as the demands of undergraduate coursework. The official curriculum and assessment cover fundamental calculus concepts, including derivatives, integrals, and differential equations.
The entire course is conducted throughout a full academic year, culminating in a challenging final exam designed to assess each student's mastery of the material. To excel on the AP Calculus AB exam, students must go beyond just learning the basics; they need to confidently apply complex abstract mathematical ideas across a variety of contexts. Many students choose to supplement classroom instruction by using external test prep resources, such as practice guides and review tools provided directly by the College Board or reputable third-party vendors.
If you are currently enrolled in AP Calculus AB and seeking to enhance your skills with additional practice tests, or if you plan to start the class in the future and want to prepare ahead of time, our roundup showcases today's leading AP Calc AB exam preparation resources. The list features solutions from recognized providers, including Princeton Review, Khan Academy, Kaplan, UWorld, and Barron's. Each provider offers distinct advantages, such as live instruction or adaptive materials for self-study, addressing different learning styles and needs. By presenting each provider's highlights and user feedback, we help you compare AP Calculus AB prep materials and determine which option is the most effective fit for you.
Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.
How we evaluated these resources
Our top picks for AP Calc AB preparation include options that cater to every study schedule and proficiency level, ranging from self-guided textbooks to programs with one-on-one tutoring support. We chose our selections based on:
- Cost
- Are the materials reasonably priced based on what's offered?
- Variety
- Does the study manual or other core study material come with other features that add value, like flashcards, live instruction, etc.?
- Coverage
- Does the material include all major sections on the exam? Which resources are designed for holistic preparation, and which are better suited for quick reviews on specific topics?
- Accessibility
- Does the vendor prioritize breaking down concepts in an approachable way for maximum retention? Do their products cater to specific learners or a range of different learning styles?
- Community feedback
- Do students tend to recommend this vendor for AP Calc preparation? What do learners like about their instructional materials, practice tests, and other resources?
- Score boosters
- Is the program enough to pass the exam, or is it rigorous enough to get you to a 4 or a 5 with time and effort?
For each vendor, we list the key features, pros, and cons of their study aids and tools, highlighting provider strengths and potential limitations. Our guide below can help you make an informed decision about how you or your student can best prepare for this conceptually complex and quantitatively challenging exam.
Best for supplemental reviews: Princeton Review AP Calculus AB
- From expert study guides to hours of professional tutoring, Princeton Review offers test preparation options for every kind of learner.
- Princeton Review's books are a heavily relied upon resource for students preparing for AP exams, and are best suited for detailed content overviews rather than learning concepts from scratch.
- Flexible options available for students looking for extra practice, structured self-studiers, and learners who require more direct support
- Many students find Princeton's additional practice questions and explanations helpful to their preparation
- More expensive packages grant access to preparation resources for several different AP subjects
- Students may register for free AP Calculus AB tests online for further drilling
- Package tiers can quickly become complicated and expensive, especially given their varying access periods
- The self-paced package does not come with an exam booklet
- Only the Premium version of the book comes with a digital practice exam, which more closely mirrors the format of the actual test
- Full-length practice exams (5 in standard book, 8 in Premium edition)
- Test-taking tips and strategy sheets
- Ample multiple-choice and free-response practice questions
- Live online instruction, depending on the package
- Expert tutoring anchored by top-rated printed materials, depending on the package
The Princeton Review's AP Calculus AB suite of products and services offers a truly comprehensive AP Calc practice test experience and thorough content coverage for the AP Calculus AB exam. As the Princeton Review AP Calculus AB curriculum is fully aligned with the College Board framework, it provides more than just isolated chapters: students develop a deep conceptual understanding of calculus through connected content, multiple representations (graphical, numerical, algebraic, and verbal), and practical real-world applications. This focus on integrated learning extends beyond rote memorization, equipping students with the strong problem-solving skills necessary to excel on the official AP Calc AB assessment.
