Every student sitting Edexcel, AQA or OCR GCSE Maths in 2027 will receive a printed formula sheet with each question paper. In May 2026, Ofqual confirmed that formula sheets will carry on for the lifetime of the current GCSE Maths specifications.
But here is the catch that trips up thousands of students every year: the formula sheet only covers a short list of formulas. Many of the formulas you use most often must still be memorised. This guide breaks down exactly what is on the sheet, what is not, and how to lock the missing formulas into your memory.
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Try AI Examify Free, 7-Day TrialWhat Is on the GCSE Maths Formula Sheet?
Here is everything on the 2027 formula sheet. The Higher tier sheet includes everything on the Foundation sheet, plus a few extra formulas:
| Topic | Formula Given | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Quadratic formula | x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a | Higher only |
| Circumference of a circle | C = 2πr = πd | Both |
| Area of a circle | A = πr² | Both |
| Pythagoras' theorem | a² + b² = c² | Both |
| Trigonometric ratios | sin, cos, tan definitions | Both |
| Sine rule | a/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC | Higher only |
| Cosine rule | a² = b² + c² - 2bc cosA | Higher only |
| Area of a triangle (trig) | A = ½ ab sinC | Higher only |
| Area of a trapezium | A = ½(a + b)h | Both |
| Volume of a prism | V = area of cross-section × length | Both |
| Compound interest | Total = P(1 + r/100)n | Both |
| Probability (or) | P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A and B) | Both |
| Probability (and) | P(A and B) = P(A given B) × P(B) | Higher only |
Formulas You MUST Still Memorise
These formulas are not on the formula sheet. You will lose marks if you do not know them by heart. (Formulas for the volume and surface area of spheres, cones and pyramids are not on the sheet either, but they are given in the question when you need them.)
Algebra
- Gradient of a line: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
- Equation of a straight line: y = mx + c
- Difference of two squares: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
- Completing the square (Higher)
- nth term of a linear sequence: an + b
- nth term of a quadratic sequence (Higher)
Number
- Percentage change: (change / original) × 100
- Reverse percentage: Original = Final / (1 ± percentage/100)
- Speed = Distance / Time
- Density = Mass / Volume
- Pressure = Force / Area
Geometry
- Area of a triangle: A = ½ × base × height
- Area of a parallelogram: A = base × height
- Volume of a cylinder: V = πr²h
- Angles in a polygon: Sum of interior angles = (n - 2) × 180°
- Arc length: (θ/360) × 2πr
- Sector area: (θ/360) × πr²
Probability and Statistics
- Probability: P(event) = favourable outcomes / total outcomes
- Mean: sum of values / number of values
- Estimated mean from grouped data: sum of (frequency × midpoint) / total frequency
How to Memorise Formulas Effectively
Research shows that active recall beats passive reading by a factor of 3-5x. Here are proven strategies:
- Write them out from memory daily. Cover the list, write as many as you can, then check. Repeat daily for 2 weeks.
- Use them in context. Practise exam questions that require each formula. AI Examify lets you filter by topic so you can drill specific formula-heavy areas.
- Create mnemonics. SOH CAH TOA for trigonometry. "Silly Old Harry Caught A Herring Trawling Off America" is a classic.
- Spaced repetition. Review formulas at increasing intervals: 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days.
- Teach someone else. Explaining a formula forces you to understand it deeply, not just parrot it.
AI Examify Tip:
Our practice mode shows you the exact topic and marks for each question. If you keep losing marks on "arc length" questions, that tells you the formula is not locked in yet. Target it until your accuracy hits 90%+.
Will the Formula Sheet Continue After 2027?
Yes. On 5 May 2026, Ofqual confirmed that formula sheets will continue to be provided in GCSE Maths exams from 2028 onwards, for the lifetime of the current specifications, including resits.
However, do not become reliant on the sheet. A-Level Maths gives you a formula booklet but expects you to know all your GCSE formulas by heart, so building strong memorisation habits now will pay off later.
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