The Edexcel A-level Mathematics formula booklet is a Pearson-produced reference document provided to all candidates in every A-level Maths and Further Maths examination. It contains mathematical formulae, statistical tables and constants that students are not required to memorise. The booklet is freely available to download from the Pearson/Edexcel website and is identical to the copy issued in the exam room.
What is the Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet?
The Edexcel A-level Mathematics formula booklet (formally titled Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics - Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables) is an official reference document published by Pearson, the awarding body for Edexcel qualifications. It is issued to every student sitting Edexcel A-level Mathematics (9MA0) and A-level Further Mathematics (9FM0) examinations.
The booklet is not a revision aid in the traditional sense - it is a permitted resource used inside the exam room. Knowing what is in it, where to find each formula, and - crucially - what is not in it, is a core part of effective A-level Maths exam preparation.
What formulae are included in the Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet?
The booklet is divided into sections that map onto the A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics specifications. Below is a summary of the main content areas covered.
Pure Mathematics formulae
| Topic Area | Examples of formulae included |
|---|---|
| Algebra & functions | Laws of logarithms, factor theorem |
| Coordinate geometry | Circle equation, parametric forms |
| Calculus | Standard derivatives and integrals, integration by parts |
| Trigonometry | Compound angle formulae, double angle formulae, R sin(th +/- a) form |
| Exponentials & logarithms | Change of base, exponential series |
| Numerical methods | Newton-Raphson iterative formula |
| Vectors | Scalar product, vector equation of a line |
Statistics formulae and tables
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Probability distributions | Binomial cumulative distribution tables |
| Normal distribution | Percentage points of the normal distribution (z-values) |
| Hypothesis testing | Critical values for common significance levels |
| Regression & correlation | Product moment correlation coefficient formula |
Mechanics formulae
| Topic | Formulae included |
|---|---|
| Kinematics | Constant acceleration (SUVAT) formulae |
| Forces | No additional formulae beyond SUVAT are listed here - Newton's laws are expected knowledge |
Important: Many fundamental formulae - including the quadratic formula, the sine rule, the cosine rule, and basic differentiation rules - are not in the booklet. Students are expected to know these from memory. This is a common source of exam-day surprises, so check the booklet carefully during your revision.
What is NOT in the Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet?
Understanding the booklet's omissions is just as important as knowing its contents. The following are commonly tested formulae that students must memorise:
- Quadratic formula - not provided
- Sine rule and cosine rule - not provided
- Area of a triangle (1/2 ab sin C) - not provided
- Basic differentiation and integration rules (e.g. d/dx [x^n] = nx^(n-1)) - not provided
- Arithmetic and geometric series formulae (sum of n terms) - not provided
- Binomial expansion for positive integer n - not provided (the general binomial expansion for other values of n is given)
- Circle theorems - not provided
- Standard trigonometric identities such as sin^2(th) + cos^2(th) = 1 - not provided
Building a personal "must-memorise" list from the gaps in the booklet is one of the most efficient revision strategies for Edexcel A-level Maths.
Where can I download the Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet?
The current formula booklet can be downloaded free of charge directly from the Pearson Edexcel qualifications website (qualifications.pearson.com). Search for "A-level Mathematics formula booklet" or navigate to the 9MA0 specification page and look under "Exam materials" or "Supporting documents."
Always download the most recent version. The booklet was updated when the reformed A-level specifications were introduced (first examined 2018), and the current edition applies to all examinations under specification code 9MA0 (Mathematics) and 9FM0 (Further Mathematics).
learndirect students studying A-level Maths through our Edexcel-based course will be directed to the correct version of the booklet as part of their course materials.
How should I use the formula booklet in my revision?
Using the booklet strategically can make a significant difference to your exam performance. Here is a structured approach:
Step 1 - Read the booklet cover to cover (early in your studies)
Do this before you need any of the formulae. Familiarity with the layout means you will not waste precious exam time searching.
Step 2 - Annotate a personal copy during revision
Print a copy and, as you study each topic, highlight the formulae relevant to that section. Add brief notes in the margin about when to use each formula.
Step 3 - Identify the gaps
Work through past papers and mark any formula you reach for that is not in the booklet. Add these to a separate "must-memorise" flashcard set.
Step 4 - Practise under exam conditions
Complete timed past papers using only the formula booklet - no notes, no textbook. This replicates exam conditions and builds confidence.
Step 5 - Check the booklet in the exam
Even if you think you know a formula, verify it against the booklet for high-stakes calculations. This takes seconds and eliminates transcription errors.
How is Edexcel A-level Maths assessed?
Understanding the assessment structure helps you know exactly when and how the formula booklet will be used.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Qualification title | Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics |
| Specification code | 9MA0 |
| Awarding body | Pearson (Edexcel) |
| Assessment structure | Three written examinations, each 2 hours, each 100 marks (300 marks total) |
| Paper 1 | Pure Mathematics 1 - calculator not permitted |
| Paper 2 | Pure Mathematics 2 - calculator permitted |
| Paper 3 | Statistics & Mechanics - calculator permitted |
| Formula booklet | Provided in all three papers |
| Grading | A*-E (A-level); U = ungraded |
| Typical study duration | 12-18 months |
| UCAS tariff points | A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16 |
| Entry requirements (typical) | GCSE Mathematics at grade 6, 7 or above recommended |
| What's next | University courses in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Computer Science, Finance and many more |
Does the formula booklet change between years?
