How to Make the Most of the GCSE Physics Equation Sheet.

One of the biggest changes in recent GCSE Physics exams is the use of an equation sheet. Instead of memorising long lists of formulas, you now get a full set of equations in the exam. But that doesn’t automatically make things easier—you need to know how to use the sheet effectively.

Here are some top tips to help you get the most out of it.

1. Know what’s on the sheet before the exam

The biggest mistake students make is waiting until the exam to actually look at the sheet. Instead, download a copy from your exam board and use that exact version during your revision.

Why it helps:

• You'll waste less time searching during the exam.

• You’ll recognise where each formula is located.

• You’ll spot which forms of equations are provided and which ones you may still need to rearrange.

2. Practise identifying the right equation for the question

Every Physics problem gives you clues—keywords, units, context.

For example:

• “speed”, “distance”, “time” → use speed = distance ÷ time

• “energy transferred”, “charge”, “potential difference” → use E = QV

Try doing practice questions with the equation sheet open and focus on:

• Spotting keywords

• Matching them to the right formula

• Checking units (m/s, J, W, etc.)

  
  

3. Learn to rearrange equations confidently

The sheet gives you the formulas, but it won’t rearrange them for you.

Skills to practise:

• Using the triangle method (if it works for you)

• Swapping sides of an equation

• Dividing or multiplying both sides logically

Rearrangement is one of the most common exam traps—so practising it pays off.

4. Highlight or annotate your copy while revising

Make the sheet your own during revision (not in the exam).

You can highlight:

• Equations you find confusing

• Common groups (energy, forces, waves, electricity)

• Units that often appear together

By the time you walk into the exam, the layout should feel familiar.

5. Practise using the sheet under timed conditions

Using the equation sheet can slow you down if you’re not used to it. So time yourself using:

• Past papers

• Mixed-topic question booklets

• Online question banks

Goal: You should be able to find any equation in under 5 seconds.

6. Understand the physical meaning behind each formula

You don’t have to memorise them, but you do need to understand them.

Ask yourself:

• What does each quantity represent?

• What does changing one variable do to the others?

• Does the equation actually fit the situation in the question?

For example, F = ma only applies when mass is constant and you’re dealing with acceleration, not constant speed.

Understanding prevents mistakes that the sheet can’t fix.

7. Double-check units every time

The equation sheet won’t warn you if you’ve used the wrong units.

Common unit conversions to watch out for:

• cm → m

• kJ → J

• minutes → seconds

• km/h → m/s

A correct method and incorrect units = lost marks.

8. Use the sheet to work backwards

Sometimes the sheet helps most when:

• You know what the question is about, but

• You’re not sure what steps to take

Look at the sheet and ask:

• Which equation uses the quantities I have?

• Which equation gives the quantity I need?

• Do I need to substitute into a second equation?

This approach is especially useful for energy and electricity questions.

Final thoughts

The equation sheet is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it only works well if you know how to use it. Get familiar with it early, practise using it regularly, and make it part of your revision strategy—not something you glance at for the first time in the exam hall.

Master the equation sheet, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering GCSE Physics