How Long Is the A Level Maths Exam?

If you’re revising for A Level Maths, one of the most important things to nail down is the structure of your exam. Knowing how long each paper is, what content comes up, and how the assessment is split will help you plan your revision effectively and walk into the exam hall feeling calm and prepared.

In this article, we break down exactly how long the A Level Maths exam is, with details for:

• AQA A Level Maths (7357)

• Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0)

• OCR A Level Maths A (H240)

• OCR A Level Maths B (MEI) (H640)

Plus some practical tips to help you make the most of every minute.

Overview of A Level Maths Exam Format

Every A Level Maths course is assessed through to three written exam papers, lasting 2 hours respectively; that’s 6 hours in total. Each of the three A Level Maths exam papers assesses three division of maths:

• Pure Maths

• Statistics

• Mechanics

The variety of these three divisions in your exams will be different depending on the specification of the course you’re taking. 

There’s no coursework to worry about, all of your assessments will be exam based. That might feel daunting, but it also means you know exactly what you’re preparing for. With practice, especially using past papers, you’ll build the timing, confidence and strategies you need to make those 6 hours count.

Studying for and taking these exams gives you the chance to show off both your problem-solving skills and how you apply maths to real situations.

A Level Maths Exam by Exam Board

AQA

With AQA (opens in a new tab), you’ll sit three exam papers: 

• Pure Maths

• Pure & Mechanics

• Pure & Statistics

Each exam is 2 hours long, worth 100 marks, and calculators are allowed throughout. The structure makes sure you’re tested on core pure maths skills in every paper, with applied topics spread across Mechanics and Statistics.

Edexcel

Edexcel (opens in a new tab) also has three exams, but they’re divided slightly differently:

• Paper 1 (Pure Maths 1)

• Paper 2 (Pure Maths 2) focus on algebra, calculus, sequences, series and other core pure content

• Paper 3 (Statistics and Mechanics) then covers applied maths, including probability, hypothesis testing, kinematics and forces. 

Each paper is 2 hours, 100 marks, and calculators are permitted, so make sure you’re confident using yours in every paper.

OCR (OCR A and OCR MEI)

OCR (opens in a new tab) has two specifications: 

• OCR A

• OCR B (MEI)

Both require three written exam papers, each typically 2 hours long. The balance of Pure, Statistics and Mechanics varies slightly between the two, so it’s crucial to check your exact specification.

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

How Many Papers Do You Sit for A Level Maths?

No matter which exam board you’re with, you’ll sit three separate papers for A Level Maths. Together, they test the full range of skills you’ve developed across the course.

There’s no coursework at all, so every single mark comes from your written exams. To be awarded your full A Level, you need to complete all three exam papers in the same exam series, so preparation and consistency really matter.

A Level Maths vs Further Maths: What’s the Difference in Exam Time?

If you’re also taking Further Maths, be ready for a slightly different setup. You’ll sit three or more exams, depending on your exam board, with each one usually lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.

Further Maths goes beyond the standard A Level – you’ll tackle more advanced Pure, Statistics, Mechanics and sometimes optional modules like Decision Maths. Because it’s a completely separate qualification, choosing both Maths and Further Maths means sitting at least six full exam papers in total. 

Studying Further Maths is a big commitment, but also one of the most rewarding A Levels you can take, giving you a real edge if you’re planning to study maths, physics or engineering at university.

Time Management Tips for A Level Maths Exams

Good time management can make all the difference in A Level Maths. Start by practising past papers under timed conditions – this will train you to keep pace with the exam. As a rule of thumb, try to spend time in proportion to the marks available, so a 10-mark question gets more attention than a 2-mark one.

Planning your revision around a strategy leading up to your A Level Maths exam dates will make sure you have time to learn everything you need for the exam, taking the pressure off you in the exam hall.

If you get stuck, don’t panic – skip it and come back later so you don’t lose momentum. Always aim to leave the last 5–10 minutes to check your answers and tidy up any calculations. These simple habits can help you stay calm, focused and in control when it matters most.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how long the A Level Maths exam is and how it’s structured is the first step in mastering it. Once you know what to expect, you can tailor your revision to match the paper layout and practise effectively under exam conditions.

Every exam board has slight differences, so check your specification carefully. Then, focus on building confidence with past papers, staying calm under timed pressure, and walking into each exam knowing you’re ready.

With preparation and strategy, those six hours of exams become your opportunity to show off everything you’ve worked hard to learn.

For support in your studies, explore Save My Exams’ A Level revision resources where you’ll find revision notes, flashcards, past papers and more, designed by our team of teachers and examiners.

References:

• AS and A Level - Mathematics A - H230, H240 (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics (2017) (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics (2017) (opens in a new tab)