Every IB Diploma student must take one maths course: Analysis and Approaches (AA) or Applications and Interpretation (AI), at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). The choice affects university options, so it is worth getting right. This guide compares the two courses in plain English and gives a simple way to decide.
Key takeaways
- There are four options: AA SL, AA HL, AI SL and AI HL. Students take only one.
- AA focuses on exact algebra, proof, functions and calculus. One exam paper has no calculator.
- AI focuses on statistics, modelling and real data, with a graphic display calculator on every paper.
- Both courses have an internal assessment (the maths exploration) worth 20% of the final grade.
- SL is about 150 teaching hours; HL is about 240. HL adds a third paper.
- A revised course starts teaching in August 2027, with first exams in May 2029. Students sitting exams before then follow the current course.
What is the difference between IB Maths AA and AI?
Quick answer: IB Maths AA (Analysis and Approaches) is the more "pure" course. It builds strong algebra, proof and calculus, and one paper bans calculators. IB Maths AI (Applications and Interpretation) is the more "applied" course. It uses technology to model real situations and works much more with statistics and data. Both are real, rigorous maths courses.
Both courses cover the same five topic areas:
- Number and algebra
- Functions
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Statistics and probability
- Calculus
The difference is the focus. AA spends more time on exact methods and proof. AI spends more time on modelling, statistics and interpreting results.
| Analysis and Approaches (AA) | Applications and Interpretation (AI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Algebra, proof, functions, calculus | Statistics, modelling, real data |
| Calculator | Paper 1 has no calculator | Calculator on every paper |
| Style of questions | Exact answers, "show that", proof | Real situations, interpreting results |
| Often suits | Maths, engineering, physics, computer science | Economics, business, social sciences, life sciences, design |
How is IB Maths assessed?
The table below shows the current course, which is examined until the November 2028 session.
| Component | AA SL | AA HL | AI SL | AI HL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 90 min, no calculator, 40% | 2 h, no calculator, 30% | 90 min, calculator, 40% | 2 h, calculator, 30% |
| Paper 2 | 90 min, calculator, 40% | 2 h, calculator, 30% | 90 min, calculator, 40% | 2 h, calculator, 30% |
| Paper 3 | - | 1 h, calculator, 20% | - | 1 h, calculator, 20% |
| Exploration (IA) | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
What is the maths exploration (IA)?
The exploration is a written report, usually 12 to 20 pages, on a maths topic the student chooses. It is marked by the teacher and checked by the IB. It is worth 20% of the final grade in every option, so a strong exploration can lift the grade a lot. Good topics are personal, focused and use maths at the right level for the course.
What changes in the new IB Maths course?
The IB has revised both courses. The new versions are first taught in August 2027 and first examined in May 2029. AA and AI stay as two separate courses. The paper structure for AA stays the same, and the exploration stays at 20% with new marking criteria. Students who sit exams before May 2029 should follow the current guide and past papers, not the new syllabus.
Is IB Maths HL much harder than SL?
Yes. HL has about 240 teaching hours compared with 150 at SL. It goes much deeper: for example, AA HL adds complex numbers, vectors in more depth, differential equations and Maclaurin series. HL also has a third paper with longer, problem-solving questions.
HL makes sense if your child enjoys maths, is comfortable with algebra, and needs HL for their university course. If not, SL with a high grade is often the better choice. A 6 or 7 at SL can look better than a 4 at HL.
What does a typical AA question look like?
Here is an AA-style calculus question, the kind that appears on the no-calculator paper.
Find the coordinates of the minimum point of y = x² − 6x + 5.
- Differentiate: dy/dx = 2x − 6.
- At a stationary point the gradient is 0, so 2x − 6 = 0 and x = 3.
- Substitute x = 3: y = 3² − 6(3) + 5 = 9 − 18 + 5 = −4.
- Answer: the minimum point is (3, −4).
An AI question on the same idea would more likely give a real context, such as "the cost of making x items", ask the student to find the minimum using the calculator, and then explain what the answer means for the business.
Which IB Maths course do universities want?
This is the most important question, and the answer depends on the course and the university.
- Degrees in maths, physics, engineering and many computer science courses often ask for AA HL, sometimes with a set grade.
- Degrees in economics at some universities ask for AA HL; others accept AI HL or AA SL.
- Many degrees in business, biology, psychology, social sciences and the arts accept any IB maths course.
Rules differ between the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and universities in the UAE, and they change. Always check each university's own entry page before choosing. If your child is unsure about their future course, AA keeps more doors open, as long as they can cope with it.
How to choose between AA and AI in 4 steps
- List 2 or 3 degree areas your child might study.
- Check the entry rules for those courses at a few universities: AA or AI, SL or HL, and the grade.
- Look at their strengths. How do they handle algebra without a calculator? Do they enjoy proof, or real-world data?
- Think about workload. HL maths takes much more time. Balance it against their other HL subjects.
If your child is in a British-curriculum school and also weighing A-Levels, our A-Level Maths guide explains how A-Level papers work.
What are common mistakes in IB Maths?
- Choosing HL for prestige when SL with a higher grade would serve the student better.
- Choosing AI to avoid algebra and then finding the course still needs it.
- Leaving the exploration too late. Start thinking about a topic early in the first year.
- Not practising Paper 1 without a calculator (AA). Exact arithmetic and algebra need regular practice.
- Weak calculator skills (AI). Students must know their graphic display calculator very well.
- Using old past papers without checking the syllabus. Make sure questions match the current course.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with IB Maths
At Asymptode, IB Maths support happens in live 1-on-1 online classes with one dedicated mentor, following your child's own school, course and level. We teach students in the UAE, UK and other countries, and schedule around their time zone.
- Course choice. A short assessment shows how ready your child is for AA or HL before they commit.
- Method-first teaching. The mentor watches each step of the working, which is key for AA Paper 1 and "show that" questions.
- Exploration guidance. Help to choose a good topic and understand the maths, while the work stays your child's own.
- Personalised homework on the exact topics your child finds hard, approved by the mentor.
- Parent updates and recorded classes, so you can see progress and your child can revise from past lessons.
One-on-one help suits IB Maths because students in the same class can be on very different courses and levels. A mentor can focus on exactly what your child's course needs.
To plan sensible weekly support alongside a busy Diploma, see how many hours of maths tutoring a week.
Not sure whether AA or AI is right? Book a free demo class and talk to an Asymptode advisor, or see our fees.
FAQ
Is IB Maths AI easier than AA?
Not exactly. AI is less algebra-heavy, but it has its own challenges: modelling, statistics and explaining results. Many students find AI SL more manageable than AA SL, but AI HL is still a demanding course.
Can you switch from AA to AI during the Diploma?
Many schools allow a switch early in the first year, because the courses share topics. Rules depend on the school, so ask early.
Does AI HL count for engineering?
Some universities accept AI HL for some courses, but many engineering degrees ask for AA HL. Always check the specific university and course.
How long is the IB maths exploration?
The IB suggests about 12 to 20 pages. It is worth 20% of the final grade at both SL and HL.
Which calculator do you need for IB Maths?
Both courses need a graphic display calculator (GDC) for the calculator papers. Check the IB's list of allowed models with your school.
Is the IB maths course changing?
Yes. A revised course starts in August 2027, with first exams in May 2029. Students sitting exams before then follow the current course.