AP Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet

AP Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet

AP Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet provides essential mathematical concepts and statistical formulas for AP Biology students. It includes key equations such as the Hardy-Weinberg principle, population growth models, and water potential calculations. This resource is designed for students preparing for the AP Biology exam, offering clarity on complex topics like statistical analysis and population dynamics. The sheet also features metric prefixes and surface area and volume formulas, making it a comprehensive study aid for mastering AP Biology concepts.

Key Points

  • Includes key AP Biology formulas for population growth and statistical analysis.
  • Covers Hardy-Weinberg equations essential for understanding genetic variation.
  • Features water potential calculations critical for plant biology studies.
  • Presents metric prefixes to aid in scientific measurements and conversions.
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NOTE: You may use any blank space in this booklet for scratch work during the exam. Proctors should collect this
reference information at the conclusion of the exam.
Name: ___________________________________________________
AP
®
Biology
2026 EXAM REFERENCE INFORMATION
AP
®
BIOLOGY EQUATIONS AND FORMULAS
Statistical Analysis and Probability
x = sample mean
n = sample size
s = sample standard deviation (i.e., the sample-based
estimate of the standard deviation of the
population)
o = observed results
e = expected results
= sum of all
Degrees of freedom are equal to the number of
distinct possible outcomes minus one.
Mean Standard Deviation
Standard Error of the Mean Chi-Square
Chi-Square Table
p
value
Degrees of Freedom
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0.05 3.84 5.99 7.81 9.49 11.07 12.59 14.07 15.51
0.01 6.63 9.21 11.34 13.28 15.09 16.81 18.48 20.09
Laws of Probability
If A and B are mutually exclusive, then:
PP(A or B) =+(A)(P B)
If A and B are independent, then:
PP(A andB)(A) P(B)
Hardy–Weinberg Equations
pp
22
++21qq= p = frequency of allele 1 in a population
pq+=1 q = frequency of allele 2 in a population
Metric Prefixes
Factor Prefix Symbol
10
9
giga
G
10
6
mega M
10
3
kilo k
10
1
deci d
10
2
centi c
10
3
milli m
10
6
micro µ
10
9
nano n
10
12
pico p
Mode = value that occurs most frequently in a data set
Median = middle value that separates the greater and lesser halves of a data set
Mean = sum of all data points divided by number of data points
Range = value obtained by subtracting the smallest observation (sample minimum) from the greatest (sample maximum)
1AP Biology
© 2025 College Board
Rate
dY
dt
Population Growth
dN
=−BD
dt
Exponential Growth
dN
= rN
dt
max
Rate and Growth
Logistic Growth
dY = amount of change
dt = change in time
dN = change in population size
B = birth rate
D = death rate
N = population size
K = carrying capacity
r
max
= maximum per capita
growth rate of population
Simpson’s Diversity Index
Diversity Index =
n = total number of organisms of a particular species
N = total number of organisms of all species
Water Potential ( )
pressure potential
solute potential
The water potential will be equal to the
solute potential of a solution in an open
container because the pressure potential of
the solution in an open container is zero.
The Solute Potential of a Solution
iCRT
i = ionization constant (1.0 for sucrose
because sucrose does not ionize in
water)
C = molar concentration
R = pressure constant
(R = 0.0831 liter bars/mole K)
T = temperature in Kelvin
()
°+C 273
Surface Area of a Sphere
Surface Area of a Rectangular Solid
SA =+22lh lw + 2wh
Surface Area of a Cylinder
Surface Area of a Cube
SA = 6s
2
Volume of a Sphere
Volume of a Rectangular Solid
Vl= wh
Volume of a Cylinder
Volume of a Cube
Vs=
3
Surface Area and Volume
r = radius
l = length
h =height
w = width
s = length of one
side of a cube
SA = surface area
V = volume
2AP Biology
© 2025 College Board
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End of Document
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FAQs of AP Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet

What are the Hardy-Weinberg equations and their significance?
The Hardy-Weinberg equations are fundamental in population genetics, used to calculate allele frequencies within a population. They state that p² + 2pq + q² = 1, where p and q represent the frequencies of two alleles. This model assumes no evolution occurs, allowing scientists to identify factors that may disrupt genetic equilibrium, such as natural selection or genetic drift. Understanding these equations helps students grasp the principles of evolution and genetic diversity.
How does the population growth formula apply to AP Biology?
The population growth formula dN/dt = rN describes how populations change over time, where dN is the change in population size, dt is the change in time, and r is the growth rate. This equation is crucial for understanding exponential growth in populations under ideal conditions. Students learn to apply this formula to various biological scenarios, including species recovery and conservation efforts. It emphasizes the importance of growth rates in ecological studies.
What is the significance of water potential in plant biology?
Water potential is a key concept in plant biology, representing the potential energy of water in a system. It is calculated using the formula Ψ = Ψs + Ψp, where Ψs is the solute potential and Ψp is the pressure potential. Understanding water potential helps students analyze how water moves through plant tissues, affecting processes like osmosis and transpiration. This knowledge is essential for studying plant physiology and responses to environmental changes.
What statistical analysis methods are included in the sheet?
The AP Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet includes various statistical analysis methods such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation calculations. These methods are essential for interpreting biological data and understanding variability within populations. The sheet also features chi-square tests, which help determine if observed data significantly deviates from expected outcomes. Mastery of these statistical tools is crucial for conducting experiments and analyzing results in AP Biology.
What are the applications of surface area and volume formulas in biology?
Surface area and volume formulas are critical in biology, particularly in understanding cell size and function. For example, the surface area-to-volume ratio influences nutrient uptake and waste elimination in cells. The formulas provided in the sheet, such as SA = 6s² for cubes and V = s³ for volume, help students calculate these dimensions for various biological structures. This understanding is vital for topics like cellular respiration and metabolic rates.

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