What comes up on Edexcel GCSE Maths Paper 1 (non-calculator)
If you're sitting Paper 1, you'll want to know what to revise. Here's what Edexcel's specification actually says, and how I'd prepare.
What the specification says
Paper 1 is 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, and no calculator. That's the same at Foundation and Higher.
The Paper 1 content list names all six areas: Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability, and Statistics. Edexcel also says each paper covers all the assessment objectives. So there's no topic you can safely skip, and I'd be careful of anyone who tells you one is "never on Paper 1".
The specification does give the overall topic weightings for the whole qualification, not for each paper. At Foundation, Number and Ratio each carry 22 to 28%, and Algebra 17 to 23%. At Higher, Algebra carries 27 to 33%, with Ratio and Geometry each 17 to 23%. I'd use that to decide where to spend your time, but remember it's across all three papers.
The question types that suit a non-calculator paper
I can't give you a count of what appears, and I won't make one up. What I can do is show you which parts of the specification are built for working by hand. These are the ones I'd practise most for Paper 1.
Fractions, decimals and percentages. The specification asks you to work between terminating decimals and fractions, and to calculate exactly with fractions. Practise adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, and finding a percentage of an amount in your head. Here's a quick one:
Estimation. Estimating answers is in the specification. Round each number to one significant figure, work it out, and say whether your answer is sensible.
Standard form and powers. Calculating with standard form, powers and roots is all on the list. Learn the rules for indices, because they save time.
Exact answers. The specification says to calculate exactly with multiples of π. At Higher it also includes surds: simplifying them and rationalising the denominator. If a question says "give your answer in terms of π" or "as a surd", don't round it.
Algebra. Expanding, factorising, solving equations and rearranging formulae all work without a calculator. Show every line, because the marks are in the working.
Geometry and trigonometry. Pythagoras and trigonometry are on the specification, and you should know the exact values of sin and cos for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°, and of tan for 0°, 30°, 45° and 60°. Those exact values are what a non-calculator question can ask for.
Ratio, probability and statistics. These can all be set without a calculator, so keep your fractions strong. They're a good source of marks if your number work is solid.
Tips for the paper
- Read the front of the paper. It says to show all your working, that diagrams aren't accurately drawn, and that calculators may not be used.
- Bring a ruler, a protractor and compasses. They're listed on the front of Edexcel Paper 1, and tracing paper may be used.
- Check your arithmetic. Slips are easy to make without a calculator. Recheck sums, signs and carried digits.
- Write the unit and the form. Fraction, decimal, π, surd: give the form the question asks for.
- Practise without a calculator, for real. Put it in another room.
My revision lesson the night before Paper 1 goes through exactly this kind of question:
Questions people also ask
Is Edexcel GCSE Maths Paper 1 harder than Paper 2 or 3?
I can't say it's harder. It's the same length and the same marks, and it covers the same content. The difference is that you can't use a calculator, which makes arithmetic slips more likely.
Can any topic come up on Paper 1?
Yes. Edexcel says the content for each tier is assessed across all three papers, and Paper 1's content list names all six areas.
Do I get a formula sheet on Paper 1?
Edexcel's front page lists a formulae sheet as enclosed with the paper, and formulae sheets are provided for GCSE Maths exams in 2027. Check the front of your own paper on the day.