The AQA A level Maths formula booklet

By Fatema Bhatt, Founder, STEM-Tutor · Updated October 2026

AQA's formulae booklet for A-level Mathematics is only a few pages long, and it leaves out more than most students expect: there is no derivative of sin x, no product or chain rule and no double angle formula. Here is everything in it, and everything you must learn.

Which booklet you get

AQA publishes Formulae for A-level Mathematics for AS Mathematics (7356) and A-level Mathematics (7357). AQA says it is required for all AS and A-level Mathematics exams. A larger booklet of formulae and statistical tables, written for Further Mathematics, may also be used in Maths exams. Download the latest version from AQA and check the version number.

Everything in the A-level Maths booklet

Pure mathematics

• Binomial series for a positive integer n, including nCr, and for rational n with |x| < 1.
• Arithmetic series: S_n = ½n(a + l) = ½n[2a + (n − 1)d].
• Geometric series: S_n = a(1 − rⁿ)/(1 − r) and S_∞ = a/(1 − r) for |r| < 1.
• Small angle approximations in radians: sin θ ≈ θ, cos θ ≈ 1 − θ²/2, tan θ ≈ θ.
• Compound angle identities for sin(A ± B), cos(A ± B) and tan(A ± B).
• Differentiation: derivatives of tan x, cosec x, sec x and cot x, the quotient rule, and differentiation from first principles.
• Integration: integration by parts, the integral of f′(x)/f(x), and the integrals of tan x and cot x.
• Numerical methods: the Newton-Raphson iteration and the trapezium rule.

Mechanics

• The equations for constant acceleration, including s = vt − ½at².

Probability and statistics

• P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) − P(A ∩ B) and P(A ∩ B) = P(A) × P(B | A).
• The standard deviation formula, and the probability, mean and variance of the binomial distribution.
• The distribution of the sample mean from a normal population.

What is not in it

• Standard derivatives and integrals of xⁿ, sin x, cos x, e^x and ln x.
• The product and chain rules (only the quotient rule is given).
• Double angle formulas and the Pythagorean identities such as sec²x = 1 + tan²x.
• The quadratic formula, laws of logarithms and laws of indices.
• The sine and cosine rules, arc length and sector area.
• Normal distribution tables in the Maths-only booklet: use your calculator.
• F = ma, weight and friction, and vector magnitudes.

Using the booklet: Newton-Raphson

Use one iteration of Newton-Raphson on f(x) = x³ − 2x − 5, starting at x₀ = 2.

• The booklet gives x_n+1 = x_n − f(x_n)/f′(x_n).
• f(2) = 8 − 4 − 5 = −1; f′(x) = 3x² − 2, so f′(2) = 10.
• x₁ = 2 − (−1)/10 = 2.1.

A must-know result: the chain rule

Differentiate y = ln(3x² + 1).

• Neither the chain rule nor the derivative of ln x is in AQA's booklet.
• dy/dx = 6x / (3x² + 1).

Small angles

Use small angle approximations to estimate (1 − cos 2θ) / θ² for small θ.

• cos 2θ ≈ 1 − (2θ)²/2 = 1 − 2θ².
• So (1 − cos 2θ)/θ² ≈ 2θ²/θ² = 2.

How to train with it

1. Print the current booklet and use it for every past paper.
2. Write your own list of the missing results above and learn it until it is automatic.
3. Practise without notes on calculus: most marks in Papers 1 and 2 rely on derivatives and integrals that are not given.
4. Practise statistics on your calculator, since the Maths-only booklet has no normal tables.

AQA and Edexcel booklets compared

Students who switch boards, or use other boards' papers for practice, are often caught out by the differences:

• Length: AQA's Maths-only booklet is a few pages. Edexcel's booklet covers Maths and Further Maths and includes statistical tables.
• Calculus: both leave out the standard derivatives of xⁿ, sin x, cos x, e^x and ln x, and the chain and product rules, so these must be known for every board.
• Trigonometry: both give the compound angle identities, and neither gives the double angle formulas.
• Statistics: AQA's Maths booklet has no normal distribution tables, while Edexcel's includes tables. In practice, most students on both boards use a calculator with statistical functions.

If you practise with another board's papers, use that board's booklet for those papers, or you may think a formula is given when it is not.

A quick test: cover the booklet and write the derivatives of sin 3x, e^2x and ln(5x), then the formulas for sin 2A and cos 2A. If any take you more than a few seconds, add them to your daily practice.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the derivative of sin x or the chain rule is in the booklet.
• Using cos θ ≈ 1 instead of 1 − θ²/2 in small angle questions.
• Using the booklet's s = vt − ½at² with the wrong sign convention.
• Practising with an old version of the booklet.

Practice questions

Try each one before opening the answer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the AQA booklet the same for all three papers?

Yes. AQA says it is required for all AS and A-level Mathematics exams.

Can I use the Further Maths booklet in A-level Maths?

AQA says students may also use the larger formulae and statistical tables booklet in Maths exams. Practise with whichever your school gives you.

Is the AQA booklet the same as Edexcel's?

No. Edexcel's booklet is longer and differs in what it includes. See our Edexcel booklet guide.

Key takeaways

• AQA's Maths booklet is short: series, compound angles, a few derivatives and integrals, numerical methods, suvat, statistics.
• No standard derivatives, product rule or chain rule.
• No double angle formulas or sine and cosine rules.
• No normal tables in the Maths-only booklet.
• Learn the missing results until they are automatic.

Related guides

• A level Maths formula booklets compared
• Edexcel A level Maths formula booklet
• AQA A level Maths past papers
• The chain rule