Edexcel IGCSE Maths A and Maths B are two different International GCSE Mathematics specifications. Maths A offers Foundation and Higher tiers, while Maths B has a single Higher-level route. They also differ in some syllabus content, exam lengths and paper weightings.
The letters A and B identify the specifications. They are not grades, and Maths B is not a qualification you take after completing Maths A.
The essentials
- Maths A (4MA1): two tiers, two 2-hour papers worth 50% each.
- Maths B (4MB1): one Higher tier, a 1½-hour Paper 1 (one-third) and a 2½-hour Paper 2 (two-thirds).
- Content: mostly shared, but Maths B adds matrices and the factor theorem, while Maths A includes topics B leaves out, such as cumulative frequency and arithmetic series.
- First step: check your qualification code. It tells you which syllabus, resources and past papers you need.
This guide compares linear Maths A (4MA1) with Maths B (4MB1), and explains the modular Maths A route available to schools outside the UK.
Edexcel IGCSE Maths A vs B: quick comparison
| Feature | Maths A (linear) | Maths B (linear) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification code | 4MA1 | 4MB1 |
| Tiers | Foundation and Higher | Single tier, at Higher level |
| Grades available | Foundation: 5–1; Higher: 9–4, with an allowed grade 3 | 9–4, with an allowed grade 3 |
| Paper 1 | 2 hours; 100 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes; 100 marks; around 26–30 questions |
| Paper 2 | 2 hours; 100 marks | 2 hours 30 minutes; 100 marks; around 11–12 questions |
| Paper weightings | 50% each | Paper 1: one-third; Paper 2: two-thirds |
| Total exam time | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Calculators | Allowed in both papers | Allowed in both papers |
| Assessment timing | Both papers in the same exam series | Both papers in the same exam series |
These arrangements are set out on Pearson's qualification pages for Maths A and Maths B, and in the Maths B specification.
Note
An allowed grade 3 is a safety net for Higher-tier students who narrowly miss grade 4. Higher papers do not offer the full Foundation grade range.
How to check which Edexcel IGCSE Maths course you take
Check your statement of entry, your school's course information or the front of a paper your teacher has confirmed matches your exam.
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| 4MA1/1F or 4MA1/2F | Linear Maths A, Foundation |
| 4MA1/1H or 4MA1/2H | Linear Maths A, Higher |
| 4MB1/01 or 4MB1/02 | Linear Maths B |
| 4WM1F or 4WM2F | Modular Maths A, Foundation unit |
| 4WM1H or 4WM2H | Modular Maths A, Higher unit |
| 4XMAF or 4XMAH | Modular Maths A qualification (cash-in) code |
Pearson's modular course webpage also uses the code 4XMA1. The cash-in codes 4XMAF and 4XMAH are used to obtain the overall Foundation or Higher qualification grade.
Watch out
Do not pick resources just because they say "Edexcel Maths". Check that they match International GCSE, Specification A or B, your tier and, if applicable, your modular unit. If your worksheets show several codes, ask your teacher which course you are actually entered for.
What are the syllabus differences?
Both specifications cover number, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability. Much of the mathematics overlaps, but the courses are not interchangeable.
| Topic | Maths A Higher | Maths B |
|---|---|---|
| Matrices and matrix transformations | Not included | Included |
| Factor theorem, including cubics | Not included | Included |
| Algebraic division of a cubic by a linear factor | Not included | Included |
| Sum of an arithmetic series | Included | Not included (sequences only) |
| Graph transformations using function notation | Included | Not included |
| Cumulative frequency graphs | Included | Excluded |
| Differentiation and applications to motion | Included | Included |
This highlights selected differences rather than giving a complete checklist. The Maths B specification, for example, explicitly excludes cumulative frequency graphs and limits sequences to recognising and continuing them. Maths B is not simply Maths A with extra topics: some content is specific to Maths A too.
Example
A Maths B student needs to prepare for matrix questions. A Maths A student should spend that time mastering the topics required by their own course.
Does Maths A include calculus?
Yes. Maths A Higher includes calculus, including applications involving displacement, velocity and acceleration. Maths B also includes differentiation and its applications to kinematics. So describing Maths B as "the course with calculus" is misleading.
Worked example
A particle's displacement is s = t³ − 3t² + 5. Find its velocity and acceleration in terms of t.
- Differentiate once for velocity: v = ds/dt = 3t² − 6t
- Differentiate again for acceleration: a = dv/dt = 6t − 6
Important
If you take Maths A Higher, skipping calculus or motion applications could leave a significant gap in your preparation.
Your turn
Using the same displacement, find the times when the particle is momentarily at rest.
AnswerShow answerHide answer
At rest means v = 0: 3t² − 6t = 3t(t − 2) = 0, so t = 0 or t = 2.
