Question 1
The population of Province J grew from 40 million to 46 million over ten years. What was the percent change?
Environmental Science Exam Prep
AP Environmental Science calculator rules for 2027, and a free formula calculator
Yes, on both sections. For 2027 you may bring a four-function calculator with square root or a scientific calculator, or use the Desmos scientific calculator built into Bluebook. Graphing calculators, and any handheld calculator with storage, are not allowed.
Percent change
(40 − 250) ÷ 250 × 100 = 84% decrease
Rate of natural increase and doubling time
(28 − 8) ÷ 10 = 2% a year. Doubling time: 70 ÷ 2 ≈ 35 years. With migration, use the full growth rate in place of natural increase.
The 10% rule
20,000 × 0.1 × 0.1 = 200 kcal reach that level; the rest is mostly lost as heat.
Half-life
90 ÷ 30 = 3 half-lives; 400 × (1/2)^3 = 50 left.
Kilowatt-hours to joules
1,200 kWh × 3.6 × 10⁶ J/kWh = 4.32 × 10⁹ J. Exam questions state the conversion they want you to use.
| Allowed | Four-function (with square root) or scientific |
|---|---|
| Built in | Desmos scientific calculator in Bluebook |
| Not allowed in 2027 | Graphing calculators and others with storage |
| Sections | Both: multiple choice and free response |
What changed for 2027
College Board's calculator policy carries an update for the 2027 AP Biology and AP Environmental Science exams: handheld calculators with storage capabilities, such as graphing calculators, are not allowed. You may bring up to two permitted handheld calculators, and the built-in Desmos calculator is always there.
What the calculator does not do for you
- A free-response calculation still earns a separate point for the setup, so write the numbers and units you used.
- Questions state the conversions they want you to use, such as 1 kWh = 3.6 × 10⁶ J.
- Check the size of every answer: a calculator gives a wrong answer just as fast when the setup is upside down.
Try 2 questions
Question 2
A country's demand for electricity is growing by 3.5% a year. If this rate continues, about how many years will demand take to double?
Next step
Questions people ask
Can you use a calculator on the AP Environmental Science exam?
Yes, on both sections. For 2027, a four-function calculator with square root or a scientific calculator, or the Desmos scientific calculator in Bluebook.
Can I use a graphing calculator on AP Environmental Science in 2027?
No. College Board's 2027 update bars handheld calculators with storage capabilities, such as graphing calculators, on the AP Environmental Science exam.
Do I need a calculator for AP Environmental Science?
It helps with percent change, unit conversions and scientific notation, but you still show the setup for every free-response calculation.