Mathematics A 4MA1 papers: timings and marks

Paper 1FWritten paper
Foundation2 htime100marks50%of grade
Paper 2FWritten paper
Foundation2 htime100marks50%of grade
Paper 1HWritten paper
Higher2 htime100marks50%of grade
Paper 2HWritten paper
Higher2 htime100marks50%of grade

Foundation or Higher: which papers you sit

  • Foundation: Papers 1F and 2F, in the same series. Grades 5 to 1 available.
  • Higher: Papers 1H and 2H, in the same series. Grades 9 to 4 available, with grade 3 allowed.

Calculator: A calculator may be used in both papers. A formulae sheet is provided.
Grading: 9 to 1. Foundation tier: grades 5 to 1. Higher tier: grades 9 to 4, with grade 3 allowed.

Your Mathematics A 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. 1Numbers and the number system
  2. 2Equations, formulae and identities
  3. 3Sequences, functions and graphs
  4. 4Geometry and trigonometry
  5. 5Vectors and transformation geometry
  6. 6Statistics and probability

How to revise Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics A

Choose the tier carefully

Foundation caps you at grade 5. If you need a 6 or above for your next course, you need Higher. Talk to your teacher early, using your mock results.

Train for two-hour papers

Both papers are two hours. Practise full papers in one sitting so your accuracy holds up to the last question.

Show every step

Method marks are given for correct working even when the final answer is wrong. Set out each step clearly.

Know the formulae sheet

A formulae sheet is provided, so get familiar with what is on it and what you still need to remember.

Common mistakes in IGCSE Mathematics A

Examiner's noteRounding too early in a multi-step calculation.
Examiner's noteGiving an answer to the wrong accuracy or without units.
Examiner's noteNot reading the last line of a question, which often says exactly what form the answer should take.

Mathematics A 4MA1: questions students ask

How many papers are there in Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics A 4MA1?

There are 4 papers: Paper 1F (Foundation, 2 h, 100 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 2F (Foundation, 2 h, 100 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 1H (Higher, 2 h, 100 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 2H (Higher, 2 h, 100 marks, 50% of the grade). Foundation: Papers 1F and 2F, in the same series. Grades 5 to 1 available. Higher: Papers 1H and 2H, in the same series. Grades 9 to 4 available, with grade 3 allowed.

Can I use a calculator in IGCSE Mathematics A 4MA1?

A calculator may be used in both papers. A formulae sheet is provided.

What grades can I get in IGCSE Mathematics A 4MA1?

9 to 1. Foundation tier: grades 5 to 1. Higher tier: grades 9 to 4, with grade 3 allowed.

What topics are in the 4MA1 syllabus?

The syllabus has 6 topic areas: Numbers and the number system, Equations, formulae and identities, Sequences, functions and graphs, Geometry and trigonometry, Vectors and transformation geometry, Statistics and probability.

Which 4MA1 syllabus does this guide follow?

The current specification, first assessed june 2018, from Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A specification, checked October 2026. Exam boards update syllabuses, so confirm the version your school is using.

Plan your revision

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

Source: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A specification, checked October 2026. Exam boards update their syllabuses, so check the latest version with your school.