A-level Maths: what you study, exams and grades
The most popular A-level by far. What you study in pure maths, statistics and mechanics, how each exam board tests it, and how hard it really is.
A-level Maths is the most taken A-level in the UK, with more than 115,000 entries in 2026. It builds directly on GCSE Maths and is asked for, or strongly preferred, by university courses in maths, physics, engineering, economics, computer science and many sciences. Every exam board teaches the same core content, set by the Department for Education, so the main differences between boards are how the papers are arranged.
What you study
- Pure maths (about two-thirds): algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods, vectors and proof.
- Statistics: sampling, data presentation, probability, statistical distributions (binomial and normal) and hypothesis testing, using a large data set you study during the course.
- Mechanics: quantities and units, kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws, and moments.
The exact topics depend on the exam board your school or college uses, so check its specification.
How it is examined
Like all reformed A-levels, it is a linear two-year course: you sit all the exams at the end of Year 13, and an AS taken along the way does not count towards the A-level.
| Exam board | Code | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| AQA | 7357 | Three 2-hour papers, each 100 marks and a third of the A-level. |
| Pearson Edexcel | 9MA0 | Three 2-hour papers: two pure papers and one on statistics and mechanics. |
| OCR A | H240 | Three 2-hour papers. |
| OCR B (MEI) | H640 | Three papers, with questions on the large data set and comprehension. |
Coursework: None: it is assessed entirely by exams. Calculator: You can use a calculator in every paper.
Grades and how hard it is
In summer 2026, 115,380 students took A-level Maths in the UK. 17.7% were awarded an A* and 42.5% an A* or A, compared with about 28% across all A-levels in England. See how subjects compare in the hardest and easiest A-levels.
Entry requirements: Most sixth forms ask for a grade 7 at GCSE Maths, and some ask for an 8. A grade 6 can be enough at some colleges, but the jump from GCSE is steep, especially in algebra.
Where it can lead
A-level Maths is useful for maths, engineering, physics, economics, finance, computer science, data science, accountancy and actuarial work.
Goes well with: Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Computer Science.
Work out what your predicted grades are worth with our UCAS points calculator.
Tips for doing well
- Practise algebra until it is automatic: almost every topic depends on it.
- Do past papers for your exam board under timed conditions from Year 12.
- Learn the large data set your board uses; questions assume you know it.
Questions people ask
Is A-level Maths hard?
It is demanding, mainly because of the step up in algebra from GCSE. But it also has one of the highest shares of top grades: 42.5% of entries got an A* or A in 2026.
Can I use a calculator in A-level Maths?
Yes, in all papers for all the main boards. You need an approved scientific or graphical calculator; check your board’s list.
Do I need Further Maths too?
Only for the most competitive maths, physics and engineering courses, where it is often required or strongly preferred. For most other courses, A-level Maths alone is enough.
