AP Precalculus Complete Study Guide (2026 Exam)
Master AP Precalculus for May 2026: hybrid format, Units 1–3 exam weights, calculator policy, FRQ types, and a focused study plan.
Short answer: The 2026 AP Precalculus exam is Tue, May 12, 2026 (8 AM Local) — 40 MCQs, 180 minutes total, hybrid digital (MCQ in Bluebook, paper FRQs).
The 2026 AP Precalculus exam is Tuesday, May 12, 2026 (8 AM local). Launched in 2023, it bridges algebra II and calculus with polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric modeling. 2025 pass rate was ~81% — one of the highest among AP math exams.
How the 2026 AP Precalculus Exam Is Structured
Hybrid digital — 3 hours total.
| Section | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Section I Part A (MCQ, no calculator) | 28 | ~44% |
| Section I Part B (MCQ, calculator) | 12 | ~19% |
| Section II (FRQ, mixed calculator) | 4 | ~37% |
Total: 40 MCQs + 4 FRQs (6 points each).
Unit Weights (Exam = Units 1–3 Only)
| Unit | Topic | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polynomial and Rational Functions | 30–40% |
| 2 | Exponential and Logarithmic Functions | 27–40% |
| 3 | Trigonometric and Polar Functions | 30–35% |
| 4 | Parameters, Vectors, Matrices | Not on exam |
Unit 1 (polynomial behavior, asymptotes, inequalities) and Unit 3 (sinusoidal modeling, polar) are the heaviest.
FRQ Tips
- Show all work — partial credit is generous when reasoning is clear.
- Context matters — many FRQs are real-world modeling (population, temperature, periodic phenomena).
- Calculator FRQs — use regression, intersection, and table features efficiently.
Study Plan
Weeks 1–2: Unit 1 — end behavior, zeros, rational asymptotes.
Weeks 3–4: Unit 2 — log rules, exponential growth/decay, inverse functions.
Weeks 5–6: Unit 3 — unit circle, sinusoidal graphs, polar conversions.
Week 7: Full mock + Precalc score calculator.
Free Resources
- AP Precalculus CED
- AP Daily videos for each unit
- AP Precalculus practice tests
Related Guides and Tools
Sources: College Board AP Precalculus Course and Exam Description (apcentral.collegeboard.org). Verified July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is Unit 4 on the AP Precalculus exam?
No. Unit 4 (parameters, vectors, matrices) may be taught locally but is not assessed on the AP Exam. Only Units 1–3 are tested.
What calculator is allowed on AP Precalc?
An approved graphing calculator in radian mode is required on MCQ Part B and FRQ 1–2; it is not permitted on MCQ Part A or FRQ 3–4.
How is AP Precalculus scored?
MCQs are ~62.5% and FRQs ~37.5%. Each of the four FRQs is worth 6 raw points (24 total).