Which GCSE Maths formulas should I memorise?

Students should know key formulas for area, perimeter, volume, Pythagoras, trigonometry, speed, density, pressure and simple interest, depending on tier and exam board.

Do GCSE Maths exams give you all the formulas?

Some formulas may be provided, but students should still learn the most common formulas so they can use them quickly and correctly.

How can I remember GCSE Maths formulas?

Practise using formulas in questions, write them from memory, make flashcards and check that you understand what each symbol means.

GCSE Maths Formulas to Memorise

GCSE Maths formulas are easier to remember when students understand what they are used for. The aim is not just to memorise a list. Students need to recognise which formula fits the question, substitute values carefully and include correct units.

Exam tip: Do not only memorise formulas. Practise using each formula in real exam questions so you know when and how to apply it.

Area formulas

Area formulas are common on both Foundation and Higher papers. Students should be comfortable with rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapezia and circles.

Rectangle: area = length × width
Triangle: area = 1/2 × base × height
Parallelogram: area = base × height
Trapezium: area = 1/2(a + b)h
Circle: area = πr²

Practise these in area and perimeter.

Perimeter and circumference formulas

Perimeter means the distance around the outside of a shape. For circles, the perimeter is called the circumference.

Perimeter: add all outside lengths
Circumference of a circle: C = πd
Circumference of a circle: C = 2πr

Common mistake: A common mistake is confusing area and perimeter. Area uses square units, such as cm². Perimeter uses length units, such as cm.

Volume formulas

Volume questions require careful use of units. Students should know how to find the volume of prisms and common 3D shapes.

Cuboid: volume = length × width × height
Prism: volume = cross-sectional area × length
Cylinder: volume = πr²h

Pythagoras formula

Pythagoras is used in right-angled triangles. Students should know when to add squares and when to subtract squares.

Pythagoras

a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse, the longest side opposite the right angle.

Revise this fully in Pythagoras.

Video explanation

A short Worthing Maths Tutor video explanation for GCSE Maths formulas to memorise can be embedded here later to improve student engagement and time on page.

Trigonometry formulas

Trigonometry is used with right-angled triangles. Students should learn SOHCAHTOA and practise labelling opposite, adjacent and hypotenuse.

sin θ = opposite ÷ hypotenuse
cos θ = adjacent ÷ hypotenuse
tan θ = opposite ÷ adjacent

Use trigonometry for step-by-step practice.

Speed, distance and time

Speed questions are common word problems. Check units carefully, especially when time is given in minutes but speed is required in km/h or m/s.

Speed = distance ÷ time
Distance = speed × time
Time = distance ÷ speed

Density, mass and volume

Density questions often require rearranging a formula. Students should write the formula first and then substitute carefully.

Density = mass ÷ volume
Mass = density × volume
Volume = mass ÷ density

Pressure, force and area

Pressure questions are another example where rearranging is important. Students should check whether area and force units are consistent.

Pressure = force ÷ area
Force = pressure × area
Area = force ÷ pressure

How to learn formulas properly

Write the formula from memory.
Explain what each symbol means.
Substitute values into the formula.
Check units and rounding.
Practise exam-style questions.

Exam tip: If you cannot remember a formula, try writing what the quantities mean. For example, speed is about distance covered per unit of time, so speed = distance ÷ time.

Related GCSE Maths guides

GCSE Maths formulas FAQs

Should I memorise every formula?

Learn the most common formulas well first, especially area, Pythagoras, trigonometry, speed, density and pressure.

What is the best way to remember formulas?

Use the formula in questions. Formulas are easier to remember when they are connected to real methods.

Why do I forget formulas in exams?

This often happens when formulas are memorised without practice. Build confidence by using each formula repeatedly in exam-style questions.

Need help with GCSE algebra?

If your child understands examples in lessons but struggles to apply them independently, structured GCSE maths tutoring can help rebuild confidence and close gaps step by step.

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