AP Microeconomics Complete Study Guide (2026 Exam)
Master AP Microeconomics for May 2026: 60 MCQs + 3 FRQs, supply/demand graphs, unit weights, and study plan.
Short answer: The 2026 AP Microeconomics exam is Mon, May 4, 2026 (12 PM Local) — 60 MCQs, 130 minutes total, hybrid digital (MCQ in Bluebook, paper FRQs).
The 2026 AP Microeconomics exam is Monday, May 4, 2026 (12 PM local).
Exam Structure
Hybrid digital — 2 hours 10 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Section I (MCQ) | 60 | ~67% |
| Section II (FRQ) | 3 (10+5+5 pts) | ~33% |
Section I in Bluebook; FRQ prompts on screen, answers in paper booklet.
Unit Weights
| Unit | Topic | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Economic Concepts | 12–15% |
| 2 | Supply and Demand | 20–25% |
| 3 | Production, Cost, Perfect Competition | 22–25% |
| 4 | Imperfect Competition | 15–22% |
| 5 | Factor Markets | 10–13% |
| 6 | Market Failure and Government | 8–13% |
Units 2–4 = ~57–72% — master supply/demand shifts and all four market structures.
FRQ Tips
- Label everything — axes, curves, equilibrium points, areas of consumer/producer surplus.
- Long FRQ (10 pts) — often multi-part market analysis or policy evaluation.
- Short FRQs (5 pts each) — quick graph or calculation.
Study Plan
Weeks 1–2: Units 1–2 (supply/demand, elasticity, consumer/producer surplus).
Weeks 3–4: Units 3–4 (cost curves, monopoly, oligopoly, monopolistic competition).
Weeks 5–6: Units 5–6 + released FRQs from AP Central.
Micro score calculator · Practice tests
Related Guides
Sources: College Board AP Microeconomics CED (apcentral.collegeboard.org). Verified July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take Micro or Macro first?
Either order works. Micro focuses on individual markets; Macro on the whole economy. See our comparison guide.
Do I need to draw graphs?
Yes. Correctly labeled supply/demand, cost curves, and market structures are essential for FRQ full credit.
Is a calculator allowed?
A four-function calculator is permitted on both sections.