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If your child is sitting GCSE Physics this year, you have probably heard about the equation sheet. Maybe your child is unsure how to use it. Maybe you are wondering if it means they do not need to study formulas at all. Either way, this guide answers every question clearly so both students and parents know exactly what to expect in 2026.
What Is the AQA GCSE Physics Equation Sheet?
The AQA GCSE Physics equation sheet is a printed booklet that students receive inside their exam paper. It lists many of the physics equations they need to answer calculation questions.
AQA provides this sheet because physics is not about memorising formulas. It is about understanding them and knowing how to use them. The equation sheet takes the pressure off memory so students can focus on actually solving problems.
One important thing to know right away: this sheet is specific to AQA. If your child is studying with a different exam board, such as Edexcel or OCR, they will have a different sheet or no sheet at all. Always check which board your school uses.
Is the Equation Sheet Still Available in 2026?
Yes, and this is good news for students sitting exams this year.
During and after the pandemic, schools faced major disruption. In response, AQA provided an expanded equation sheet that included almost every formula. Starting from 2025, normal exam arrangements have returned. However, AQA confirmed that a printed equation sheet will still be included in all Physics exams in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
This means students sitting their GCSEs in June 2026 will receive the equation sheet in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. They do not need to memorise the standard formulas listed on the sheet. What they do need is to understand those formulas well enough to use them correctly.
This applies to:
- GCSE Physics (8463) Paper 1 and Paper 2
- Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) Physics papers
- Combined Science: Synergy (8465) Physics papers
What Does the Equation Sheet Look Like?
The sheet is two pages long. AQA prints it clearly so students can read it under exam conditions without difficulty.
Here is what to expect:
- Equations are written in both words and symbols, so students can match whichever version they recognise
- They are grouped by topic, which makes it easier to find the right formula quickly
- Equations that only apply to Higher Tier students are printed in bold
- Foundation Tier students can safely ignore the bold equations
The same sheet is used for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. This means it is worth getting very familiar with its layout before the exam, because searching for an equation during an exam wastes valuable time.
Does the Equation Sheet Include Every Formula?
No, and this is the most common misunderstanding. The equation sheet includes selected formulas that AQA believes students would find difficult to memorise. It does not include every equation that appears in the course.
Students still need to know a number of basic formulas from memory. For example, the formula for speed (speed = distance ÷ time) is not on the sheet, because AQA expects students to know this already.
There are also two other things the sheet does not provide:
- Units: The sheet does not tell students what unit to use for each quantity. Students need to know, for example, that power is measured in watts (W), energy in joules (J), and time in seconds (s).
- Rearrangements: The sheet gives formulas in one form. If a question asks for a different variable, students must rearrange the equation themselves. This is a skill that needs practice.
What is the difference between Higher Tier vs Foundation Tier?
Both Foundation and Higher Tier students receive the same equation sheet. The difference is in which equations apply to them.
Foundation Tier covers grades 1 to 5. Students should focus on the equations printed in normal text. They do not need to learn or use the bold equations, which are for Higher Tier only.
Foundation Tier suits students aiming for grades 4 or 5. The questions are more straightforward, and the focus is on applying core equations clearly.
Higher Tier covers grades 4 to 9. Students need to use all equations on the sheet, including those in bold. Higher Tier also requires stronger maths skills, such as rearranging formulas, working with larger numbers, and sometimes combining more than one equation to solve a problem.
If you are unsure which tier your child is in, ask their teacher. It is an important distinction because the revision approach is slightly different for each.
A Closer Look: Key Equations on the Sheet
While we cannot print the full sheet here, it is helpful to understand what kind of equations are included and why they matter.
Energy equations are first on the sheet. These equations include kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and elastic potential energy. These equations are used on questions involving moving objects, falling objects, and stretched springs.
Equations of electricity are found further down the sheet. These include charge, power, and energy equations of circuits. An example of a typical exam question would be, calculate electrical power from the equation P = IV where power is equal to current multiplied by voltage.
