GCSE Maths calculator and non-calculator papers
GCSE Maths has three papers. One is non-calculator and two allow a calculator. Here is which is which, and how to prepare for each.
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| Paper | AQA | Edexcel |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | non-calculator | non-calculator |
| Paper 2 | calculator | calculator |
| Paper 3 | calculator | calculator |
Preparing for the non-calculator paper
Practise arithmetic with fractions, percentages and ratio by hand, leave answers in exact form where asked (for example surds or multiples of pi) and show every line of working.
Preparing for the calculator papers
Know your own calculator: brackets, powers, fractions and the sine, cosine and tangent keys in degrees. Read the question for how many decimal places or significant figures to give. Practise trigonometry and the quadratic formula with a calculator.
See the formula sheet guide and the exam guides.
Questions students ask
Which GCSE Maths paper is non-calculator?
Paper 1 is the non-calculator paper on both AQA and Edexcel. Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator.
Can I use a calculator on every paper?
No. On the non-calculator paper you must work without one, so practise fractions, percentages and surds by hand.