Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Maths specification (0580 & 0980)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Maths exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Maths specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Maths (0580 & 0980) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics encourages learners to develop mathematical knowledge as a key life skill and as a basis for further study. The syllabus builds confidence by promoting a strong foundation in mathematical techniques and fostering the ability to reason logically and solve problems systematically. It covers a broad range of topics, equipping students to apply mathematics in practical contexts and to communicate and justify their ideas using appropriate mathematical language.
Subject content breakdown
1. Number
- Place value, rounding, bounds, estimation
- Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion
- Standard form, indices, roots, surds, HCF and LCM
- Time calculations, speed/distance/time, currency conversion
2. Algebra and graphs
- Algebraic manipulation: expand, factorise, simplify
- Formulae: construct, substitute, rearrange
- Equations and inequalities: solve linear, simultaneous, and quadratic equations
- Sequences: linear and quadratic
- Graphs: straight lines, quadratics, cubic, exponential, reciprocal
3. Geometry
- Angles, triangles, polygons, circles
- Constructions and loci
- Symmetry and transformations: reflection, rotation, translation, enlargement
- Congruence and similarity
4. Mensuration
- Perimeter, area, surface area and volume of 2D and 3D shapes
- Circles and sectors, cylinders, cones and spheres
- Compound measures, scale drawings, map scales
5. Coordinate geometry
- Cartesian coordinates
- Gradient and equation of a straight line
- Intersections, parallel and perpendicular lines
6. Trigonometry
- Right-angled triangle: sine, cosine, tangent
- Sine and cosine rules, area of a triangle using trigonometry
- Bearings and angle of elevation/depression
7. Vectors and transformations
- Vector notation and arithmetic
- Column vectors, magnitude and direction
- Geometric transformations using matrices
8. Probability
- Experimental and theoretical probability
- Probability diagrams: tables, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams
- Mutually exclusive and independent events
9. Statistics
- Data collection and presentation: charts, graphs, tables
- Averages: mean, median, mode, range
- Cumulative frequency, box plots, histograms, scatter diagrams, correlation
Assessment structure
Core Assessment Route
- Paper 1 (Core)
- 1 hour, 56 marks, 35% of Core grade
- Short-answer and structured questions
- Paper 3 (Core)
- 2 hours, 104 marks, 65% of Core grade
- Longer structured problems and reasoning questions
- Core grades: C–G
Extended Assessment Route
- Paper 2 (Extended)
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks, 35% of Extended grade
- Mix of short and structured questions
- Paper 4 (Extended)
- 2 hours 30 minutes, 130 marks, 65% of Extended grade
- Includes complex multi-step problem solving
Extended grades: A*–E
- Calculators allowed in all papers
- Formulae sheet provided
- All papers externally assessed
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Maths isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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