The Princeton Review is recognized nationwide for its expert AP review books, offered in both standard and premium versions, which have become essential tools for effective AP Calc practice test preparation. The premium edition of the Princeton Review AP Calculus AB book includes eight full-length practice exams and a digital AP Calc practice test, while the standard edition provides five paper practice exams. In addition to a thorough content review, all editions emphasize strategic test-taking advice, targeted drills, and real-exam pacing. Detailed answer explanations accompany each question, and diagnostic assessments help students pinpoint areas that need additional practice. Many report that these rigorous AP Calc practice tests even exceed the actual exam's difficulty, making every official question feel more manageable and building student confidence for both the multiple-choice and free-response sections.
Beyond textbooks, The Princeton Review also offers a variety of course-style preparation programs for AP exams, including the AP Self-Paced Study Hub ($299) and AP Comprehensive Tutoring with expert instructors ($215/hour). Their guided AP 4 Course, condensed Cram Course, and comprehensive tutoring packages all include access to the renowned Princeton Review AP Calculus AB prep book. With a wide assortment of programs at diverse price points, The Princeton Review delivers accessible prep solutions to meet various needs. Many students highlight the AP Calculus AB review book in particular as an indispensable resource for both year-long study and intensive review sessions.
“In general, all of the questions in the Princeton…review books are the kinds of questions that I would consider 'fair game' for the real exam, but they tend to be representations of the harder questions on the test.”
“Overall, if you don't have a strong understanding of concepts and you need to work on strengthening that, the Princeton Review book probably isn't the best for you because it mainly goes over stuff as a refresher.”
Bottom line: For students targeting a 4 or 5 on the exam, the Princeton Review AP Calculus AB book is one of the best tools for exam readiness and is best used for reviewing content taught in class. Practice questions in the book have often been described as more difficult than the actual exam, so remember this when you embark on your prep.
Best free resource: Khan Academy AP Calculus AB
- Khan Academy offers informative, video resources created by expert teachers for quick reviews, all at no cost.
- Many AP instructors recommend that students use Khan Academy when they're stuck to solidify key concepts at home.
- Free videos and practice questions that match the units of the actual exam
- Additional units featured on test-taking tips and strategies
- More of an overview of concepts rather than a detailed study resource
- Interactive practice problems
- Review quizzes after every video and unit to develop mastery
- Easy-to-follow online tracking analytics
Khan Academy's AP Calc AB course provides a flexible, self-paced online platform that comprehensively prepares students for the AP Calculus AB Exam. Khan Academy's curriculum is organized in a unit-by-unit structure, directly reflecting the official AP Calculus AB course and exam outline. It begins with foundational topics, such as "Limits and Continuity," and progresses through detailed lessons on differentiation, integration techniques, and practical real-world applications. The course also features specialized units based on previous free-response exam questions, ensuring thorough alignment with AP standards and expectations.
Beyond covering required content, their program puts a strong emphasis on mastery through active practice. Each unit delivers a blend of instructional videos, interactive practice problems, quizzes, and a comprehensive "course challenge" designed to assess overall exam readiness. All content is mapped precisely to the AP Calculus AB framework, providing clear insight into how each lesson connects to essential exam objectives. While Khan Academy's free resources excel at providing additional practice, reinforcing difficult calculus concepts, and reviewing challenging areas, they're best used as a supplementary tool rather than a complete substitute for official course materials or teacher instruction.
“Speaking from my own experience, it's a good resource to do a bunch of practice questions, but I suggest having other resources to cover everything.”
“Khan Academy is seriously underutilized in AP calc…The course challenges are an accurate reflection of the test, so make sure to take plenty leading up to the exam.”
Bottom line: Khan Academy stands out as a no-cost resource for those seeking clear explanations of core Calculus AB concepts. It's a useful supplement for reinforcing tricky topics, but it should complement, not replace, structured studying and engagement with official AP Calculus AB materials.
Most instructor support: Kaplan AP Calculus AB/BC
- Kaplan employs top instructors to teach college preparation courses in a fully online format, offering personal, module-by-module instruction for students who thrive in web-based learning environments.
- Online courses and recorded lectures are also available for maximum flexibility.
