Differences between AP Calculus AB and BC
AP Calculus AB is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester college Calculus 1 course and focuses on foundational calculus concepts such as derivatives and integrals. Students in AP Calc AB build a strong understanding of these core topics in preparation for the AP Calculus AB exam, which assesses both theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
AP Calculus BC covers all the content found in AP Calculus AB, but moves at a faster pace and includes additional advanced calculus topics. When comparing calculus AB vs. BC, both courses develop the same fundamental skills, but AP Calc BC offers a more comprehensive exploration of calculus concepts. The AP Calculus BC exam tests students on both the AB material and the expanded BC curriculum, an important consideration for students planning their math pathway.
Students typically choose between the two classes, with advanced students going straight into BC, though some may decide to take both in subsequent years. Below, we highlight the key differences between classes and the standard curricular paths students take.
Key differences
- Content: AP Calculus BC includes all eight units from the AP Calculus AB curriculum, plus two additional units with more advanced topics. This means that students in AP Calculus BC cover everything taught in AP Calculus AB, along with additional material beyond the AB scope.
- Pace: The pace of AP Calculus AB and BC is different. AP Calculus AB allows more time for practicing and mastering each unit, while AP Calculus BC moves at a faster pace to fit in the extra content. Students taking AP Calculus BC should be prepared for a quicker progression through both the AB and BC topics.
- Exam Structure: On the AP Calculus BC exam, you will receive both an overall BC score and an AB Subscore. The AB Subscore reflects your performance on the AB-specific portions of the AP Calculus BC exam, giving colleges insight into your mastery of the material covered in both areas.
AP Calculus AB vs. BC curriculum & units
The AP Calculus AB course has 8 units. The BC course also includes these units but expands on them by providing additional coverage.
Quick summary:
- Units 1-5: Identical
- Units 6-8: BC adds advancements to the same material
- Units 9-10: Only BC content
Table for easy comparison:
| Unit # | Topic | AP Calculus AB | AP Calculus BC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Units 1-5 | Limits, Derivatives, & Chain Rule | Standard coverage | Standard coverage |
| Unit 6 | Integration | Basic techniques | Adds: Integration by Parts, Partial Fractions, and Improper Integrals |
| Unit 7 | Differential Equations | Linear & Separable | Adds: Euler’s Method and Logistic Models |
| Unit 8 | Applications of Integration | Area & Volume | Adds: Arc Length and Distance traveled along a curve |
| Unit 9 | Parametric, Polar, & Vector | Not covered | New Unit: Calculus applied to non-function curves |
| Unit 10 | Infinite Sequences & Series | Not covered | New Unit: Convergence tests, Taylor Series, and Maclaurin Series |
Speed Gap
One of the biggest challenges AP Calculus BC students face is learning more material in the same number of school days before the exam.
- First Semester Calc AB: Units 1-5
- First Semester Calc BC: Units 1-7
- Second Semester Calc AB: Units 6-8
- Second Semester Calc BC: Units 8-10
- Review Period Calc AB: 3-4 weeks before exam
- Review Period Calc BC: 2 weeks before the exam
Given the more advanced content of BC, much of the second semester is devoted to the units not covered in Calc AB.
Scoring difference between AP Calc AB and BC
The College Board designs both the AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC exams with a similar structure and timing. The primary distinction between AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC lies in the depth of content, especially regarding series and additional advanced topics covered in BC.
→ A unique advantage of the AP Calculus BC exam is the inclusion of the AB Subscore. If you take the AP Calculus BC exam and do not achieve a passing overall score, you can still earn a qualifying AB Subscore. Many colleges will grant credit for Calculus 1 if your AB Subscore is a 3, 4, or 5, even if your total BC score is lower, making the AP Calc AB component within the BC exam especially valuable.
Should I take AP Calc AB or BC?
Go with AP Calculus AB if:
- You are a busy person, especially if you have many other AP classes, extracurriculars, or a job.
- If you are not planning on being a STEM major, AB should satisfy your college math requirements.
- You don’t have a Pre-Calc foundation; if you struggle with math, AB would be a calmer option.
Go with AP Calculus BC if:
- You are an aspiring STEM major; many competitive schools look for you to have taken this class.
- You are a fast learner, especially if you don’t need a lot of repetition while learning
- You want more credit, a higher score on the BC exam sometimes earns you two semesters of college credit (Calculus 1 and Calculus 2), and AB usually only covers one.
Some students take both classes: AP Calc AB in one year (usually the junior year) and AP Calc BC the next (senior year). Given the redundancies of both classes, it’s recommended to take just one AP Calc course, unless you decide that you want to take a more advanced math course in your final year.
Final thoughts
Choosing between AP Calculus AB and BC mostly depends on your personal goals and your current comfort level with math. If your schedule is already demanding or if you aren’t planning on a STEM major, AP Calc AB is a reliable option: it introduces you to college-level calculus without the added pressure of a rapid pace. However, for students who are strong in mathematics and targeting engineering or science degrees, AP Calculus BC is often preferable. Not only does BC cover everything in AB, but it also allows you to earn credit for two semesters of college calculus.
Ultimately, when deciding on your calculus class, be honest about your existing workload and choose the path that lets you thrive, not burn out.
