Section outline

  • AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level microeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy.

    The AP Microeconomics framework is organized into six commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.

    Unit     Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section)
    Unit 1: Basic Economic Concepts 12%–15%
    Unit 2: Supply and Demand 20%–25%
    Unit 3: Production, Cost, and the Perfect Competition Model  22%–25%
    Unit 4: Imperfect Competition 15%–22%
    Unit 5: Factor Markets 10%–13%
    Unit 6: Market Failure and the Role of Government 8%–13%

    Course Skills

    The AP Microeconomics framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like economists.

    Skill     Description
    1. Principles and Models  Define economic principles and models.
    2. Interpretation  Explain given economic outcomes.
    3. Manipulation Determine outcomes of specific economic situations.
    4. Graphing and Visuals Model economic situations using graphs or visual representations.