Binary place values
n-bit unsigned max value.
Max = 2^n − 1 AQA GCSE 2026
💻 AQA GCSE Computer Science Formula Sheet
Essential formulas for binary conversions, logic gates, storage calculations, networking, and CPU performance aligned to AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) specification.
Binary & Hex Logic Gates Storage Networking
Our formula sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.
Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
Master GCSE Computer Science
This formula sheet covers fundamental computer science relationships from the AQA GCSE Computer Science specification, helping you solve problems involving binary arithmetic, data storage, and system performance.
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Binary conversions
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Logic gate rules
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Storage calculations
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Network formulas
Number bases & conversion
Binary, denary, and hexadecimal relationships.
Number of values with n bits
Patterns.
Number of distinct values = 2^n Hex digit to binary
One hex digit = four bits.
1 hex digit ↔ 4 binary digits (nibble) Binary addition (concept)
Carry rules as in base 10 but with digits 0–1.
Align place values; carry when sum ≥ 2 in that column.
Topic Focus
Conversions
- Convert binary → denary by summing (digit × place value).
- Group binary into blocks of 4 from the right for hex.
Text & character codes
Storage of characters.
Storage for text
n characters, b bits per character.
Total bits = n × b (e.g. ASCII often 7–8 bits per character) Unicode idea
More bits per character than basic ASCII for wider symbol sets.
Storage grows with bits per code point × number of characters Topic Focus
Encoding
- Distinguish character code from font or display rendering.
- Metadata (length, encoding) can add overhead in real files.
Images & sound
Bitmap and audio file size estimates.
Bitmap image size (uncompressed)
w × h pixels, d colour depth in bits per pixel.
File size (bits) = w × h × d Bitmap size in bytes
Divide bits by 8.
Size (bytes) = (w × h × d) / 8 Sampled audio size
s samples per second, b bits per sample, t seconds, c channels.
Size (bits) = s × b × t × c Nyquist idea
Sample rate at least twice highest frequency (concept).
f_sample ≥ 2 × f_max Topic Focus
Trade-offs
- Higher resolution or colour depth increases file size and processing time.
- Compression (lossy vs lossless) changes quality and size.
Networks & data transfer
Bandwidth and latency (GCSE level).
Data transferred
Rate × time (consistent units).
Data = transfer rate × time Transfer time
File size ÷ rate.
Time = data size / transfer rate Propagation delay (concept)
Distance ÷ speed of signal in medium.
delay ≈ distance / speed Topic Focus
Units
- Convert Mbps to bits per second: multiply by 10⁶ (or use 2²⁰ for MiB contexts if stated).
- Distinguish bandwidth (capacity) from throughput (actual achieved).
Logic & algorithms (reference)
Boolean relationships.
NOT
Inversion.
NOT A = ¬A AND
Both true.
A AND B = A · B OR
At least one true.
A OR B = A + B (in Boolean algebra notation) Topic Focus
Truth tables
- De Morgan’s laws: NOT (A AND B) = (NOT A) OR (NOT B).
- Simplify logic before building circuits to save gates.
How to Use This Formula Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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Show Your Working
Always show step-by-step conversions between number bases. This helps secure method marks even if the final answer is incorrect.
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Check Units
Pay attention to units: bits vs bytes, and storage units (KB, MB, GB) which use powers of 1024, not 1000.
Formula sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF, how to use it for exam revision, and how it relates to your official syllabus.
Is the AQA GCSE Computer Science Formula Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
What Computer Science topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?
This page groups key Computer Science formulas in one place for revision. Essential AQA GCSE Computer Science formulas covering binary conversions, logic gates, storage calculations, networking, and CPU performance for UK GCSE students (8525). Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
Who is this formula sheet for (Secondary Education)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Secondary Education in Computer Science, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
How should I revise with this formula sheet?
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Where can I get more help with Computer Science revision?
Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.
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Formulas align with AQA GCSE Computer Science specification (8525) for UK students.
Always show your working, check units carefully, and verify conversions are correct.