England · Pearson Edexcel2026

Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1): complete guide to Number, Algebra, Ratio, Geometry, Probability and Statistics and the exams

A complete guide to Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (specification 1MA1). Covers the six content areas (Number, Algebra, Ratio proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability and Statistics), how the three written papers work, the Foundation and Higher tiers, the formulae sheet, and how to study each area for top grades.

Browse guides →Syllabus dot points (33)

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (specification 1MA1) is a single linear course assessed by three written papers sat at the end of the course. There is no coursework. This page is the index: below is a map of the six content areas, the tier structure, the exam papers, the formulae sheet, and how to study each area, with a direct link to every dot point.

The six content areas

The specification is organised into six areas. Number and Algebra are the foundation that everything else builds on.

Number: The structure of the number system and calculation, fractions, decimals and percentages, standard form and indices, surds, rounding, estimation and bounds, and factors, multiples and primes.
Algebra: Algebraic manipulation, solving linear and simultaneous equations, quadratic equations, sequences, straight line graphs, inequalities and other graphs and functions.
Ratio, proportion and rates of change: Ratio and scale, direct and inverse proportion, percentage change and interest, compound measures, and growth, decay and rates of change.
Geometry and measures: Angles and polygons, Pythagoras and trigonometry, area and volume, circles and circle theorems, transformations, vectors, and constructions and loci.
Probability: The probability scale and combined events, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams and set notation, and relative frequency and expected outcomes.
Statistics: Sampling and types of data, averages and spread, statistical charts and graphs, and scatter graphs and correlation.

Foundation and Higher tiers

The qualification is tiered. You sit all three papers at one tier.

Foundation tier targets grades 1 to 5 and covers core number, algebra, ratio, geometry, probability and statistics.
Higher tier targets grades 4 to 9 and adds harder material such as surds, algebraic fractions, the quadratic formula, completing the square, the sine and cosine rules, vectors, circle theorems and more demanding proof.

Exam structure

Edexcel GCSE Mathematics is assessed by three written papers, all sat at the end of the course.

Paper 1 - non-calculator. 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, one third.
Paper 2 - calculator allowed. 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, one third.
Paper 3 - calculator allowed. 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, one third.

Any paper may assess content from across the whole specification, so you cannot revise paper by paper.

The formulae sheet

For the 2025 to 2027 exams Edexcel provides a formulae sheet in every paper, including the area of a trapezium, the volume of a prism, the quadratic formula and, at Higher, the sine rule, the cosine rule, the area of a triangle and the compound interest formula. You still need to know when to use each formula, so practise selecting the right tool rather than relying on the sheet alone.

How to study Edexcel Mathematics

Mathematics rewards fluent technique, clear working and accurate arithmetic.

Work from the specification statements. Each reference (for example N7 on standard form, A18 on quadratic graphs) is a checklist; questions are written from them.
Master Number and Algebra first. They underpin every area, so weak algebra leaks marks everywhere.
Show full working. Method marks are secure even when a final answer slips, so set out every step.
Practise non-calculator skills. Paper 1 has no calculator, so drill mental and written methods separately.
Finish with timed past papers. Sit full papers across all three to build speed and exam stamina.

Syllabus, dot point by dot point

Each area has specification-statement-level answer pages with worked exam questions and cross-links, plus an overview guide and quiz. Browse the full set at /gcse-edexcel/mathematics/syllabus.

Number

Algebra

Ratio, proportion and rates of change

Geometry and measures

Probability

Statistics

For the official specification

Pearson publishes the full specification (1MA1), past papers and mark schemes at qualifications.pearson.com. Always revise from the current specification and Edexcel's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.

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Common questions about Maths

How is Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1) structured?

Edexcel GCSE Mathematics is a single linear course assessed by three written papers sat at the end of the course. The content is organised into six areas: Number, Algebra, Ratio proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability, and Statistics. It is tiered, with Foundation tier covering grades 1 to 5 and Higher tier covering grades 4 to 9, and the most demanding topics (such as surds, the sine and cosine rules, algebraic proof and circle theorems) appearing only at Higher. There is no coursework.

What are the three Edexcel GCSE Mathematics exam papers?

There are three papers, each worth 80 marks and lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, and each is worth one third of the grade. Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper; Paper 2 and Paper 3 both allow a calculator. All three papers can assess content from anywhere in the specification, so you cannot revise by paper. Questions range from short single-mark items to longer multi-step problem-solving and reasoning questions.

What is the difference between Foundation and Higher tier?

Foundation tier targets grades 1 to 5 and focuses on core number, algebra, ratio, geometry, probability and data skills. Higher tier targets grades 4 to 9 and adds harder material such as surds, algebraic fractions, the quadratic formula, completing the square, the sine and cosine rules, vectors, circle theorems, and more demanding proof and problem solving. You sit all three papers at one tier, and the tier caps the maximum grade you can achieve, so Foundation candidates cannot score above a grade 5.

Is a formula sheet given in the Edexcel maths exam?

Yes. For the 2025, 2026 and 2027 exam series Pearson provides a formulae sheet in every paper, listing formulae such as the area of a trapezium, the volume of a prism, the quadratic formula and, at Higher, the sine rule, cosine rule, area of a triangle and the compound interest formula. You should still know how to select and use each formula, because the sheet does not tell you when to apply it, and fluency saves time under exam pressure.

How should I structure my Edexcel GCSE Mathematics revision?

Work area by area against the specification, mastering Number and Algebra first because they underpin everything else, then Ratio and proportion, Geometry, Probability and Statistics. Drill each technique until it is automatic, always show full working so method marks are secure, and practise the non-calculator skills separately for Paper 1. Finish with full timed past papers across all three papers.

How does Edexcel GCSE Mathematics compare to other exam boards?

All GCSE Mathematics specifications (Edexcel, AQA, OCR and Eduqas) follow the same national subject content, so Number, Algebra, Ratio, Geometry, Probability and Statistics are broadly the same everywhere, and all are tiered into Foundation and Higher. Edexcel's distinctive features are its question styles, its three-paper structure, its formulae sheet and its own past papers. Always revise from the current Edexcel specification and Edexcel past papers, because question style is board-specific.