MOE syllabus-aligned · Primary 1–6
How PSLE Maths has evolved — and where the marks really go
Public milestones from MOE and SEAB, collated with Numi’s mark-by-mark analysis of the 2014–2025 PSLE papers: topic shares, the non-routine fifth, and what it means for revision.
Three public milestones
In 2009 PSLE Mathematics moved to two papers with calculators allowed in Paper 2; from 2021 scoring uses eight Achievement Levels; from 2026 the revised syllabus 0008 is assessed with 45 questions and 100 marks.
Where the marks go
Across the 2014–2025 papers, geometry (17%) and area, perimeter and volume (15%) carry the largest shares. Comparing 2014–2017 with 2018–2025, the weight on data questions roughly doubled while money and measurement shrank.
The non-routine fifth
Roughly one mark in five rewards applying ideas in unfamiliar ways rather than executing practised procedures — which is why fresh full-format practice with worked solutions matters.
Frequently asked questions
Which topics carry the most marks in PSLE Maths?
In Numi’s analysis of the 2014–2025 papers, geometry carries about 17% of marks and area, perimeter and volume about 15% — together roughly a third of the paper — followed by fractions and whole numbers. The page includes the full year-by-year breakdown.
When did PSLE Maths allow calculators?
From 2009, when the examination moved to a two-paper format. Calculators are allowed only in Paper 2; Paper 1 remains calculator-free, including in the 2026 format.
What changed in PSLE scoring in 2021?
The T-score was replaced by Achievement Levels: each subject is scored in eight bands (AL1–AL8), grading children against a standard rather than against each other.