GCSE Maths formulae sheet 2026 and 2027: what you’re given, and what you still need to learn

What’s on the formulae sheet

• Area of a trapezium = ½(a + b)h
• Volume of a prism = area of cross section × length
• Circumference of a circle = 2πr = πd, and area of a circle = πr²
• Pythagoras’ theorem: a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse
• Trigonometry in a right-angled triangle: sin A = a/c, cos A = b/c, tan A = a/b
• Compound interest: total accrued = P(1 + r/100)ⁿ
• Probability: P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) − P(A and B), and P(A and B) = P(A given B) × P(B)

Higher tier only

• The quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a
• The sine rule: a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C
• The cosine rule: a² = b² + c² − 2bc cos A
• Area of a triangle = ½ab sin C

Formulae you still have to learn

These aren’t on the sheet, and they come up every year:

• Area of a rectangle, triangle (½ × base × height) and parallelogram
• Speed = distance ÷ time, density = mass ÷ volume and pressure = force ÷ area
• The equation of a straight line, y = mx + c, and gradient = change in y ÷ change in x
• Percentage change = change ÷ original × 100
• The sum of the interior angles of a polygon = (n − 2) × 180°
• Simple interest, and the exact trig values for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°

Spheres, cones and pyramids

The volumes and surface areas of spheres, cones and pyramids aren’t on the sheet: when a question needs one, the formula is given in the question. You still need to know how to substitute into it and rearrange it.

How to use the sheet well

• Get to know it before the exam, so you don’t lose time hunting for a formula.
• Write the formula down before you substitute: it’s often worth a method mark.
• Learn what each letter means. On the trigonometry formulae, c is always the hypotenuse.
• Practise choosing the formula. The sheet gives you the tool, not the moment to use it.

Questions people ask

Do you get a formula sheet in GCSE Maths?

Yes. For exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 every GCSE Maths paper comes with a formulae sheet, for every exam board.

Is the quadratic formula on the GCSE Maths formula sheet?

Yes, on the Higher tier sheet, along with the sine rule, the cosine rule and ½ab sin C.

Is the volume of a sphere on the formula sheet?

No. When a question needs the volume or surface area of a sphere, cone or pyramid, the formula is given in the question.