Key Information for 2026 Exams
For the 2025–2027 Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) syllabus, students receive a one-page formula sheet during their exams. However, many critical formulas are not included and must be memorized. This comprehensive guide covers both the provided formulas and the essential ones you need to know by heart.
Official Cambridge IGCSE Maths Formula Sheet (2025-2027)
Core Level (Papers 1 & 3)
- •Area of a trapezium = ½(a + b)h
- •Circumference of a circle = 2πr = πd
- •Area of a circle = πr²
- •Volume of a prism = area of cross section × length
Extended Level (Papers 2 & 4)
Includes all Core formulas plus:
- •Quadratic formula: x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a
- •Sine rule: a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C
- •Cosine rule: a² = b² + c² - 2bc cos A
- •Area of triangle = ½ab sin C
Complete List of Core Level Formulas (Must Know)
Number & Algebra
Percentage Change
(New - Original)/Original × 100%
Simple Interest
I = PRT/100
Compound Interest
A = P(1 + r/100)ⁿ
Geometry & Measures
Pythagoras' Theorem
a² + b² = c²
Area of Triangle
½ × base × height
Speed/Distance/Time
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Pro Tip for Core Students
While the formula sheet provides some basic formulas, you must memorize all the above for exam success. Create flashcards for these formulas and practice applying them to past paper questions.
Extended Level Additional Formulas
Advanced Algebra
Quadratic Formula
x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a
Difference of Squares
a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
Trigonometry
Sine Rule
a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C
Cosine Rule
a² = b² + c² - 2bc cos A
Area of Triangle
Area = ½ab sin C
Extended Level Tip
While the formula sheet provides the sine rule, cosine rule, and area formula, you must know when and how to apply them. Practice identifying which formula to use in different triangle problems.
Formulas You MUST Memorize (Not on the Sheet)
1. Number & Algebra
| Topic | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage Change | (New - Original)/Original × 100% | For increase/decrease calculations |
| Compound Interest | A = P(1 + r/100)ⁿ | A = amount, P = principal, r = rate, n = time |
| Gradient of a Line | m = (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁) | Between points (x₁,y₁) and (x₂,y₂) |
2. Geometry & Trigonometry
| Topic | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pythagoras' Theorem | a² + b² = c² | For right-angled triangles only |
| Area of Triangle | ½ × base × height | Alternative to ½ab sin C |
| Circle Theorems | Various | Must know all circle theorem rules |
Memorization Tip
Create a "cheat sheet" with these formulas and review it daily. The best way to memorize them is through practice: apply each formula to multiple problems until it becomes second nature.
4. How to Use the Formula Sheet Properly
Treat the formula sheet as a safety net, not a crutch.
- During Revision: Practice without looking at the sheet first. Then, compare your knowledge to the official sheet to identify gaps.
- In the Exam: Scan the list at the start to remind yourself what's available. Use it to confirm a formula, not to guess. Always show your working, even when using a given formula.
5. Building Your Own “Super Formula Sheet”
A smart strategy is to create two lists:
- A copy of the official Cambridge formula sheet.
- A separate page with all the “must-memorise” formulas, organised by topic.
Keep both visible where you study. The goal is to internalise the second list so you don't need it by exam time.
6. How Inkstall Helps with Formula Mastery
At Inkstall, we build chapter-wise formula banks that clearly mark which formulas are given and which must be memorised. We run drills and past-paper practice to ensure students can apply formulas correctly under exam pressure.
Top Tips for Using the Formula Sheet Effectively
During Revision
- 1Practice past papers without the formula sheet first, then check against it
- 2Create flashcards for formulas not on the sheet
- 3Time yourself applying formulas to build speed
During the Exam
- 1Quickly scan the formula sheet at the start
- 2Don't rely on it for every question - know key formulas by heart
- 3Always show your working, even when using a given formula
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the formula sheet the same for Core and Extended IGCSE Maths?
No, the Extended formula sheet includes all the formulas from the Core sheet plus additional ones like the quadratic formula, sine rule, cosine rule, and area of a triangle using ½ab sin(C).
2. Do I need to memorize all the formulas?
You don't need to memorize the formulas that are provided on the formula sheet, but you should be familiar with them and know how to use them. However, you must memorize all other essential formulas not on the sheet, such as percentage change, compound interest, and Pythagoras' theorem.
3. How can I remember all these formulas?
Create a "cheat sheet" of must-know formulas, use flashcards, practice applying them to real problems, and try teaching them to someone else. Spaced repetition is key to long-term memorization.
4. Will I lose marks for not showing my working when using a formula?
Yes, you must show your working even when using a formula from the sheet. Marks are awarded for method as well as the final answer. Always show the formula you're using, the values you're substituting, and the steps of your calculation.
Download Our Free Formula Sheet
Get our comprehensive, printable formula sheet that clearly marks which formulas are provided and which you need to memorize for both Core and Extended IGCSE Maths.