Equations of forces and motion include momentum, acceleration, and pressure. These are used in Paper 2 questions involving moving cars, collisions, and the laws of motion proposed by Newton.
Equations of waves include questions involving sound, light, and electromagnetic waves. The most important equation is the wave equation, which is v = fλ.
Thermal equations include specific heat capacity and equations of latent heat. Students lose marks on these questions when they forget to check the answers to the questions and the distinction between heating a substance and changing its state.
Each of these areas has its own section on the sheet, which is why knowing the layout in advance saves time.
How Should Students Use the Equation Sheet in the Exam?
You must know how to use the equation sheet before the exam. Here are some helpful hints for the exam:
Know the meaning of each part of the equations and the equations themselves. Just naming the equation is not enough. Students need to know that for the equation P = IV, P is power, I is current, V is voltage, and they need to know how to choose the correct units for each, as well as when to use the equation. Students should expect to be asked questions in many different ways.
Practise using it in every mock exam. Do not save the equation sheet for the real thing. Use it in every practice paper from now until June. The more familiar it feels, the faster and more confident students will be on exam day.
Understand each formula, not just its location. Finding the equation P = IV is not enough. Students need to know what P, I, and V represent, what units to use, and when the question is asking them to use this formula at all. Examiners write questions in many different ways, so understanding the concept is essential.
Always write your work. Nothing on the equation sheet is marked. Marks come from the work shown on the exam paper. Even if a student makes an arithmetic mistake, they can still earn method marks if the work is shown clearly.
Check the units before you do the calculations. The sheet has formulas but lacks the units. Before placing values into the equation, ensure everything is in the correct unit. Consider for instance, the time has to be in seconds, not minutes, and mass has to be in kilograms, not grams.
How Should Students Revise with the Equation Sheet?
Revision with the equation sheet is not the same as revision without it. This is how you should do it.
- Keep a copy of the equation sheet at the study desk. Students get to memorize the layout and the formulas with no need to spend time on memorizing.
- At home, students can write notes and examples around each formula. This is not allowed in the exam, but it is a powerful revision tool. Writing out what each symbol means and working through an example for each equation builds genuine understanding.
- Take any equation from the sheet and practice rewriting it in different forms. For example, if P = IV, students should also be able to write in the forms I = P ÷ V and V = P ÷ I. Exam assessors test this skill frequently.
- Past papers from 2018 to 2024 are freely available from AQA and revision websites. Work through them with the equation sheet open, exactly as in the real exam. Mark answers using the official mark scheme, and note any equations that were used incorrectly.
- After completing a past paper, review which questions lost marks. If errors cluster around one topic, go back and revisit the relevant equations in that section of the sheet.
What About Combined Science Students?
Students taking Combined Science: Trilogy or Combined Science: Synergy also receive an equation sheet. However, it is slightly different from the Separate Physics version.
The Combined Science sheet has fewer equations. Some of the more advanced formulas found in Separate Physics, particularly those related to Space Physics, are not included. This reflects the fact that Combined Science covers slightly less content than the separate GCSEs.
The layout and format are the same, but students should always revise using the sheet that matches their course. Using the wrong sheet during practice can create confusion.
Is the Equation Sheet Enough to Pass?
No, the equation sheet is a support tool. It reduces the burden of memorisation, but it does not replace understanding. Examiners design questions to test whether students can interpret a situation, choose the right equation, substitute values correctly, and explain their reasoning.
Students who lack understanding of the application of the formulas in the context of the question will struggle with the majority of the exam, which is comprised of application questions.
The students who perform best are those who:
- Know the sheet layout so well that they barely need to look at it
- Understand every formula deeply enough to use it in an unfamiliar context
- Can rearrange equations confidently without panicking
- Have practised past papers enough to recognise question patterns
The equation sheet levels the playing field on memorization. Hard work and understanding the concepts will determine the final score.
How Can Parents Support Their Child?