- Course covers both Calculus AB and BC, making it a convenient option for students planning to take both classes
- Live instruction supplemented by other tools
- No shortage of resources and self-assessments for thorough AP review
- No cheaper, self-study option available
- Barron's test manual, which is used in the course, can be purchased separately for a lower price
- Students may find BC content irrelevant and beyond their capabilities if they are focusing on AB
- Access to self-paced modules, videos, flashcards, and more
- Multiple AP-style practice questions and quizzes for each core topic
Kaplan is another household name in AP Calculus and college exam preparation. The AP Calc Kaplan program is designed to comprehensively cover every topic included on the AP Calculus AB exam, encompassing limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, related rates, and differential equations. With Kaplan's structured AP Calc AB review course, students benefit from eight live instructor-led sessions, each covering about a month's worth of content, plus guided, self-paced modules, digital flashcards, quizzes, and full-length practice exams. Each enrollment also comes with a test prep book from Barron's, a leading name in college readiness materials. This approach ensures students are thoroughly prepared for both the subject matter and the specific format and pacing of the AP Calc assessment.
Beyond content mastery, AP Calc Kaplan courses emphasize effective exam and time-management strategies. The program supplies summary notes, access to video recordings of every live class for flexible review, and targeted practice quizzes designed to reinforce distinct calculus skills. Students who miss a live session can easily catch up, supporting continuous learning. Kaplan's AP Calculus offerings also integrate advanced BC content for students eager to pursue both the Calc AB and Calc BC exams, making it a versatile choice for ambitious learners.
Through their unlimited prep subscription, priced just under $2,000, students gain access not only to AP Calc Kaplan courses but also to resources for multiple AP classes and major college entrance exams (the SAT and ACT). Barron's books serve as great companions to their courses; however, a reviewer online noted that they were not able to use their book to study because it was delivered late.
“I recommend getting the unlimited plan to serious students who plan on taking APs because Kaplan also does AP prep fairly well…Since you can get as many test prep resources as you want, the unlimited plan quickly saves you money.”
“The teachers are very helpful, and the course covers a lot of content, but I am disappointed that I only received my Barron's textbook after the AP Exam, when I no longer had a use for it.”
Bottom line: AP Calc Kaplan delivers a robust, online learning instruction package for students looking to excel in their AP Calculus AB preparation. For more options, students can opt to sign up for the unlimited pass for all classes, although it's a significant investment.
Most comprehensive assessment tools: UWorld AP Calculus AB
- UWorld offers a well-designed mid-tier option between direct instruction and self-studying with its dynamic online learning platform.
- UWorld's tech-forward approach to test preparation gives test-takers the ability to access their resources virtually anywhere, at any time.
- Over 1,400 unique practice questions
- Adaptive study planner and performance dashboard make following along with the course simple
- Limited access periods (Introductory Plan only available for one month)
- Focused videos for each subject
- End-of-topic check for understanding questions
- Smart flash cards that use spaced repetition
- Vocabulary bank with contextual definitions
UWorld College Prep's AP Calculus AB offering is a comprehensive, fully online review platform designed specifically for the official College Board AP Calculus AB syllabus. The UWorld AP Calculus course features expertly recorded video lessons, a versatile digital and print study guide (can be purchased separately), and a robust question bank (also optionally sold separately) packed with exam-style multiple-choice and free-response questions. Every item is meticulously aligned with the eight units of the AP Calculus AB curriculum, ensuring targeted and effective preparation.
What sets UWorld AP Calculus apart is its emphasis on rigorous practice and assessment. Students gain access to thousands of realistic practice questions, full-length timed test simulations, intuitive progress dashboards, and in-depth explanations for every answer choice, all available on their app. These features help students master both speed and accuracy under real exam conditions. UWorld is ideal for students seeking a blend of concept reinforcement and strategic test-taking skills within one integrated, self-paced package. Priced at $149, the most popular course package costs more than other self-study options, but users consistently praise UWorld's expertly developed resources and proven ability to boost AP Calculus AB scores.
