Birth Rate
Number of live births per 1,000 people per year.
Birth Rate = (Number of births per year / Total population) × 1,000 Cambridge IGCSE Geography 0460
🌍 IGCSE Geography Formula Sheet 2026
Key formulas, calculations, and reference data for Cambridge IGCSE Geography — population, development, physical processes, climate, and map skills.
Population Formulas Development Indicators Physical Geography Map Skills
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.
All the Core IGCSE Geography Calculations & References in One Place
Geography requires both numerical calculations and qualitative analysis. This formula sheet brings together every calculation you need — from birth rates to Spearman's rank — alongside key reference data for physical and human geography topics.
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Population and demographic formulas
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Development indicator calculations
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River and coastal process key terms
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Map skills, graph techniques, and data analysis
Population & Demographics Formulas
Express rates per 1,000 people unless the question specifies otherwise.
Death Rate
Number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.
Death Rate = (Number of deaths per year / Total population) × 1,000 Natural Increase Rate
Difference between birth rate and death rate (per 1,000 per year).
Natural Increase Rate = Birth Rate − Death Rate Population Density
Average number of people per square kilometre.
Population Density = Total Population / Land Area (km²) Dependency Ratio
Ratio of non-working age population (under 15 + over 65) to working age (15–64).
Dependency Ratio = ((Population under 15 + Population over 65) / Population aged 15–64) × 100 A higher ratio means more dependents per worker — puts pressure on economy and services.
Population Growth Rate
Percentage change in population per year.
Growth Rate (%) = ((Current population − Previous population) / Previous population) × 100 Development Indicators
No single indicator gives a complete picture — use a range of measures.
Gross National Income (GNI) per Capita
Total income of a country's residents divided by population — an economic measure of development.
GNI per Capita = Total GNI / Population Higher GNI per capita generally indicates higher average standard of living, but does not show income inequality.
Human Development Index (HDI)
Composite index combining income, education, and life expectancy. Range: 0 (low) to 1 (very high).
Three components
1. Life Expectancy Index (health) | 2. Education Index (mean + expected years of schooling) | 3. GNI per capita Index (standard of living) HDI > 0.8: Very High | 0.7–0.8: High | 0.55–0.7: Medium | < 0.55: Low
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
Number of deaths of children under 1 year old per 1,000 live births per year.
IMR = (Deaths of children under 1 / Live births) × 1,000 Literacy Rate
Literacy Rate (%) = (Number of literate adults / Total adult population) × 100 River & Coastal Processes — Key Terms & Measurements
Know the definitions and be able to link processes to landforms.
Discharge
Volume of water flowing past a point per second.
Discharge (m³/s) = Cross-sectional area (m²) × Velocity (m/s) Hydraulic Action, Abrasion, Solution, Attrition
Four processes of erosion — know the difference and which operates in which conditions.
Hydraulic action
Force of water breaking apart rock Abrasion
Rocks carried by water scrape the riverbed/cliff Solution
Chemical weathering dissolves rock (especially limestone) Attrition
Rocks transported by water collide and become smaller and rounder Longshore Drift
Movement of sediment along a coastline by wave action.
Waves approach at an angle → swash moves material up the beach at that angle → backwash pulls material straight back down under gravity → net movement along the coast Climate & Weather Data Analysis Techniques
Graph reading and data analysis are tested every year.
Temperature Range
Temperature Range = Maximum temperature − Minimum temperature Mean (Average) Temperature
Mean Temperature = Sum of all temperature values / Number of values Precipitation Total
Sum of all monthly rainfall figures for an annual total.
When describing climate graphs: state the hottest and coldest months, the temperature range, the total annual rainfall, and whether there is a clear wet/dry season.
Map Skills & Graph Techniques
These skills appear in every paper — practise reading and describing maps accurately.
Grid References
4-figure grid reference
Read eastings (across) first, then northings (up): 'along the corridor and up the stairs' 6-figure grid reference
Divide each square into 10: eastings to 2 dp, then northings to 2 dp Compass Bearings
Bearing = measured clockwise from North (000° to 360°) Scale & Distance
Actual distance = Map distance × Scale denominator Describing Distributions on Maps
Identify: clustered / dispersed / linear / nucleated | State where the highest/lowest values occur | Describe any patterns or anomalies | Use compass directions and place names Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient
Tests whether there is a correlation between two sets of ranked data.
rs = 1 − (6Σd²) / (n(n²−1)) d = difference in ranks for each pair; n = number of data pairs. Result: +1 (perfect positive), 0 (no correlation), −1 (perfect negative).
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 write the formula, substitute the values, and present your answer with correct units. Partial marks are available for correct method.
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Practise Map Skills Regularly
Grid references, cross-sections, and map descriptions appear in every exam. Practise on OS maps and sketch maps from past papers.
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Link Data to Theory
When describing a graph or map, always link patterns to geographical theory (e.g., DTM stage, push-pull factors).
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Learn to Read Climate Graphs
Describe temperature AND rainfall together — state the range, identify seasons, and link to climate type or location.
Formula Sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Is the IGCSE Geography 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 Geography topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?
This page groups key Geography formulas in one place for revision. Master Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460) with this 2026 formula sheet. Covers population formulas, development indicators, river and coastal processes, climate data analysis, and map skills. 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)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Secondary in Geography, 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 Geography 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.
Need Help with IGCSE Geography Calculations?
Work through data response questions, map skills, and case studies with an experienced IGCSE Geography tutor. We cover both physical and human geography topics.
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This formula sheet aligns with Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE Geography (0460) syllabus content.
Always include units in numerical answers and support descriptions of maps or graphs with specific data references.