Parents do not need to be physics experts to help. Here are simple, practical ways to support a child preparing for GCSE Physics:
Help them build a study routine. Regular study or revision sessions are better than occasional study marathons. Short study sessions of 30 minutes or even less can be scheduled for every other day to create a study habit.
Ask them to explain equations to you. If a student can explain what P = IV means in plain English, they understand it. If they cannot, it is a signal to revisit that topic.
Help them to print the equation sheet and post it in their room. A sheet of equations posted in a bedroom wall is low effort, high gain.
If you are able to, it may also help to find some outside support. If your child really struggles with the calculation based questions, then a GCSE Physics tutor may help them to work through the specific questions, equations, and past papers in a structured manner. One-to-one support often improves a child’s confidence and overall performance.
Final Thoughts
The AQA GCSE Physics equation sheet is one of the most useful tools available to students in 2026 but only if they know how to use it well.
It is not a shortcut for students. It is most effective when used with a solid explanation, coupled with practice and good exam preparation.
Start familiarizing yourself with the AQA Physics equation sheet now. Be sure to include it during your practice in every mock exam. By the time the exams come around in June 2026, it should be so familiar that you can do them with ease.
If your child needs extra support with Physics calculations or exam technique, getting the right help early makes a real difference. The sooner they build confidence with the equation sheet, the better placed they will be on exam day.
FAQs
Will students get the AQA Physics equation sheet in the 2026 exam?
Yes. AQA confirmed that a printed equation sheet will be included in all GCSE Physics and Combined Science exams in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Students receive it as an insert inside both Paper 1 and Paper 2. They do not need to memorise the formulas listed on it, but they do need to understand and apply them.
Does the equation sheet include all the formulas needed for GCSE Physics?
No. The sheet includes selected equations that AQA considers harder to memorise. A number of basic formulas such as speed = distance ÷ time are not on the sheet because students are expected to know them already. Units and rearrangements are also not provided, so students need to learn those separately.
Is the equation sheet the same for Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Yes. The same sheet is used for both papers. This is why it is so important to learn the layout before the exam. Students who are already familiar with where each equation sits will save time and feel more confident on the day.
Is the Combined Science equation sheet the same as the Separate Physics one?
Not exactly. Both sheets have the same layout and format, but the Combined Science version contains fewer equations. Some of the more advanced formulas — particularly those linked to Space Physics — only appear on the Separate Physics sheet. Always revise using the sheet that matches your course.
Are Higher Tier equations different from Foundation Tier?
Both tiers receive the same sheet, but equations printed in bold apply to Higher Tier students only. Foundation Tier students do not need to learn or use those equations. Higher Tier students must be comfortable using all equations on the sheet, including the bold ones.
Can students write on the equation sheet during the exam?
No. Nothing written on the equation sheet will be marked. All work must be shown on the exam paper itself. Students can look at the sheet as many times as they need, but answers and calculations must always go on the exam paper.
What units do students need to know if they are not on the sheet?
The equation sheet provides formulas but no units. Students need to know the standard units for every quantity they will encounter. The most common ones include: watts (W) for power, joules (J) for energy, seconds (s) for time, metres (m) for distance, kilograms (kg) for mass, amperes (A) for current, volts (V) for voltage, ohms (Ω) for resistance, and hertz (Hz) for frequency.
How should students practise using the equation sheet before the exam?
The best thing students can do is use the equation sheet during every practice session leading up to the exam. Students should print the sheet, keep a copy at their desk, and use it during every practice exam. The goal is to be so familiar with the sheet that locating a formula takes no more than a few seconds.
Do students need a tutor to understand the equation sheet?
Not necessarily, but some students do benefit from one-to-one support, especially if they struggle with rearranging equations or applying formulas to unfamiliar questions. A good GCSE Physics tutor can walk through each equation, explain what it means in plain language, and practise past paper questions with the student in a structured way.
Where can students download the official AQA equation sheet?
The official equation sheet can be found on the AQA website under the resources section for GCSE Physics (8463). Students can access this resource for free and print a copy to use during their revision.
