Let’s face it - your calculator can be your best friend during GCSE/ IGCSE Maths exams … if you know how to use it properly. In this post, we’re breaking down 7 essential buttons that every student should be confident with before stepping into the exam room.

1. Mode Button

Navigate through functions quickly - switch between degrees, statistic, and table with ease. Essential for geometry, trig, and advanced topics. 

2. Cubing & Cube Roots

Master calculating power and roots without memorizing large number table. Saves time in algebra and indices questions.

3. Square Root Button

A go-to for many exam questions - especially for area, volume, and Pythagoras problems.

4. Trig Button (sin, cos, tan)

A must-have for triangle and angle calculations. Pro tip: check your mode (degrees vs radians) to avoid common errors!

5. Fraction Key (a b/c)

Keep answers in exact form - no unnecessary rounding. Vital for ratio, proportion, and algebraic simplifications. 

6. Π (Pi) Button

Accurate, quick access π for circle formulas, area, and volume calculations.

7. Ans Button

No need to retype your last answer - just use “Ans” and continue calculating. Cuts down time and prevent copy - paste errors.

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