Is Edexcel IGCSE Maths B harder than Maths A?
Maths B has some different algebra and matrix requirements, but that does not mean every student will find it harder than Maths A Higher. Separate two comparisons:
| Comparison | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Maths B vs Maths A Foundation | These target different levels, so this is not a like-for-like comparison |
| Maths B vs Maths A Higher | Compare the different topics and assessment formats |
To judge which format suits you, try suitable sample questions and notice why you lose marks. Do you struggle to recognise a method? Make errors when switching between short questions? Or lose track of a solution that combines several topics?
Example
You answer individual algebra questions accurately but struggle when algebra appears inside a geometry problem. That points towards practising connected solutions, rather than assuming another specification would solve the difficulty.
Remember
A course letter or a historical grade boundary cannot tell you which exam will feel easier for you.
How do the exam papers differ?
Maths A: prepare broadly for both papers
Both linear Maths A papers can assess the full syllabus for your tier. There is no fixed split such as "algebra on Paper 1 and geometry on Paper 2". So:
- prepare across the syllabus before Paper 1;
- keep revising broadly between papers;
- do not drop a topic just because it appeared in the first exam.
Maths B: practise both pace and longer solutions
The Maths B specification describes Paper 1 as around 26–30 shorter questions and Paper 2 as around 11–12 longer questions. Both can assess content from anywhere in the specification, and a single question may draw on more than one section.
- For Paper 1, practise moving efficiently between questions. If you get stuck, write down a useful first step, move on and come back later.
- For Paper 2, practise keeping extended solutions organised: label expressions and intermediate answers, show the equations you use, check whether a later part uses an earlier result, and keep your working readable when a question combines topics.
Tip
Do not split your time equally between whole questions. A question with several substantial parts needs more time than a short calculation.
Useful timing benchmarks
These averages are calculated from exam durations and marks. They are starting points for practice, not official limits.
| Paper | Average time per mark |
|---|---|
| Maths A, either paper | 1.2 minutes |
| Maths B, Paper 1 | 0.9 minutes |
| Maths B, Paper 2 | 1.5 minutes |
Aim to leave checking time, and use timed practice to learn where you personally need to speed up.
How are Maths A and Maths B grades calculated?
Maths A: add your two paper marks
The linear Maths A papers are equally weighted.
Example
68 + 74 = 142 out of 200. Compare that with the official Maths A boundaries for your tier, exam series and paper combination.
Maths B: Paper 2 counts twice as much
Both Maths B papers carry 100 raw marks, but Paper 2 contributes twice as much to the qualification.
The formula
Weighted score = Paper 1 mark + (2 × Paper 2 mark), out of 300.
Example: 68 + (2 × 74) = 216 out of 300.
Pearson's published Maths B boundaries use this 300-mark maximum.
Watch out
This matters when evaluating mocks. Simply adding the paper marks and comparing 142/200 with Maths B's boundaries would be wrong.
It also shapes your revision priorities: ten extra raw marks on Paper 2 add twenty marks to your weighted total. Give extended-question practice proper attention while still preparing fully for Paper 1.
What did the boundaries look like in June 2026?
| Grade | Maths A Higher (out of 200) | Maths B (out of 300) | Maths A Foundation (out of 200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 165 | 246 | — |
| 7 | 111 | 173 | — |
| 5 | 64 | 112 | 148 |
| 4 | 41 | 82 | 125 |
These are the official June 2026 boundaries for the main (non-regional) papers. Papers ending in R, used in some regions, had different boundaries. See every grade and series on Starley's pages for Maths A, Maths B and modular Maths A.
Check
There is no fixed percentage for a grade 9. A percentage from a previous series is a practice reference, not a guaranteed threshold. Before using a boundary table, check the qualification code, exam series, tier and paper combination, including any regional papers. For modular Maths A, use the UMS results system rather than a linear boundary.
What is modular Edexcel IGCSE Maths A?
Modular Maths A is an alternative assessment route available only to schools outside the UK, first taught from September 2024 and first assessed in June 2025. It keeps Maths A content but divides assessment into two units.
| Feature | Modular Maths A |
|---|---|
| Units | Unit 1 (4WM1) and Unit 2 (4WM2), each at Foundation or Higher |
| Each unit | 2-hour exam, 100 raw marks, 50% of the qualification |
| Tiers | Both units must be taken at the same tier |
| Grading | Raw marks converted to UMS; a cash-in entry (4XMAF or 4XMAH) gives the overall grade |
The main revision difference is that you need a unit-specific checklist. A complete linear Maths A paper may contain topics allocated to different modular units, so it is useful topic practice but not automatically a suitable mock for your next unit.
Ask your teacher to confirm:
- which specification points your next unit assesses;
- which earlier skills you still need;
- which practice papers match the unit;
- how any planned resit would count towards your qualification.