“I liked what I saw on UWorld quite a bit and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, but it's definitely more expensive…I think UWorld almost certainly has more problems available [than other providers], so if you're looking to really dig in, that's the way to go.”
“UWorld is great for everything.”
Bottom line: UWorld AP Calculus delivers far more than a basic self-study course. With over 1,400 meticulously crafted questions, an interactive online study guide, and a suite of user-friendly learning tools, UWorld stands out among AP Calculus AB prep providers. While the course is on the pricier side, students seeking a balanced approach between quick self-guided review and thorough course coverage may find UWorld to be their best option.
Best study guide: Barron's AP Calculus
- For students who want to prepare for AP exams without the bells and whistles, Barron's study manuals have become a standard and reputable choice.
- Along with ample practice tests, Barron's AP books come with flashcards, study tips, and other preparation aids. These are the same materials used in Kaplan's courses at a fraction of the cost.
- Perfect for self-studiers or students who need additional overviews of key concepts
- Both AP Calculus AB and BC materials are included
- Both the Premium and standard versions of the book provide access to online practice tests closely matching the format of the test
- Explanations written in terms accessible to students of all levels, helping break down intricate topics
- Limited digital features overall
- Some students reported occasional spelling or grammatical errors
- 5 - 12 practice exams plus diagnostic exams, depending on version
- Instructive diagrams, illustrations, and real-life examples throughout the book
For students seeking the high-quality standards of a Kaplan review at a fraction of the cost, consider Barron's AP Calculus study guides. Barron's study manuals are crafted to deliver an in-depth, college-level introduction to differential and integral calculus, mirroring the structure and content of university calculus courses. Their comprehensive resources guide students step-by-step through fundamental concepts, essential theorems, and various forms of representation, utilizing detailed problem walk-throughs, extensive practice questions, and clear, intuitive explanations.
Barron's AP Calculus, both its Premium and standard editions of the book, places strong emphasis not only on core procedural skills, such as calculating derivatives and evaluating integrals, but also on building deep conceptual understanding and analytical reasoning. Students are guided to justify each step of their work, make connections across various representations (including tables, graphs, equations, and written contexts), and present solutions clearly using appropriate mathematical notation. The Barron's AP Calculus AB guide strengthens learning by providing a structured review framework and proven test-taking strategies that foster successful habits of reasoning and problem-solving required for the AP exam.
“Barrons has tests that are much harder than the real thing, which is why I like it a lot. It helps you prepare for questions that are very difficult.”
“If you already know the material from class, then you should just do the practice problems to make sure you've mastered the topics. Otherwise, read through the chapters. Also, their practice exams are very helpful and structured fairly similarly to the actual exam.”
Bottom line: Consistently recommended by students as a prominent supplement to classroom instruction, the Barron's AP Calculus book excels as a go-to resource for targeted unit review and thorough preparation. The book, like other printed study guides, should be used to reinforce concepts, not as an introduction to calculus.
Why it matters
Taking AP Calculus AB and other Advanced Placement math courses provides a valuable opportunity for students to:
- Demonstrate quantitative proficiency to colleges - Prepare for advanced coursework in a number of disciplines - Earn academic credit or the ability to "skip" introductory college classes
Getting a high score on AP Calc AB is important not only for future STEM majors: it's a great asset to your college application overall, and allows you to build the skills required to tackle more difficult undergraduate classes. By selecting an AP Calculus AB exam prep program with high-quality resources, well-constructed AP Calc practice test options, and reliable candidate support, you can reach your academic ambitions.
Wrapping up
There are numerous AP Calculus AB exam prep providers available, each presenting an array of study materials and student support designed to boost your performance. As you evaluate leading AP Calc AB courses, make sure to compare their features, material quality, and access to AP Calc practice tests for the most well-rounded review. Balancing price with rigor and proven effectiveness will allow you to identify the program that is worth the investment that aligns best with your personal learning needs. When you finally make your decision on what to use, always ensure that you are studying from the most recent book editions or up-to-date materials, as the exam can change from year to year. Happy studying!