Quick answer: In GCSE Physics exams you are given a physics equation sheet that lists every equation in the specification. Ofqual has confirmed the sheets continue for the lifetime of the current GCSEs, including 2026 and 2027. You do not have to memorise the equations, but you must know what each symbol means, its unit, which equation fits a question, and how to rearrange it. Lift College teaches GCSE Physics (AQA 8463) online.
Do you get an equation sheet in GCSE Physics?
Yes. Since 2022 every GCSE Physics and Combined Science exam has come with an equation sheet, and in May 2026 Ofqual confirmed that exam boards must keep providing clean copies with the papers for the rest of the life of the current specifications. Questions cannot be answered just by copying from the sheet: the marks are for choosing the right equation, substituting correctly, rearranging and giving the answer with the right unit.
Every GCSE Physics equation (AQA 8463)
The table lists the equations on the AQA sheet by topic. HT means Higher tier only. Physics only means it is not in Combined Science.
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| Topic | Equation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | kinetic energy = 0.5 × mass × speed² | Ek = ½mv² |
| Energy | elastic potential energy = 0.5 × spring constant × extension² | Ee = ½ke² |
| Energy | gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height | Ep = mgh |
| Energy | change in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change | ΔE = mcΔθ |
| Energy | power = energy transferred ÷ time; power = work done ÷ time | P = E/t; P = W/t |
| Energy | efficiency = useful output ÷ total input | Energy or power |
| Electricity | charge flow = current × time | Q = It |
| Electricity | potential difference = current × resistance | V = IR |
| Electricity | power = potential difference × current; power = current² × resistance | P = VI; P = I²R |
| Electricity | energy transferred = power × time; energy transferred = charge flow × potential difference | E = Pt; E = QV |
| Particle model | density = mass ÷ volume | ρ = m/V |
| Particle model | thermal energy for a change of state = mass × specific latent heat | E = mL |
| Particle model | pressure × volume = constant | Physics only |
| Forces | weight = mass × gravitational field strength | W = mg |
| Forces | work done = force × distance | W = Fs |
| Forces | force = spring constant × extension | F = ke |
| Forces | moment = force × distance | Physics only |
| Forces | pressure = force normal to a surface ÷ area | Physics only |
| Forces | pressure due to a column of liquid = height × density × g | Physics only, HT |
| Forces | distance = speed × time; acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time | s = vt; a = Δv/t |
| Forces | final velocity² - initial velocity² = 2 × acceleration × distance | v² - u² = 2as |
| Forces | resultant force = mass × acceleration | F = ma |
| Forces | momentum = mass × velocity | p = mv, HT |
| Forces | force = change in momentum ÷ time taken | Physics only, HT |
| Waves | period = 1 ÷ frequency; wave speed = frequency × wavelength | T = 1/f; v = fλ |
| Waves | magnification = image height ÷ object height | Physics only |
| Magnetism | force on a conductor = magnetic flux density × current × length | F = BIl, HT |
| Magnetism | transformer equations | Physics only, HT |
What you still have to learn
- The symbol and unit for every quantity, for example joules for energy and newtons for force
- Unit prefixes and conversions: kilo, mega, milli, micro, grams to kilograms, minutes to seconds
- How to rearrange each equation and when to square or square root
- Which equation fits a question, often from two or three steps of reasoning
- The required practicals and the equations each one uses
How GCSE Physics is assessed
AQA GCSE Physics (8463) has two papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks and 50% of the grade, at Foundation or Higher tier. Paper 1 covers energy, electricity, the particle model and atomic structure; Paper 2 covers forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics. Grades run from 9 to 1. AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR all offer the GCSE; the comparison below is general information.
GCSE Physics is sat in the May and June series only. Exam dates are set by AQA each year; check the AQA key dates page for the current timetable.
How to use the sheet in the exam
Practise with it from the start
Download the sheet from the AQA GCSE Physics assessment resources page and use it for every past paper so the layout is familiar.
Write the equation first
Write the equation, substitute with units, then rearrange. Method marks are often given even if the final answer is wrong.
Check the unit
Most lost marks come from units: grams not kilograms, minutes not seconds, kilojoules not joules.
Study GCSE Physics online with Lift College
GCSE Physics Online Course: Lift College teaches AQA 8463 with a named UK tutor and past paper practice. It costs from £33.99 a month on Study when you start now, 15% off for life, or £39.99 a month after a 7-day free trial. On +Exams it is £59.49 a month when you start now, then £69.99 a month after the trial. +Exams includes your exam entry and centre fee; on Study you arrange and pay for your own entry as a private candidate.
On +Exams Lift College enters you and books your seat at one of ten Tutors & Exams centres across England. Tell your tutor when you enrol; Tutors & Exams applies the approved arrangements to your entry. The course takes 12 to 18 months, or faster if you study more each week. The course is open to anyone aged 14 or over, under 18s with a parent or guardian's permission and support.
Questions? Contact us. For the AQA sheet in detail, see our AQA GCSE Physics equation sheet guide.