IGCSE Maths exam tips
6 min read ยท updated 2026-10-13
Cambridge IGCSE Maths (0580) has two papers on each route: a non-calculator paper and a calculator paper. Most lost marks come from method and accuracy, not missing knowledge, which is why exam technique matters.
Know your papers
- โ Extended: Paper 2 (non-calculator) and Paper 4 (calculator), each 2 hours and 100 marks: about 1.2 minutes a mark
- โ Core: Paper 1 (non-calculator) and Paper 3 (calculator), each 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks: about 1.1 minutes a mark
- โ Each paper is worth 50%; Core is graded C to G, Extended A* to E
- โ Each route has its own list of formulas; learn which formulas aren't on it
Tips that pick up marks
- โ Show every step: method marks are available even when the final answer is wrong
- โ Keep full calculator values until the end, then round to the accuracy asked (usually 3 significant figures)
- โ Read what the question asks for: units, form (fraction, standard form) and degree of accuracy
- โ On the non-calculator paper, practise fractions, percentages and standard form by hand
- โ Check answers by estimation and substitution when there's time
- โ Never leave a question blank: write the first step for a method mark
Where marks are usually lost
- โ Premature rounding in multi-step calculator questions
- โ Algebra slips when expanding brackets or rearranging formulas
- โ Angle facts without reasons, when reasons are asked for
- โ Misreading the scale on graphs and histograms
- โ Running out of time on the long questions at the end
A final-month plan
- โ Weeks 1-2: past papers by topic for your weakest areas
- โ Week 3: full timed papers, marked against the mark scheme
- โ Week 4: a list of your repeated errors and short timed sets
FAQs
How long are the IGCSE Maths papers?๏ผ
Extended Papers 2 and 4 are 2 hours each (100 marks); Core Papers 1 and 3 are 1 hour 30 minutes each (80 marks).
Is there a formula sheet in IGCSE Maths?๏ผ
Yes, each route has a list of formulas in the syllabus. Learn the formulas that aren't on it.
Which IGCSE Maths paper is non-calculator?๏ผ
Paper 1 (Core) and Paper 2 (Extended).
How do I get an A* in IGCSE Maths?๏ผ
Take the Extended papers, master the Extended-only topics and practise full timed past papers marked against the mark scheme.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-13.
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