IGCSE Math RevisionCambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) · Choosing a tier
Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580: Core or Extended?
Every 0580 student sits two papers, either the Core papers or the Extended papers. The choice sets the grades you can get, so it is worth making with care. Here are Cambridge's rules in plain words, what only Extended covers, and a quick self-check that points you to a free baseline test.
- Core: grades C to G
- Extended: grades A* to E
- Half the marks without a calculator
Last checked against Cambridge's 0580 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027 on 5 October 2026. The 2028 to 2030 syllabus keeps the same papers, times, marks and grades for each tier. IGCSE Math Revision is independent; if anything here differs from Cambridge or your school, follow them.
Core and Extended side by side
| Core | Extended | |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | 1 and 3 | 2 and 4 |
| Each paper | 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks | 2 hours, 100 marks |
| Calculator | Paper 1 no, Paper 3 yes | Paper 2 no, Paper 4 yes |
| Grades you can get | C to G | A* to E |
| Content | Core only | Core plus the Extended content |
On both tiers the two papers are worth 50% each. Cambridge says the Core content is meant for learners aiming at grades C to G, and the Extended content for learners aiming at grades A* to C. No calculator on Papers 1 and 2; a scientific calculator is needed for Papers 3 and 4. Algebraic or graphic calculators are not allowed. A result below grade G is reported as ungraded.
What only Extended covers
These 19 sub-topics are on Extended only. Many shared sub-topics also have harder Extended parts; each notes page marks them.
1.17 Exponential growth and decay · 1.18 Surds · 2.3 Algebraic fractions · 2.8 Proportion · 2.12 Differentiation · 2.13 Functions · 3.4 Length and midpoint · 3.7 Perpendicular lines · 4.8 Circle theorems II · 6.3 Exact trigonometric values · 6.4 Trigonometric functions · 6.5 Non-right-angled triangles · 6.6 Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry in 3D · 7.2 Vectors in two dimensions · 7.3 Magnitude of a vector · 7.4 Vector geometry · 8.4 Conditional probability · 9.6 Cumulative frequency diagrams · 9.7 Histograms
Who should sit which?
- Cambridge's rule: Core (Papers 1 and 3) is for students who have studied the Core content, or who are expected to get a grade D or below; Extended (Papers 2 and 4) is for students who have studied the Extended content, and who are expected to get a grade C or above.
- Need a B or higher? Sit Extended. Core cannot give a grade above C.
- Planning A Level, IB or other further maths or science? Next-stage courses set their own entry grades. If yours asks for more than a C in maths, only Extended can give it.
- Finding maths hard? Core may let you show what you know. On Extended the lowest grade is E, so a student who falls short of E is ungraded rather than given an F or G.
- Not sure? Take the self-check below and a free baseline test, then talk to your teacher. Your school makes the entry.
Two-minute self-check
Answer honestly. It is a starting point for a talk with your teacher, not a decision.
Answer all 6 to see a suggestion.
Extended
Core cannot give a grade above C, so a B or higher needs Extended. Take an Extended baseline test to see where to start: start of Year 10 or start of Year 11.
Extended looks right
Your answers fit the Extended tier. Check yourself with an Extended baseline test: start of Year 10 or start of Year 11.
It could be either
Take a baseline test for each tier and compare the topic reports with your teacher: Core (Year 10, Year 11) and Extended (Year 10, Year 11).
Core may suit you for now
Core leads to grades C to G and lets you focus on the Core content. Take a Core baseline test to find your gaps: start of Year 10 or start of Year 11.
Nothing you choose here is saved or sent.
Next steps
- Free IGCSE baseline tests: 20 questions, an instant topic report, Core and Extended for Year 10 and Year 11.
- 0580 revision notes, with every Extended-only part marked.
- 0580 past papers and IGCSE grade boundaries.
- Parents: follow progress on the free parent dashboard.
- Sitting Edexcel instead? 4MA1 Foundation or Higher.
Questions about Core and Extended
What is the highest grade on 0580 Core?
C. Core candidates sit Papers 1 and 3 and can get grades C to G. Grades A*, A and B are only available on Extended.
What is the lowest grade on 0580 Extended?
E. Extended candidates sit Papers 2 and 4 and can get grades A* to E. There is no F or G on Extended, so a student who falls short of E is ungraded.
Who decides whether I sit Core or Extended?
Your school enters you, usually on your teacher's advice. Cambridge's guidance is that students expected to get a grade C or above sit Extended, and students expected to get a D or below sit Core.
Is Extended much harder than Core?
Extended has all of the Core content plus extra topics, such as exponential growth and decay, surds, algebraic fractions, proportion, differentiation, and its papers are longer: 2 hours each and 100 marks each, against 1 hour 30 minutes each and 80 marks each on Core.
Can I use a calculator?
No calculator on Papers 1 and 2; a scientific calculator is needed for Papers 3 and 4. Algebraic or graphic calculators are not allowed.
Can I resit 0580?
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want. Exams are in the June and November series, and also in March in India.