DP Mathematics

Find everything you need for the new IB Diploma Programme mathematics courses, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI), first taught from August 2027 and first assessed in May 2029. This collection brings together new-edition IB maths resources for SL and HL, all written for the updated IB subject guides.

The new IB Diploma maths syllabus at a glance

Both IB Diploma maths courses have been revised together. They share the same timeline, structure, exam weightings and internal assessment criteria. What differs is the focus: Math AA centres on functions, calculus and proof, while Math AI centres on modelling, statistics and technology.

New IB maths syllabus: key dates

The new IB Math AA and Math AI subject guides are released in February 2027. First teaching begins in August 2027, and first assessment is in May 2029. The last exams on the current courses take place in November 2028.

Which IB maths resources should you buy?

Match the resource to your students’ exam year. Students starting the Diploma in August 2027 or later need resources written for the new courses, first assessed in 2029. Students sitting exams in 2027 or 2028 should continue with resources for the current courses.

IB Math AA vs Math AI: which course is right for your students?

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)

Math AA focuses on mathematical analysis using functions and calculus, along with algebra and proof. Topics are studied both with and without a calculator, and Paper 1 does not allow technology. The largest SL topic is functions, at 33 hours. HL-only content includes complex numbers, vectors, differential equations and Maclaurin series.

Math AA suits students heading toward mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science and economics.

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI)

Math AI focuses on mathematical modelling and statistical analysis in real-world contexts. All topics are studied using technology, and Paper 1 requires it. The largest SL topic is probability and statistics, at 36 hours. HL-only content includes transformations, matrices, vectors, graph theory and differential equations.

Math AI suits students heading toward the social sciences, business, psychology, biology, medicine and design.

How the IB maths topics compare: recommended teaching hours

Both courses share five topic areas plus the mathematical exploration, weighted differently.

Math AA SL (150 hours)

• Number and algebra: 19 hours
• Functions: 33 hours
• Geometry: 16 hours
• Probability and statistics: 22 hours
• Calculus: 30 hours
• Mathematical exploration (IA): 30 hours

Math AA HL (240 hours)

• Number and algebra: 42 hours
• Functions: 46 hours
• Geometry: 35 hours
• Probability and statistics: 28 hours
• Calculus: 59 hours
• Mathematical exploration (IA): 30 hours

Math AI SL (150 hours)

• Number and algebra: 16 hours
• Functions: 31 hours
• Geometry: 18 hours
• Probability and statistics: 36 hours
• Calculus: 19 hours
• Mathematical exploration (IA): 30 hours

Math AI HL (240 hours)

• Number and algebra: 27 hours
• Functions: 45 hours
• Geometry: 45 hours
• Probability and statistics: 52 hours
• Calculus: 41 hours
• Mathematical exploration (IA): 30 hours

How IB Diploma maths is assessed from 2029

The exam structure and weightings are the same for Math AA and Math AI.

IB maths SL assessment

• Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes (40%)
• Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes (40%)
• Mathematical exploration (IA): 20%

IB maths HL assessment

• Paper 1: 2 hours (30%)
• Paper 2: 2 hours (30%)
• Paper 3: 1 hour (20%)
• Mathematical exploration (IA): 20%

The key difference between the courses is technology. Math AA Paper 1 is non-calculator, while every Math AI paper requires technology.

The new IB maths internal assessment (mathematical exploration)

Math AA and Math AI share the same new IA criteria at both SL and HL, built on the four stages of the mathematical inquiry process:

• Criterion A, problem specification: 4 marks
• Criterion B, abstraction: 6 marks
• Criterion C, computation: 4 marks
• Criterion D, interpretation: 6 marks

These replace the current exploration criteria, so IA guidance written for the current courses won’t match the new marking. Look for resources written for first assessment 2029.

Building your IB maths department’s resources for 2027

• Check the first-assessment year: look for “first assessment 2029” on every resource for the new courses
• Choose by course and level: AA and AI resources aren’t interchangeable, and HL books cover content SL students don’t need
• Plan for both exam formats: AA students need non-calculator practice, and AI students need strong GDC and technology skills
• Update IA support: the new criteria mean new exemplars and guidance
• Consider digital access: eBooks and online courses support classroom display, homework and remote learning

IB Diploma maths FAQs

When does the new IB Diploma maths syllabus start?

The new IB Diploma maths syllabus starts with first teaching in August 2027. The new AA and AI subject guides are released in February 2027, and first exams are in May 2029.

Are both IB maths courses changing?

Yes, both IB maths courses are changing. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation have been revised on the same timeline, with shared exam weightings and the same new IA criteria.

Does the new IB maths syllabus apply to students taking exams in 2027 or 2028?

No. Students examined up to and including November 2028 stay on the current courses and should use current-course resources.

What’s the difference between IB Math AA and Math AI?

IB Math AA focuses on functions, calculus, algebra and proof, and includes a non-calculator paper. IB Math AI focuses on modelling, statistics and real-world applications, with technology required in every paper.

Which IB maths course is harder?

Neither IB maths course is simply harder, because they suit different strengths. Math AA HL is generally recommended for students planning mathematics, physics or engineering degrees, so check university entry requirements when advising students.

What’s the difference between IB maths SL and HL?

IB maths SL has 150 recommended teaching hours and two exam papers. HL has 240 hours, additional HL-only topics and a third exam paper.

Has the IB maths internal assessment changed?

Yes, the IB maths internal assessment has changed. The mathematical exploration still counts for 20% of the grade and 30 teaching hours, but it’s now marked against four new criteria: problem specification, abstraction, computation and interpretation.