Mathematics 0580 papers: timings and marks

Paper 1: Non-calculatorStructured and unstructured questions
Core1 h 30 mintime80marks50%of grade
Paper 2: Non-calculatorStructured and unstructured questions
Extended2 htime100marks50%of grade
Paper 3: CalculatorStructured and unstructured questions
Core1 h 30 mintime80marks50%of grade
Paper 4: CalculatorStructured and unstructured questions
Extended2 htime100marks50%of grade

Core or Extended: which papers you sit

  • Core: Papers 1 and 3. Grades C to G available.
  • Extended: Papers 2 and 4. Grades A* to E available.

Calculator: Not allowed on Papers 1 and 2. A scientific calculator is required on Papers 3 and 4.
Grading: A* to G. A 9 to 1 version exists as 0980, with the same content and papers.

Your Mathematics topic checklist

Rate each topic: red if you can't do it yet, amber if it's shaky,green if you're confident. It saves on this device, so come back and update it.

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  1. 1Number
  2. 2Algebra and graphs
  3. 3Coordinate geometry
  4. 4Geometry
  5. 5Mensuration
  6. 6Trigonometry
  7. 7Transformations and vectors
  8. 8Probability
  9. 9Statistics

How to revise Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

Practise without a calculator, properly

Half of your marks come from a non-calculator paper. Fractions, negative numbers, percentages, long multiplication and simplifying surds all need to be quick and accurate by hand. A few minutes a day of mental and written arithmetic pays off across the whole paper.

Show every step

Method marks are given for correct working even when the final answer is wrong. A bare wrong answer scores nothing. Write each step on its own line so the examiner can follow it.

Know which formulas are given

Each paper has a list of formulas on page 2, but not every formula you need is on it. Check the list in a recent paper and learn the ones that are missing.

Use topic practice, then full papers

Work through the nine topic areas with targeted questions first, then move to full timed papers so you get used to switching topics quickly.

Common mistakes in IGCSE Mathematics

Examiner's noteRounding too early in a multi-step calculation, which throws the final answer off.
Examiner's noteGiving an answer to the wrong accuracy. Read whether the question wants 3 significant figures, 2 decimal places or an exact answer.
Examiner's noteLeaving out units, or mixing cm and m in the same calculation.
Examiner's noteMeasuring angles or lengths from a diagram marked "not to scale".

Mathematics 0580: questions students ask

How many papers are there in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580?

There are 4 papers: Paper 1: Non-calculator (Core, 1 h 30 min, 80 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 2: Non-calculator (Extended, 2 h, 100 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 3: Calculator (Core, 1 h 30 min, 80 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 4: Calculator (Extended, 2 h, 100 marks, 50% of the grade). Core: Papers 1 and 3. Grades C to G available. Extended: Papers 2 and 4. Grades A* to E available.

Can I use a calculator in IGCSE Mathematics 0580?

Not allowed on Papers 1 and 2. A scientific calculator is required on Papers 3 and 4.

What grades can I get in IGCSE Mathematics 0580?

A* to G. A 9 to 1 version exists as 0980, with the same content and papers.

What topics are in the 0580 syllabus?

The syllabus has 9 topic areas: Number, Algebra and graphs, Coordinate geometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Transformations and vectors, Probability, Statistics.

Which 0580 syllabus does this guide follow?

The 2025 to 2027 syllabus, from Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus, 2025 to 2027, checked October 2026. Exam boards update syllabuses, so confirm the version your school is using.

Plan your revision

Put Mathematics into the revision planner with your other subjects, or follow the 12-week or 6-week plan.

Source: Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus, 2025 to 2027, checked October 2026. Exam boards update their syllabuses, so check the latest version with your school.