IB Maths and Physics guides
Free, clear guides to IB Maths and Physics: topics, equations, exam technique and revision plans, written by our tutors. 11 guides so far.
The IB Diploma Programme offers Mathematics in two courses, Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Applications and Interpretation (AI), and Physics, each at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL).
In every course, written papers make up 80% of the grade and an internal assessment, the maths exploration or the physics scientific investigation, makes up the other 20%. IB Physics was rebuilt for first assessment in 2025 around five themes, A to E.
These guides cover the syllabus, the booklets you get in the exam, and how to choose and write a strong IA.
Start here
- What is the IB?: how the Diploma Programme works
- IB points and diploma requirements: how the 45 points and passing rules work
- The IB Physics syllabus, theme by theme: every theme and how the papers work
- The IB Physics data booklet, and how to use it: what you get in every physics paper
- The IB Maths formula booklet, AA and AI: the AA and AI booklets
- IB Maths IA: ideas, topics and how it is marked: how the exploration is marked, with ideas
- IB Physics IA: ideas, criteria and how to score well: the scientific investigation, with ideas
The exam at a glance
| IB Physics | Paper 1 (multiple choice and data-based) 36%, Paper 2 44%, internal assessment 20%. SL 150 teaching hours, HL 240 |
|---|---|
| IB Mathematics | Two courses, AA and AI, each at SL and HL. Written papers 80%, exploration 20% |
| In the exam | A clean copy of the physics data booklet or your course's maths formula booklet in every paper |
All IB Maths and Physics guides
- What is the IB?What the International Baccalaureate (IB) is, how the Diploma Programme works: six subjects, HL and SL, TOK, the extended essay, CAS and the 45-point score.
- IB points and diploma requirementsHow IB points work: grades 1 to 7 in six subjects, up to 3 core points from TOK and the extended essay, the 24-point minimum and every condition for passing.
- IB past papers: where to find them and how to use themWhere to get official IB past papers and markschemes, including the IB store, your school and specimen papers, how to use them well, and what to avoid.
- IB results dayWhen IB results come out (6 July for May exams, 12:00 GMT, 5:30 pm IST), how to log in, what your score means, and what to do next, including re-marks.
- IB score calculatorFree IB score calculator: enter six subject grades and core points to get your total out of 45 and check every usual diploma condition.
- IB Maths notes: the five topics, AA and AIIB Maths notes for AA and AI: the five topics, the key methods in each for SL and HL, worked examples and revision tips.
- The IB Physics syllabus, theme by themeThe IB Physics syllabus from 2025: themes A to E, every topic, the HL-only topics, teaching hours, Papers 1 and 2, the IA, and how to plan your two years.
- The IB Physics data booklet, and how to use itWhat is in the IB Physics data booklet for exams from 2025, the equations theme by theme, what it does not give you, and how to use it in Papers 1 and 2.
- IB Physics IA: ideas, criteria and how to score wellIB Physics IA ideas by theme, how the scientific investigation is marked out of 24, how to write a research question, and the mistakes that cost marks.
- IB Maths IA: ideas, topics and how it is markedIB Maths IA ideas for AA and AI, how the exploration is marked out of 20, how to choose a topic, and how to turn a weak idea into a strong aim.
- The IB Maths formula booklet, AA and AIThe IB Maths formula booklets for AA and AI: how they are organised, the main formulas by topic, what you must still learn, and how to use them.
Free practice and past papers
- Our IB Maths and Physics tutoring in India
- IB Physics tutor
- IB Maths tutor
- Free physics practice and guides
Frequently asked questions
How much is the IB internal assessment worth?
20% of the final grade in IB Mathematics (AA and AI) and IB Physics, at both SL and HL.
Is there a formula sheet in IB exams?
Yes. IB Physics papers come with a clean copy of the data booklet, and IB Mathematics papers with a clean copy of the AA or AI formula booklet.
What changed in IB Physics in 2025?
The options were removed and the course was reorganised into five themes, A to E, with a new data-based Paper 1B and a new scientific investigation marked out of 24.
Should I take Maths AA or AI?
AA leans on algebra, calculus and proof; AI leans on statistics, modelling and technology. Check which one your intended university courses ask for.