GCSE Maths Non-Calculator Papers
Paper 1 style assessments testing mental maths, written methods, and mathematical fluency without calculator support.
Generate Non-Calculator Paper
Create Paper 1 style assessments with mental maths focus.
Create Non-Calculator Paper (£0.80) →What's Tested Without a Calculator?
Paper 1 (non-calculator) makes up one-third of the GCSE maths exam. It tests pupils' ability to work efficiently without technological support, demonstrating genuine mathematical understanding.
Mental Arithmetic
- • Times tables and division facts
- • Adding/subtracting mentally
- • Percentage calculations (10%, 50%, 25%)
- • Fraction arithmetic
Written Methods
- • Long multiplication and division
- • Adding/subtracting decimals
- • Converting fractions, decimals, percentages
- • Standard form calculations
Algebra Without Calculator
- • Solving equations
- • Expanding brackets
- • Factorising
- • Substitution with integers
Geometry Without Calculator
- • Angle calculations
- • Simple area and perimeter
- • Pythagoras with nice numbers
- • Basic trigonometry ratios
Non-Calculator Exam Tips
Show All Working
Even simple calculations should show working – method marks are available even if the final answer is wrong.
Check with Estimation
Use rounding to check your answers make sense. If 23 × 48 gives 11,040, is that roughly 20 × 50 = 1,000? No – check again!
Know Your Number Facts
Fluent recall of times tables, squares (to 15²), cubes (to 5³), and key fraction-decimal equivalents saves time.
Practice Regularly
Daily non-calculator practice builds fluency. Include it in starters and homework throughout Year 10 and 11.