IGCSE Maths Topics (Edexcel 4MA1 and Cambridge 0580)
The full list of IGCSE maths topics for Edexcel 4MA1 and Cambridge 0580, organised by area and by tier.
IGCSE maths topics depend on the exam board. The two main boards are Edexcel 4MA1, which uses grades 9 to 1 across Foundation and Higher tiers, and Cambridge 0580, which uses grades A* to G across Core and Extended tiers. Unlike UK GCSE, the two boards use separate specifications, so their topics are organised and labelled differently. The full topic list for each board is below.
What topics are in IGCSE maths?
There is no single IGCSE maths syllabus. Each exam board sets its own specification. This page covers the two most widely taught boards, Edexcel International GCSE Maths A (4MA1) and Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580), with the full topic list for each.
Edexcel International GCSE Maths A (4MA1)
Two tiers: Foundation covers grades 5 to 1 and Higher covers grades 9 to 4.
Topics are based on the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) specification.
Numbers and the number system
- integers, fractions and decimals
- powers, roots and index laws
- set language and Venn diagrams
- prime factorisation, HCF and LCM
- percentages (including reverse percentages and compound interest)
- ratio and proportion
- degree of accuracy (rounding, significant figures and bounds)
- standard form
Higher tier only
- surds
- recurring decimals to fractions
Equations, formulae and identities
- algebraic manipulation (expanding and factorising)
- factorising quadratics
- substitution and changing the subject
- linear equations
- simultaneous equations
- solving quadratics by factorising
- linear inequalities and regions
Higher tier only
- the quadratic formula and completing the square
- quadratic inequalities
- algebraic fractions
- algebraic proof
Sequences, functions and graphs
- sequences and the nth term
- coordinates, midpoints and gradients
- straight-line graphs (y = mx + c)
- quadratic, cubic and reciprocal graphs
- using graphs to solve equations
Higher tier only
- function notation, composite and inverse functions
- graph transformations
- differentiation and its applications (gradients, turning points and kinematics)
Geometry and trigonometry
- angles, triangles and polygons
- symmetry
- compound measures and bearings
- constructions, loci and scale drawings
- circle properties
- congruence and geometric reasoning
- Pythagoras and right-angled trigonometry
- perimeter, area and circle mensuration
- surface area and volume of solids
- similar shapes
Higher tier only
- circle theorems and cyclic quadrilaterals
- the sine and cosine rules and area of a triangle
- 3D trigonometry
- arcs and sectors
- areas and volumes of similar figures
Vectors and transformation geometry
- transformations (reflection, rotation, translation and enlargement)
Higher tier only
- vectors, vector arithmetic and magnitude
- vector geometry and proof
Statistics and probability
- representing data (charts, pictograms and two-way tables)
- averages and range (including estimated mean for grouped data)
- probability (probability scale, sample space, mutually exclusive events and expected frequency)
- tree diagrams and independent events
Higher tier only
- histograms and cumulative frequency
- interquartile range
- conditional probability
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580)
Two tiers: Core covers grades C to G and Extended covers grades A* to E. Extended includes all Core content plus additional topics.
Topics are based on the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus (2025 to 2027).
Number
- types of number (integers, primes, squares, cubes, rational and irrational)
- sets and Venn diagrams
- powers and roots
- fractions, decimals and percentages
- the four operations
- indices
- standard form
- estimation and bounds
- ratio, proportion and rates
- percentages
- time and money
Extended only
- reverse percentages
- exponential growth and decay
- surds
Algebra and graphs
- substitution
- algebraic manipulation (expanding and factorising)
- indices
- equations (linear, simultaneous and quadratic by factorising)
- inequalities
- sequences and the nth term
- graphs in practical situations
- graphs of functions
- sketching linear and quadratic curves
Extended only
- factorising harder quadratics and completing the square
- algebraic fractions
- the quadratic formula
- solving one linear and one non-linear equation simultaneously
- direct and inverse proportion
- differentiation
- functions, composite and inverse functions
Coordinate geometry
- coordinates
- drawing linear graphs
- gradient of a line
- equations of straight lines
- parallel lines
Extended only
- length and midpoint of a segment
- perpendicular lines
Geometry
- geometrical terms and vocabulary
- constructions and nets
- scale drawings and bearings
- similarity
- symmetry
- angles (at a point, on a line, in polygons and in parallel lines)
- basic circle theorems
Extended only
- areas and volumes of similar shapes
- full circle theorems (including cyclic quadrilaterals and the alternate segment)
Mensuration
- units of measure
- perimeter and area (rectangle, triangle, parallelogram and trapezium)
- circles, arcs and sectors
- surface area and volume of solids (cuboid, prism, cylinder, sphere, pyramid and cone)
- compound shapes and parts of shapes
Trigonometry
- Pythagoras' theorem
- trigonometry in right-angled triangles
Extended only
- exact trigonometric values
- trigonometric graphs and equations
- the sine and cosine rules and area of a triangle
- 3D trigonometry
Transformations and vectors
- transformations (reflection, rotation, enlargement and translation)
Extended only
- vectors in two dimensions
- magnitude of a vector
- vector geometry and proof
Probability
- probability scale and single events
- relative and expected frequency
- combined events (sample space, Venn and tree diagrams)
Extended only
- conditional probability
Statistics
- classifying and tabulating data
- interpreting tables and diagrams
- averages and range
- statistical charts (bar, pie, pictograms and stem-and-leaf)
- scatter diagrams and lines of best fit
Extended only
- quartiles, interquartile range and estimated mean for grouped data
- cumulative frequency diagrams
- histograms
Are IGCSE maths topics the same for Edexcel and Cambridge?
No. Unlike UK GCSE, where all boards follow the same national curriculum content, IGCSE boards use separate specifications. Edexcel 4MA1 organises its content into six areas across Foundation and Higher tiers, while Cambridge 0580 uses nine topics across Core and Extended tiers. The two boards still cover much of the same core mathematics, but they group, label and tier it differently, and the exact content is not identical.
How to choose and revise your IGCSE maths topics
First confirm which board and tier you are sitting, because the topics differ. Then work through each area for your board, practise with past-paper questions, and check the marks you need for your target grade using our IGCSE maths grade boundaries tool. If you take Edexcel, our Edexcel IGCSE maths (4MA1) tutoring covers every area in depth.
If you are looking for UK GCSE instead, see our GCSE maths topics page.
For related reading, see our guides to the hardest maths topics and exam structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are covered in IGCSE maths?
It depends on the board. Edexcel 4MA1 organises its content into six areas, and Cambridge 0580 into nine topics. The full lists for both boards are above.
Are IGCSE maths topics the same for Edexcel and Cambridge?
No. Unlike UK GCSE, IGCSE boards use separate specifications, so Edexcel 4MA1 and Cambridge 0580 organise and label their topics differently, though they cover much of the same core mathematics.
What is the difference between Foundation and Higher tier in Edexcel IGCSE maths?
Foundation tier covers grades 5 to 1 and Higher tier covers grades 9 to 4. Higher includes all Foundation topics plus additional, more advanced ones, which are marked above.
What is the difference between Core and Extended in Cambridge IGCSE maths?
Core covers grades C to G and Extended covers grades A* to E. Extended includes all Core topics plus additional, more advanced ones, which are marked above.
How many topics are there in IGCSE maths?
Each board groups its content differently, Edexcel into six areas and Cambridge into nine topics, so there is no single fixed number. The full breakdown for both is above.
Want help mastering these topics?
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