GCSE Maths calculator and non-calculator topics: what to revise for each paper
GCSE Maths has one non-calculator paper and two calculator papers, but there is no official list of topics for each. Any topic can appear on any paper. What changes is the skill being tested. Here is what that means, topic by topic, and how to revise for each paper.
On this page
- How the three papers work
- Topics that look different without a calculator
- Topics where a calculator paper is more likely
- Topics that can appear on any paper
- Three non-calculator questions, worked
- How to revise for the non-calculator paper
- How to revise for the calculator papers
- Common mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
- Key takeaways
How the three papers work
| Board | Non-calculator | Calculator | Each paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQA (8300) | Paper 1 | Papers 2 and 3 | 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks |
| Edexcel (1MA1) | Paper 1 | Papers 2 and 3 | 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks |
| OCR (J560) | Paper 2 (Foundation) or 5 (Higher) | Papers 1 and 3, or 4 and 6 | 1 hour 30 minutes, 100 marks |
Each paper is worth a third of the GCSE, so the non-calculator paper is a third of your grade. The specifications set out what can be tested, not which paper it goes on. Examiners choose questions so that the non-calculator paper tests mental and written methods, and the calculator papers test problem solving where the arithmetic would otherwise get in the way.
So the useful question is not "which topics are on Paper 1?" but "what does each topic look like without a calculator?"
Topics that look different without a calculator
These topics turn up on both kinds of paper, but on the non-calculator paper they test a written method you must practise by hand.
| Topic | On the non-calculator paper you need to |
|---|---|
| Fractions | Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers, and simplify |
| Decimals | Multiply and divide decimals by written methods, for example 3.6 × 0.04 |
| Long multiplication and division | Use a reliable written method for numbers like 347 × 26 and 918 ÷ 17 |
| Percentages | Find percentages using 10% and 1% steps, and use multipliers for increase and decrease |
| Standard form | Multiply and divide numbers in standard form using the laws of indices |
| Indices | Evaluate negative and fractional powers, such as 272/3 and 4-1/2 |
| Surds (Higher) | Simplify, expand brackets and rationalise denominators, leaving exact answers |
| Trigonometry | Use exact values of sin, cos and tan for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° |
| Circles | Leave answers in terms of π, such as 16π cm² |
| Estimation | Round each number to 1 significant figure and estimate a calculation |
| Recurring decimals (Higher) | Convert a recurring decimal to a fraction algebraically |
Our surds guide and index laws guide cover two of the topics students find hardest without a calculator.
Topics where a calculator paper is more likely
These usually involve awkward numbers, so they tend to appear on calculator papers. They can still appear on the non-calculator paper with simple numbers, so do not skip them for Paper 1.
| Topic | Why the calculator helps |
|---|---|
| Compound interest, growth and decay | Repeated multipliers such as 1.0358 |
| Trigonometry in right-angled triangles | Finding sides and angles that are not exact values |
| Sine rule, cosine rule and ½ab sin C (Higher) | Non-exact angles and lengths |
| 3D trigonometry and Pythagoras (Higher) | Several steps with square roots |
| Volume and surface area of spheres, cones and pyramids | Answers to a given number of decimal places |
| Iteration (Higher) | Repeating a formula until the answer settles |
| Upper and lower bounds (Higher) | Calculations with bounds, often with division |
| Statistics from grouped data | Estimated means with large totals |
| Reverse percentages | Dividing by multipliers such as 0.85 |
See our guides to compound interest, the sine and cosine rules and upper and lower bounds.
Topics that can appear on any paper
Most of algebra, geometry and probability does not depend on the calculator: solving equations, rearranging formulae, sequences, graphs, angle facts, circle theorems, vectors, transformations, probability trees and Venn diagrams. Expect these on all three papers, and revise them before each one.
Three non-calculator questions, worked
1. Work out 2¾ ÷ 1½. Write both as improper fractions: 11/4 ÷ 3/2. Multiply by the reciprocal: 11/4 × 2/3 = 22/12 = 11/6 = 1⅚.
2. Rationalise the denominator of 6/√3. Multiply top and bottom by √3: 6√3/3 = 2√3. Leave it exact; a decimal would lose the mark.
3. Estimate (39.6 × 2.1) ÷ 0.49. Round each number to 1 significant figure: (40 × 2) ÷ 0.5 = 80 ÷ 0.5 = 160. Show the rounded numbers: the method mark is for them, not only the answer.
How to revise for the non-calculator paper
- Make arithmetic automatic. Ten minutes a day of written multiplication, division and fraction work for a few weeks makes a real difference. Most lost marks on Paper 1 are slips, not gaps.
- Learn the exact trig values and the common squares, cubes and powers of 2, so you recognise them in questions.
- Practise leaving answers exact. In terms of π, as a surd or as a fraction. A rounded decimal can lose the final mark.
- Check with estimation. After each calculation, ask whether the size of the answer makes sense.
How to revise for the calculator papers
- Know your calculator. Fractions, powers and roots, standard form entry, brackets, and the answer (Ans) key. Check it is in degrees before every exam.
- Write down the calculation before you press the buttons, and the full calculator display before you round. Method marks need to see what you did.
- Round only at the end, to the accuracy the question asks for.
- Expect longer problems. Calculator papers often have multi-step questions where the hard part is deciding what to calculate.
Common mistakes
- Revising only "non-calculator topics" before Paper 1: algebra, geometry and probability can come up on every paper.
- Rounding in the middle of a calculation and losing accuracy marks.
- Leaving the calculator in radians.
- Giving a decimal when the question says leave your answer in terms of π or as a surd.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official list of GCSE Maths non-calculator topics?
No. The specifications list what can be tested, and any topic can appear on any paper. Examiners pick questions that suit each paper.
Which GCSE Maths paper is non-calculator?
Paper 1 for AQA and Edexcel. For OCR it is Paper 2 at Foundation and Paper 5 at Higher.
When is the 2027 non-calculator paper?
For AQA and Edexcel, Paper 1 is on Friday 14 May 2027, in the morning. See our 2027 exam dates.
Is a formula sheet given in GCSE Maths?
Yes, in 2025, 2026 and 2027 a formulae sheet is provided in every GCSE Maths paper, including the non-calculator one.
Key takeaways
- One non-calculator and two calculator papers, each a third of the grade.
- Topics are not split by paper: the skill tested changes, not the topic.
- Practise written arithmetic and exact answers for the non-calculator paper.
Sources: AQA 8300, Pearson Edexcel 1MA1 and OCR J560 specifications and assessment overviews; DfE formulae sheet arrangements for 2025 to 2027. Checked 21 October 2026.