0580 vs 4MA1: which IGCSE Maths is harder?
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) and Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) compared from the boards' own documents, with example questions in each course's style.
The short answer
They are close. Most of the mathematics is the same, and both top tiers include differentiation. The biggest difference is the calculator: half of 0580 is non-calculator, while 4MA1 allows a calculator on both papers.
So if written arithmetic, fractions and exact values are a weakness, 0580 will feel harder; if you are comfortable without a calculator, the two are much alike. The grades are on different scales: 0580 uses A* to G, 4MA1 uses 9 to 1.
Side by side
| Cambridge IGCSE (0580) | Edexcel IGCSE (4MA1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | Core: Paper 1 and Paper 3, 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks each. Extended: Paper 2 and Paper 4, 2 hours and 100 marks each | Two papers of 2 hours, 100 marks each (50% each) |
| Calculator | Papers 1 and 2 are non-calculator; a scientific calculator is needed for Papers 3 and 4 | A calculator may be used on both papers |
| Grades | Core: grades C to G. Extended: grades A* to E | Foundation: grades 5 to 1. Higher: grades 9 to 4 (a 3 is allowed) |
| Calculus | Extended: differentiation, gradients and turning points | Higher: differentiation, turning points and kinematics |
| Exam series | June and November (and March in India) | January and June |
| Content overlap (our syllabus map) | Of the 72 sub-topics in 0580, 55 are the same mathematics in 4MA1, 13 are partly covered and 4 are not in 4MA1 (time, exact trigonometric values, classifying statistical data and scatter diagrams). | See the 0580 column |
Extended contains all of the Core content. Our syllabus map is our own reading of the two documents, not the boards'.
What students find hard
- The non-calculator papers. Half of 0580 is sat without a calculator, so arithmetic, fractions, surds and exact values carry real marks. 4MA1 students can lean on a calculator throughout.
- Paper length. Both top tiers sit two 2-hour papers. 0580 Core papers are shorter, at 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Calculus. Both top tiers differentiate. 4MA1 Higher also uses it for motion (kinematics); the 0580 syllabus lists differentiation for gradients and turning points.
- Grade caps. 0580 Core tops out at grade C and 4MA1 Foundation at grade 5, so the tier choice matters as much as the board.
This is our view from teaching these courses, not a statistic. We don't quote pass rates here: the exam boards publish their own results each year.
Try it: questions side by side
Each pair takes the same idea at two levels. Try both before you open the answers.
0580 Extended, Paper 2 style (no calculator)
Work out 64−2/3 without using a calculator. Give your answer as a fraction.
Show the answer
Answer: 1/16
- 641/3 = 4, so 642/3 = 42 = 16.
- The negative power gives the reciprocal: 1/16.
4MA1 Higher style (calculator allowed)
A boat is worth $42 000. Each year its value goes down by 7%. What is it worth after 4 years? Round to the nearest dollar.
Show the answer
Answer: $31 418
- Each year the value is multiplied by 0.93.
- 42 000 × 0.934 = 31 418.184…, which is $31 418 to the nearest dollar.
0580 Extended (differentiation)
A curve has equation y = x3 − 6x2 + 5. Find the coordinates of its two turning points.
Show the answer
Answer: (0, 5) and (4, −27)
- dy/dx = 3x2 − 12x = 3x(x − 4) = 0, so x = 0 or x = 4.
- x = 0 gives y = 5; x = 4 gives y = 64 − 96 + 5 = −27.
4MA1 Higher (differentiation in kinematics)
A particle moves in a straight line. Its displacement after t seconds is s metres, where s = t3 − 9t2 + 24t. Find the times when the particle is momentarily at rest.
Show the answer
Answer: t = 2 and t = 4
- Velocity v = ds/dt = 3t2 − 18t + 24 = 3(t − 2)(t − 4).
- v = 0 when t = 2 and when t = 4.
Our own questions, written for this page and checked independently. They are not from any exam board's papers.
How to get ready
If you can choose, think about the calculator: confident with written methods, either suits you; relying on a calculator, 4MA1 is kinder. If your school has chosen, practise in your board's style from the start.
- IGCSE vs GCSEHow both IGCSEs compare with GCSE Maths.
- IGCSE baseline testsFree tests for 4MA1 and 0580, Year 10 and 11.
- Cambridge 0580Notes, papers and practice for 0580.
- Edexcel 4MA1 hubPractise every unit, marked.
- Exam datesWhen your 0580 or 4MA1 papers are.
- Core or Extended?How to choose the 0580 tier.
Common questions
Is Cambridge 0580 harder than Edexcel 4MA1?
Not overall. The content is very similar and both top tiers include differentiation. 0580 has two non-calculator papers and 4MA1 has none, so 0580 is harder for students who rely on a calculator.
Which is better for A Level or IB?
Both top tiers prepare you well. What matters most for the next step is secure algebra, whichever board you take.
Can I switch from 4MA1 to 0580, or the other way?
Your school decides which board it enters you for. The content overlaps a lot, so moving between them mostly means getting used to the other board's papers and calculator rules.
Are the grades comparable?
They are on different scales: 0580 (this syllabus) grades A* to G, 4MA1 grades 9 to 1. The boards publish their own grade boundaries for each series.
Sources
- Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027 (version 3) (pages 8, 9, 41 and 65)
- Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) specification, Issue 2 (pages 5, 6 and 34)
Facts are summarised in our own words from these documents. Last checked 5 October 2026.
Independent revision site. Not produced or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Pearson Edexcel.