In MYP 4 and MYP 5, many IB schools split maths into two pathways: Standard mathematics and Extended mathematics. Parents often hear about the split only when a placement letter arrives. Yet the choice shapes how ready a student feels when DP maths starts – especially for anyone considering Analysis and approaches (AA) at higher level.
This guide explains what the IB itself says about the two pathways, how each leads into DP, how the MYP on-screen exam works, and the questions to ask your school.
What the IB says
The IB's MYP mathematics page describes the two pathways this way:
- Standard mathematics "aims to give all students a sound knowledge of basic mathematical principles while allowing them to develop the skills needed to meet the objectives of MYP mathematics."
- Extended mathematics is "the standard mathematics framework supplemented by additional topics and skills, providing greater breadth and depth." The IB adds that it "provides the foundation for students who wish to pursue further studies in mathematics, such as mathematics higher level (HL)."
Both pathways share the same framework – number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and statistics and probability – and the same four assessment criteria (A: knowing and understanding, B: investigating patterns, C: communicating, D: applying mathematics in real-life contexts). Extended is not a different subject; it is Standard plus extra topics and more depth.
The IB does not publish a single list of "Extended-only" topics that every school must follow – schools build their own units within the framework. So the most useful thing you can do is ask your school for its unit plan for each pathway.
How each pathway leads into DP maths
From August 2027, DP students will take the new AA or AI courses (see our new syllabus guide). In our experience as tutors, the MYP pathway matters most at the top end:
- Planning AA HL: Extended maths is the natural preparation. AA HL moves quickly through functions, calculus and proof, and AA Paper 1 is calculator-free – students need fluent algebra by hand from the first week.
- Planning AA SL or AI HL: Extended helps, but a strong Standard student can manage with some bridging work before DP1.
- Planning AI SL: Standard maths is usually enough, provided the student is comfortable with a graphing tool and with explaining their reasoning.
These are general patterns, not rules. Schools set their own entry requirements for DP courses, and some ask for Extended (or a particular grade) before allowing AA HL. Check your school's DP course-selection booklet early – ideally in MYP 4.
For more on the DP choice itself, see AA vs AI, AA HL vs AA SL and AI HL vs AI SL.
The MYP on-screen exam for both pathways
The MYP eAssessment is optional – schools decide whether to register their MYP 5 students. Where it is used, the IB offers on-screen exams in Mathematics (in English, French and Spanish) and Extended mathematics (in English and French).
According to the IB's MYP mathematics subject brief and on-screen examinations page:
- The exam is a 2-hour on-screen examination, held in May or November.
- An on-screen graphing calculator is provided.
- It has three tasks, each worth roughly 31–35 marks:
- Knowing and understanding (Criteria A and C)
- Investigating patterns (Criteria B and C)
- Applying mathematics in real-life contexts (Criteria C and D)
- Criterion C (communicating) is assessed across all three tasks, for a total of 25 marks.
- Results are released on 1 August for May exams and 1 February for November exams.
Because communication runs through every task, students on either pathway lose marks if they write answers without reasoning. Our guides to preparing for MYP eAssessment and improving Criterion C go into this in detail.
Signs that Extended maths is a good fit
Extended maths suits students who:
- finish class work comfortably and want more challenge;
- enjoy algebra and are confident manipulating expressions without a calculator;
- can stay with an unfamiliar problem for a while without giving up;
- are seriously considering AA HL, or a university course with heavy maths (engineering, physics, economics, computer science).
Signs that Standard maths is the better choice
Standard maths is often the better choice when a student:
- is still building confidence with core algebra and needs time to secure the basics;
- is likely to choose AI SL or AA SL in DP;
- is carrying a heavy load in other subjects and needs maths to be steady, not stressful.
A strong grade in Standard maths is worth more than a struggling grade in Extended. A secure foundation is what DP rewards.
Questions to ask your school before MYP 4
- Do you offer Extended mathematics, and from which year?
- How are students placed – by grades, a test, or teacher recommendation? Can a student move between pathways mid-year?
- Which units are taught only in Extended?
- Do you register students for the MYP on-screen exam in maths, and in which pathway?
- What are your entry requirements for AA HL in DP?
How a tutor can help on either pathway
A good tutor does not simply "teach ahead". For a Standard student aiming higher, the job is to fill gaps in algebra and functions and build the habit of explaining reasoning. For an Extended student, the job is often depth – handling non-routine problems and writing clear justifications for Criteria B and C. Our year-by-year pages describe what this looks like: MYP 3, MYP 4 and MYP 5. You may also find the most difficult topics in MYP 4 and MYP 5 useful.
In Gurgaon: MYP maths support at home or online
Maths Bodhi tutors work with MYP students at home across Gurgaon – including Golf Course Road, the DLF phases, Sohna Road and Sectors 43, 54, 56 and 57 – and online for families elsewhere. Start with our IB MYP maths overview, find an IB maths home tutor in Gurugram, or book a demo class.
Facts verified against the IB's MYP mathematics page, subject brief and on-screen examinations page by the Maths Bodhi team (October 2026). Advice on pathways reviewed by Ajay Vatsyayan.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between MYP Standard and Extended maths?
- Both follow the same MYP framework and criteria. The IB describes Extended mathematics as the standard framework "supplemented by additional topics and skills, providing greater breadth and depth", and as a foundation for students who want to study maths at higher level.
- Do you need MYP Extended maths for IB DP AA HL?
- The IB does not make Extended compulsory, but it calls Extended the foundation for higher-level maths, and many schools ask for it (or a strong grade) before allowing AA HL. Check your school's DP entry requirements.
- Is there a separate MYP eAssessment for Extended maths?
- Yes. The IB offers on-screen exams in Mathematics (English, French, Spanish) and Extended mathematics (English, French). Both are 2-hour on-screen exams held in May or November.
- How is the MYP maths on-screen exam structured?
- It has three tasks of roughly 31–35 marks each: knowing and understanding, investigating patterns, and applying mathematics in real-life contexts. Criterion C (communicating) is assessed across all three tasks, for 25 marks in total.
- Can a student move from Standard to Extended maths?
- Many schools allow movement between pathways, usually based on grades or teacher recommendation, but the rules are set by each school. Ask your MYP coordinator how and when placements are reviewed.