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GCSE Maths Cheat Sheets for Essential Facts and Rules

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j

08/12/2025

Maths

gcse maths cheat sheets

141

8 Dec 2025

2 pages

GCSE Maths Cheat Sheets for Essential Facts and Rules

user profile picture

j

@joyoflife

This is your essential maths formula sheet that covers all... Show more

# AREAS
$\text{cm}^2$ or $\text{m}^2$

- RECTANGLE
$\text{A = L \times W}$

- TRIANGLE
$\text{A = }\frac{1}{2}\text{b \times h}_v$
(vertical

Essential Formulas and Calculations

Area formulas are absolutely crucial for your exams. Remember that rectangles use length × width, triangles need ½ × base × height (always use vertical height!), and circles require πr². For parallelograms, it's simply base × height, whilst trapeziums use ½a+ba+b × height.

Perimeter is just the distance around any shape's edge. For circles, we call this circumference and use C = πD or C = 2πr. These circle formulas pop up constantly in exam questions.

The triangle method is brilliant for rearranging formulas like speed = distance/time. Draw a triangle, put what you're finding at the top, cover it up, and what's left shows you the calculation. For instance, to find time, you'd calculate distance ÷ speed.

Top Tip: When dealing with bearings, always measure clockwise from the north line - this catches loads of students out!

Volume calculations follow simple patterns. Cuboids use length × width × height, whilst any prism uses cross-sectional area × length. Master these basics and you'll handle most volume questions with confidence.

Percentages become easy when you remember that finding x% means multiplying by x/100. For percentage changes, work out the percentage amount first, then add or subtract from your original value.

# AREAS
$\text{cm}^2$ or $\text{m}^2$

- RECTANGLE
$\text{A = L \times W}$

- TRIANGLE
$\text{A = }\frac{1}{2}\text{b \times h}_v$
(vertical

Advanced Topics and Geometry

SOH CAH TOA is your best friend for right-angled triangles. Sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent. But remember, this only works for right-angled triangles!

For any other triangle, you'll need the sine rule a/sinA=b/sinB=c/sinCa/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC or cosine rule a2=b2+c22bc×cosAa² = b² + c² - 2bc×cosA. The area of any triangle can be found using ½ab×sinC when you know two sides and the included angle.

Circle geometry has key rules you must memorise. Angles in a semicircle equal 90°, and opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference.

Remember: Pythagoras' theorem h2=a2+b2h² = a² + b² only works for right-angled triangles - don't use it for other triangles!

Probability follows simple rules: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B) for independent events, and P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) for mutually exclusive events. For "at least" problems, use 1 - P(the opposite outcome).

Graph transformations follow patterns: y = fx+ax + a moves the graph left by 'a' units, y = f(x) + a moves it up by 'a' units. Percentage change always equals (change ÷ original) × 100.



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Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Maths

141

8 Dec 2025

2 pages

GCSE Maths Cheat Sheets for Essential Facts and Rules

user profile picture

j

@joyoflife

This is your essential maths formula sheet that covers all the key topics you'll need for your GCSEs. It's packed with the most important formulas, definitions, and quick methods that'll help you tackle everything from basic calculations to complex geometry... Show more

# AREAS
$\text{cm}^2$ or $\text{m}^2$

- RECTANGLE
$\text{A = L \times W}$

- TRIANGLE
$\text{A = }\frac{1}{2}\text{b \times h}_v$
(vertical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Essential Formulas and Calculations

Area formulas are absolutely crucial for your exams. Remember that rectangles use length × width, triangles need ½ × base × height (always use vertical height!), and circles require πr². For parallelograms, it's simply base × height, whilst trapeziums use ½a+ba+b × height.

Perimeter is just the distance around any shape's edge. For circles, we call this circumference and use C = πD or C = 2πr. These circle formulas pop up constantly in exam questions.

The triangle method is brilliant for rearranging formulas like speed = distance/time. Draw a triangle, put what you're finding at the top, cover it up, and what's left shows you the calculation. For instance, to find time, you'd calculate distance ÷ speed.

Top Tip: When dealing with bearings, always measure clockwise from the north line - this catches loads of students out!

Volume calculations follow simple patterns. Cuboids use length × width × height, whilst any prism uses cross-sectional area × length. Master these basics and you'll handle most volume questions with confidence.

Percentages become easy when you remember that finding x% means multiplying by x/100. For percentage changes, work out the percentage amount first, then add or subtract from your original value.

# AREAS
$\text{cm}^2$ or $\text{m}^2$

- RECTANGLE
$\text{A = L \times W}$

- TRIANGLE
$\text{A = }\frac{1}{2}\text{b \times h}_v$
(vertical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Advanced Topics and Geometry

SOH CAH TOA is your best friend for right-angled triangles. Sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent. But remember, this only works for right-angled triangles!

For any other triangle, you'll need the sine rule a/sinA=b/sinB=c/sinCa/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC or cosine rule a2=b2+c22bc×cosAa² = b² + c² - 2bc×cosA. The area of any triangle can be found using ½ab×sinC when you know two sides and the included angle.

Circle geometry has key rules you must memorise. Angles in a semicircle equal 90°, and opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference.

Remember: Pythagoras' theorem h2=a2+b2h² = a² + b² only works for right-angled triangles - don't use it for other triangles!

Probability follows simple rules: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B) for independent events, and P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) for mutually exclusive events. For "at least" problems, use 1 - P(the opposite outcome).

Graph transformations follow patterns: y = fx+ax + a moves the graph left by 'a' units, y = f(x) + a moves it up by 'a' units. Percentage change always equals (change ÷ original) × 100.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Most popular content in Maths

Most popular content

Chemistry paper 1 aqa

This is the aqa exam board for triple highwe

ChemistryChemistry
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user