Preparing for the 11 plus exam can feel challenging for both students and parents. One of the first steps to successful preparation is understanding the maths topics that commonly appear in the exam.
The 11 plus maths section tests a wide range of skills, from basic number operations to problem solving and data interpretation. Knowing the full list of topics helps students organise their revision and focus on the areas that matter most.
In this guide, we provide a complete checklist of 11 plus maths topics, along with examples and explanations to help students understand what they need to practise before the exam.
The maths section of the 11 plus exam tests more than just basic calculations. It assesses a child’s ability to solve problems, apply logic, and work accurately under time pressure.
A clear 11 plus maths topic list helps students:
Many grammar school entrance exams include a wide range of maths concepts, so having a clear checklist ensures nothing important is missed.
Below is a detailed 11 plus exam maths topics checklist commonly covered in grammar school entrance exams. Understanding these 11 plus maths topics will help students prepare more effectively.
This forms the foundation of most maths questions.
Students should understand:
Strong number sense is essential because many problem-solving questions rely on these skills.
Example Question: What is the value of the digit 7 in the number 4,782?
Answer: The digit 7 represents 700.
Children must be confident with the four core operations. They should practise both mental maths and written methods.
Key areas include:
Practising 11 plus maths topic wise questions in these areas can significantly improve speed and accuracy.
Example Question: A school library has 248 books. It buys 175 more books. How many books does the library have in total?
Answer: 248 + 175 = 423 books
This is one of the most important areas in the 11 plus maths exam.
Students should be able to:
These topics often appear in multi-step exam questions.
Example Question: Convert 0.75 into a percentage.
Answer: 0.75 × 100 = 75%
Ratio questions test logical thinking and understanding of relationships between quantities.
Students should practise:
These questions frequently appear in grammar school entrance tests.
Example Question: Simplify the ratio 12:18
Answer: Divide both numbers by 6
12 : 18 = 2 : 3
Understanding number properties helps students solve more advanced questions.
Important concepts include:
Example Question: What are the factors of 24?
Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
Although algebra is introduced at a basic level, students should still be comfortable with simple expressions.
Topics may include:
Algebra helps students develop strong problem-solving skills.
Example Question: Solve the equation: x + 7 = 15
Answer: x = 8
Geometry questions test spatial understanding and mathematical reasoning.
Students should know:
These topics are often included in 11 plus exam across different exam boards.
Example Question: How many degrees are there in a right angle?
Answer: 90°
Measurement questions check whether students can apply maths to real-life situations.
Important areas include:
These questions often appear in practical problem-solving scenarios.
Example Question: Convert 2.5 metres into centimetres.
Answer: 2.5 × 100 = 250 cm
Data interpretation is another common part of the 11 plus maths topics.
Students should practise reading:
Questions may ask students to interpret data or perform calculations based on the information provided.
Example Question: A bar chart shows that 20 students like football, 15 like cricket, and 10 like tennis. How many students were surveyed in total?
Answer: 20 + 15 + 10 = 45 students
Many 11 plus maths questions are presented as word problems. These require students to apply multiple concepts at once.
Students should practise:
Developing strong problem-solving skills is essential for success in the exam.
Example Question: A train travels 60 miles in one hour. How far will it travel in 3 hours?
Answer: 60 × 3 = 180 miles
Effective preparation strategies include:
Mock exams are particularly useful because they help students experience the real exam environment.
You can explore our realistic 11 Plus Mocks, where students can practise under exam conditions and understand the format commonly used in grammar school entrance tests.
For students who prefer remote preparation, our 11 Plus Online Mock Exams provide a flexible way to practise at home while building confidence before the real exam.
These mocks help students become familiar with exam formats and improve their time management skills.
If your child is preparing for the 11 plus exam and needs expert support, structured guidance can make a significant difference.
At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we provide experienced tutoring and realistic mock exams to help students succeed in grammar school entrance tests.
To learn more about our courses, mock exams, and preparation programmes, Contact Us today to discuss how we can support your child’s 11 plus preparation.
The 11 plus exam maths topics usually include number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data interpretation.
Most children take the 11 plus exam when they are in Year 6, usually at 10 or 11 years old.
Yes, the 11 plus maths exam is generally considered challenging for many children. This is because it requires students to apply their Key Stage 2 maths knowledge more quickly and at a deeper level than they usually do in primary school.
