On Paper 1 (no calculator)Multiply decimals as whole numbers and put the point back by counting decimal places; divide by scaling both numbers until the divisor is whole. An estimate tells you if the point is in the right place.
On Papers 2 and 3The arithmetic is done for you. Marks go on reading the question, rounding sensibly and giving units.
Lesson: Place value, ordering and decimal operationsLesson: Estimation and sense checks
On Paper 1 (no calculator)All four operations with fractions and mixed numbers by hand, with answers left as fractions. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying or dividing.
On Papers 2 and 3The fraction key does the arithmetic, but you still choose the operation and the form of the answer.
Lesson: Equivalent fractions and mixed numbersLesson: Fraction arithmetic and exact answers
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Build percentages from , and , and use simple multipliers such as by hand. Reverse percentages come with numbers that divide exactly.
On Papers 2 and 3Multipliers with awkward decimals, repeated percentage changes and reverse percentages with any numbers.
Lesson: Percentages, changes and multipliersLesson: Original values, profit and simple interest
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Multiply or divide the number parts and use index laws on the powers of 10, then adjust so the first number is from 1 up to 10.
On Papers 2 and 3Typing standard form into the calculator correctly, and reading its display, is what is tested.
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Know squares up to , the cubes of to and , and their roots. On Higher, negative and fractional indices are worked out as reciprocals, roots and powers.
On Papers 2 and 3Any power or root can be evaluated, so questions can use awkward numbers and ask you to round.
Lesson: Integer powers and rootsLesson: Fractional and negative indices
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Answers stay exact: simplify roots by taking out square factors, expand brackets with surds and rationalise denominators.
On Papers 2 and 3Surds can still be asked for in exact form on a calculator paper; a decimal from the calculator will not score then.
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Answers are usually left in terms of , or the question gives an approximation to use, such as .
On Papers 2 and 3Use the key and round as the question asks; an early rounded value of can cost the accuracy mark.
Lesson: Circle vocabulary and perimeterLesson: Arc lengths and sectors
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Numbers are chosen to divide exactly: find one part, then scale it.
On Papers 2 and 3Parts that do not divide exactly, so you round at the end and say what the answer means.
Lesson: Ratio notation and multiplicative comparisonLesson: Sharing quantities and equivalent ratios
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Friendly rates and few years, such as for years, or halving. You may be asked to write the calculation, such as , without working it out.
On Papers 2 and 3Any rate and any number of years, using the multiplier and a power. The compound interest formula is on the formulae sheet.
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Times and quantities that convert neatly, such as hours minutes hours. The relationships are not on the formulae sheet: you need to know them.
On Papers 2 and 3Awkward times and unit conversions, with the answer rounded.
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Side lengths make whole-number answers (such as ), or on Higher the answer is left as a surd.
On Papers 2 and 3Any lengths, with the square root rounded to the accuracy asked for.
Lesson: Pythagoras in two dimensionsLesson: Three-dimensional Pythagoras and trigonometry
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Only the exact values: and of and of . They are not on the formulae sheet.
On Papers 2 and 3Any angle, using the , and keys and their inverses; check the calculator is in degrees.
Lesson: Right-triangle trigonometry in two dimensionsLesson: Exact trigonometric values
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Angles with exact values (such as or ) and lengths that give a whole-number or surd answer.
On Papers 2 and 3Any angles and lengths, rounded as asked. The rules are on the Higher formulae sheet.
Lesson: Sine rule and the ambiguous caseLesson: Cosine rule for sides and anglesLesson: Area of any triangle and mixed trigonometry
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Algebra looks the same on every paper. The quadratics factorise, and the working is what earns the method marks.
On Papers 2 and 3The calculator can check a solution by substituting, but the algebra still has to be shown.
Lesson: Solving monic quadratics by factorisationLesson: Three binomials and non-monic factorisation
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Answers are left exact, in surd form, and the square root usually simplifies.
On Papers 2 and 3Answers are usually rounded, such as to 2 decimal places. The formula is on the Higher formulae sheet.
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Work in fractions or simple decimals by hand. Multiply along branches, add between outcomes.
On Papers 2 and 3Messier decimals and more branches; the reasoning is the same.
Lesson: Probability language, frequency trees and expectationLesson: Independent and dependent event trees
On Paper 1 (no calculator)Friendly numbers: totals you can add in your head and means that come out exactly.
On Papers 2 and 3Larger tables, grouped data estimates and means that need rounding.
Lesson: Ordered stem-and-leaf, averages, spread and grouped means
Given in every paper: learn how to choose, rearrange and use them, not the formula itself.
These topics are Higher content, so only the Higher sheet has them.
Not on the sheet: the question prints the formula, and you substitute into it.
Nothing on the sheet covers these, on any paper.
Any of them. The specification allows every topic on every paper; on Paper 1 the numbers are chosen so the working can be done by hand.
Yes, for 2026 Pearson gives each tier a formulae sheet, and has said the sheets will continue for the rest of the specification. Some formulae, such as the area of a rectangle or the exact trigonometric values, are not on it and must be known.
Yes, on the Higher sheet. Quadratic formula questions are Higher only.
The volume and surface area of a sphere, the volume and curved surface area of a cone, and the volume of a pyramid are given in the question when you need them.
Any topic can come up on any of the three papers. Here is what each topic asks of you on Paper 1, where the calculator is not allowed, which formulae you are given, and a quick check you can do without a calculator.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics (1MA1): Paper 1 is non-calculator, Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator, on both tiers.
If you can do each topic's quick check by hand, you can meet it on Paper 1. It cannot tell you which topics will be on a particular paper: no one outside Pearson can.