Which course should you choose?
Start with what your school or exam centre actually offers. A course choice is only useful if suitable teaching, resources and exam entry are available.
| Your situation | What to discuss with your teacher |
|---|---|
| You need a Foundation route | Maths A Foundation |
| You want a grade above 5 | Maths A Higher or Maths B |
| You prefer two exams of matching length and weighting | Linear Maths A |
| You enjoy matrices and extended algebra | Whether Maths B suits your strengths |
| You want assessment in separate units | Modular Maths A, where available |
| You are already well into a course | Whether changing would create syllabus gaps or entry problems |
If you have a genuine choice, use teacher feedback, sample questions and timed practice to decide.
Ask
"Which route gives me the strongest preparation for my target grade?"
Watch out
Do not switch because an online comment says another course is easier. Before changing, identify the missing topics, confirm entry deadlines and agree a realistic catch-up plan.
Do universities or sixth forms prefer Maths A or B?
Pearson presents both specifications as preparation for further mathematical study. That does not establish a universal admissions preference or guarantee acceptance by every institution. Check your intended institution's published requirements for:
- whether Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics is accepted;
- the minimum grade required;
- any qualification or tier restrictions;
- separate requirements for further study in Mathematics.
If you want to take A Level Maths, ask your sixth form for its actual entry requirement rather than relying on a generic recommendation online. For how IGCSEs compare with GCSEs, see IGCSE vs GCSE and GCSE vs IGCSE Maths.
Key point
Whichever specification you study, strengthen your algebra. Accurate work with fractions, indices, equations, factorisation and rearranging formulae makes further mathematical study much more manageable.
How to revise effectively for your specification
1. Make your checklist specific
Use the official syllabus for your tier or modular unit, and label each skill:
- Secure: you can answer questions on your own.
- Developing: you need a hint.
- Priority: you cannot yet start, or regularly choose the wrong method.
Avoid entries such as "revise algebra". Write something actionable, such as "rearrange a formula when the subject appears on both sides".
2. Match your revision to the cause of each mistake
| Why you lost marks | What to do next |
|---|---|
| You did not know the method | Study one worked example, then attempt similar questions without notes |
| You chose the wrong method | Compare questions that need different approaches |
| You made a sign or arithmetic error | Find the first incorrect step and redo the calculation |
| Your working was incomplete | Compare it with the mark scheme and add the missing reasoning |
| You ran out of time | Practise a timed section and review where the time went |
An error log is only useful if it changes what you practise next.
3. Move from topic practice to mixed questions
Topic practice teaches you a method; mixed practice checks whether you can recognise when to use it. After practising quadratics, for example, mix them with linear equations, simultaneous equations and rearranging formulae.
4. Practise your actual exam format
Complete matched papers under timed conditions. Maths B students need practice with both shorter questions and extended problems; modular Maths A students need papers that match the relevant unit. Starley's past papers are organised by board, qualification and code, and the Edexcel International GCSE exam timetable shows when each paper falls.
After marking, revisit difficult questions a few days later without the solution beside you.
5. Make your working easy to follow
Show equations, substitutions and important intermediate steps. Keep exact values until the final rounding step where appropriate. Before moving on, check:
- Have I answered what was asked?
- Are the units correct?
- Is the answer reasonable?
- Is the required accuracy clear?
Practise using the formulae supplied for your actual paper. In Maths B Paper 2, any formula needed from the formulae sheet is given at the end of the question, but you still need to recognise when it applies and substitute correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maths A Foundation the same as Maths B?
No. Foundation is a tier within Maths A. Maths B is a different specification with a single Higher-level route.
Can you get a grade 9 in Maths A?
Yes, through Maths A Higher. Foundation has a maximum grade of 5.
Is there a non-calculator paper?
No. Calculators are allowed throughout Maths A and Maths B, including modular Maths A. Use a permitted calculator and still show the mathematical working required.
Can I use Maths A past papers to revise Maths B?
You can use questions on shared skills as extra practice. They will not cover Maths B-specific topics such as matrices, or reproduce its exam format.
Is Maths B the same as Further Pure Mathematics?
No. Maths B is 4MB1. International GCSE Further Pure Mathematics is a separate qualification, 4PM1.
Which specification is more popular?
Popularity should not decide your revision plan. Confirm what your school offers and which materials match your exam. A course being widely discussed online does not make it easier or better suited to you.
What should I do first if my exam is approaching?
Confirm your course code, complete a matched timed paper and identify your three most costly weaknesses. Use those findings to plan your next sessions, then check whether your performance improves. For aiming high across all your IGCSEs, see how to get all A*s in your IGCSEs.
The bottom line
Your course code tells you what to revise. Your marked practice tells you where to spend your time.