IGCSE Geometry
Angles, shapes, mensuration, transformations and vectors, mapped across Core, Extended, Foundation and Higher so you only study what your tier examines.
Topic map
Foundations (all tiers)
- • Angle properties of lines and triangles
- • Properties of polygons, circles and 3D solids
- • Area, perimeter and volume formulae
- • Scale drawings and measures
- • Symmetry and simple loci
Extended / Higher
- • Circle theorems and angle reasoning
- • Congruence and similarity arguments
- • Compound solids and frustums
- • Vectors with ratio and proof parts
- • Transformations of 3D shapes
Where it appears
- • Cambridge: Geometry, Mensuration, Vectors and
- transformations are three content areas
- • Edexcel: Geometry and trigonometry plus Vectors
- and transformation geometry
- • Usually multi-part structured questions
Worked examples
Mensuration: area of a trapezium
Question. A trapezium has parallel sides 8 cm and 5 cm, and height 4 cm. Find its area.
Step 1. Area = ½ (a + b) × h = ½ × (8 + 5) × 4
Step 2. = ½ × 13 × 4 = 26 cm²
Always state the unit. Area answers without cm² lose a final-mark even when the number is correct.
Pythagoras: finding the hypotenuse
Question. A right-angled triangle has legs 6 cm and 8 cm. Find the hypotenuse.
Step 1. a² + b² = c² → 6² + 8² = c² = 36 + 64 = 100
Step 2. c = √100 = 10 cm
A 6-8-10 triangle is a multiple of the 3-4-5 triple. Knowing common triples saves time on non-calculator papers.
How geometry is marked
- 1.One mark per correct angle reason. Writing only the number without stating why it is true forfeits the reason mark.
- 2.Diagrams are not to scale unless stated. Measure nothing; calculate everything from the given information.
- 3.Units are part of the answer for area and volume questions.
- 4.Vector answers need column notation, and proof parts need a statement such as AB = 2 × DC before any conclusion.
More IGCSE guides
IGCSE Algebra →
Equations, identities, sequences, graphs and the algebra skills both syllabi assess most
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
← Back to the IGCSE Math hub
Syllabus comparison, tier decisions and grade guides in one place
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