The current Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet has been stable since the reformed specifications were first examined in 2018. Pearson does not typically revise the booklet between academic years, but it is always good practice to:
- Download a fresh copy from the Pearson website at the start of each academic year.
- Check the Pearson "Exam materials" page for any announcements about updated editions.
- Confirm with your exam centre or tutor that you are working from the correct version.
Is there a separate formula booklet for Edexcel A-level Further Maths?
Yes and no. The same booklet covers both A-level Mathematics (9MA0) and A-level Further Mathematics (9FM0). However, the Further Mathematics booklet edition contains additional sections covering:
- Further Pure Mathematics (complex numbers, matrices, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions)
- Further Statistics (additional distributions, chi-squared critical values)
- Further Mechanics (momentum, impulse, elastic strings)
- Decision Mathematics (algorithms, network formulae)
If you are sitting Further Maths, ensure you are using the Further Mathematics edition of the booklet, which is a superset of the standard Mathematics booklet.
How does the Edexcel formula booklet compare to other exam boards?
| Exam Board | Formula Booklet Provided? | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Edexcel (Pearson) | Yes - in all papers | Includes statistical tables; well-structured by topic |
| AQA | Yes - in all papers | Similar content; slightly different layout and notation |
| OCR A | Yes - in all papers | Separate formulae booklet and statistical tables booklet |
| OCR B (MEI) | Yes - in all papers | More extensive booklet reflecting MEI's applied focus |
learndirect delivers A-level Mathematics through AQA, Edexcel (Pearson) and OCR. If you are studying with learndirect, confirm which board your course is registered under, as the formula booklet you practise with must match your awarding body.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet provided in every exam paper?
Yes. Pearson provides the formula booklet in all three A-level Mathematics papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3) and in all Further Mathematics papers. You do not need to bring your own copy - a clean, unwritten copy is placed on your desk at the start of each examination.
Can I write in the formula booklet during the exam?
Yes. The copy issued to you in the exam room is yours to annotate during the exam. You may underline, circle or add working notes in it. However, you cannot bring a pre-annotated copy into the exam - the booklet you receive will be a clean, unwritten version.
Do I need to memorise anything if I have the formula booklet?
Yes - significantly so. The booklet does not contain many fundamental formulae (see the section above on what is NOT included). You must memorise the quadratic formula, trigonometric identities, series formulae, and much more. The booklet supplements your knowledge; it does not replace it.
Where can I find the Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet PDF?
Download it free from the Pearson Edexcel qualifications website (qualifications.pearson.com). Navigate to the A-level Mathematics (9MA0) specification page and look under "Exam materials." Ensure you select the correct edition (Mathematics or Further Mathematics).
Is the formula booklet the same for AS-level Maths as for A-level Maths?
Edexcel produces a separate, shorter formula booklet for AS-level Mathematics (8MA0). It contains a subset of the A-level booklet's content, reflecting the reduced scope of the AS specification. If you are sitting AS-level, download the AS-specific booklet.
How many pages is the Edexcel A-level Maths formula booklet?
The standard A-level Mathematics edition is typically around 32-36 pages. The Further Mathematics edition is longer, running to approximately 50 or more pages, due to the additional topic areas covered.
Will using the formula booklet slow me down in the exam?
It can, if you are unfamiliar with its layout. This is why practising with the booklet during timed revision sessions is essential. Most experienced students can locate any formula within 10-15 seconds once they know the booklet well.
Can online A-level Maths students access the formula booklet?
Yes. The formula booklet is a publicly available document. learndirect students studying A-level Maths online can download it from the Pearson website at any time and are encouraged to use it throughout their studies, not just in final examinations.
What grade do I need in A-level Maths to study Engineering at university?
Entry requirements vary by university and course. Many Russell Group engineering programmes ask for A-level Mathematics at grade A or A*, often alongside Physics. Studying A-level Maths can help you work towards meeting these requirements, but learndirect cannot guarantee any specific grade or university place.
Does learndirect offer A-level Maths online?
Yes. learndirect offers online A-level Mathematics study. The course is studied entirely online, with examinations sat at an approved external exam centre. Visit the learndirect A-level courses page for full details on entry requirements and study duration.
Ready to study A-level Maths online?
Whether you are resitting to improve your grade, studying for the first time as an adult learner, or working towards a university application, learndirect's online A-level Mathematics course gives you the flexibility to study at your own pace - without attending a classroom.
With learndirect you get:
- Fully online study materials, accessible 24/7
- Tutor support from qualified subject specialists
- Guidance on using the Edexcel formula booklet and past papers throughout your course
- Examinations sat at an approved centre near you
- A qualification awarded by a recognised UK awarding body
learndirect has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot based on 30,000+ reviews, reflecting the organisation's overall commitment to learner support across all its courses.
Explore A-level courses at learndirect and take the next step towards your goals today.
