IGCSE Math
Explained
The syllabus, papers, tiers and grades of IGCSE Mathematics in one place, built straight from the official Cambridge and Pearson specifications.
2
Exam boards
Cambridge 0580/0980 and Edexcel 4MA1
4
Tiers
Core, Extended, Foundation, Higher
2
Written papers
Per tier, each worth 50% of the grade
The two IGCSE Maths syllabi
Cambridge Assessment International Education
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) / Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Mathematics (0980)
- Grading: 0580 is graded A*–G; 0980 is graded 9–1. Both use the same subject content
- Tiers: Core and Extended
- Calculator: One non-calculator paper and one calculator paper per tier
- Series: June and November series (March series also available in India)
Core (0580 grades C–G / 0980 grades 5–1)
Paper 1: Non-calculator, 1 hr 30 min, 80 marks, 50%
Paper 3: Calculator, 1 hr 30 min, 80 marks, 50%
Extended (0580 grades A*–E / 0980 grades 9–3)
Paper 2: Non-calculator, 2 hrs, 100 marks, 50%
Paper 4: Calculator, 2 hrs, 100 marks, 50%
Pearson Edexcel
Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1)
- Grading: Graded 9–1 on the nine-grade scale
- Tiers: Foundation and Higher
- Calculator: Calculator allowed in both papers
- Series: January and June series
Foundation (grades 5–1)
Paper 1F: 2 hrs, 100 marks, 50%, calculator allowed
Paper 2F: 2 hrs, 100 marks, 50%, calculator allowed
Higher (grades 9–3, grade 3 allowed)
Paper 1H: 2 hrs, 100 marks, 50%, calculator allowed
Paper 2H: 2 hrs, 100 marks, 50%, calculator allowed
What you actually study
Cambridge 0580 topic areas
- • Number
- • Algebra
- • Geometry
- • Mensuration
- • Trigonometry
- • Statistics
- • Probability
- • Vectors and transformations
Edexcel 4MA1 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
The lists differ in wording but the maths is nearly identical: number skills, algebra, geometry with mensuration, trigonometry, statistics and probability. Our topic guides below map to both syllabi at once.
Guides in this cluster
IGCSE Algebra →
Equations, identities, sequences, graphs and the algebra skills both syllabi assess most
IGCSE Geometry →
Shapes, mensuration, transformations and vectors, from Core basics to Extended proofs
IGCSE Trigonometry →
Trig ratios, bearings, 3D problems and the sine and cosine rules on Higher/Extended papers
IGCSE Statistics & Probability →
Averages, charts, cumulative frequency, histograms and probability, including set notation
IGCSE Maths Revision Plan →
A term-by-term revision timetable that adapts to Core, Extended, Foundation or Higher entry
IGCSE Past Papers →
Where to find official past papers and how to turn them into a marking-backed study loop
IGCSE Grade Boundaries →
How raw marks become grades, why boundaries move each series, and how to read official documents
IGCSE vs O-Level →
Recognition, syllabus and entry differences between IGCSE and GCE O-Levels
IGCSE Math Tuition →
What to evaluate in an IGCSE maths tutor, and how adaptive practice compares
Where ReLURN fits today
ReLURN is a Singapore adaptive-practice platform that today covers the MOE syllabus from PSLE through O-Level, with every question hint-scaffolded and mapped to the exam board. IGCSE is not supported yet. We publish this guide first, measure how many families read it and join the interest list, and build the curriculum pack when the demand signal is real.
Already taking O-Level or planning a switch? Start with free O-Level math practice or compare IGCSE vs O-Level.
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