IB Maths Extended Essay
The Maths Extended Essay, step by step
Find an area, sharpen it into a research question, plan your time, keep a record of your reflection sessions and check your draft against the criteria. 107 original ideas and free guides, with optional AI feedback on a section.
How the EE differs from the Maths IA
| Maths IA | Maths EE | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An exploration that counts towards your maths grade | An independent research essay, part of the DP core |
| Length | Usually 12 to 20 pages | Up to 4,000 words* |
| Marked by | Your teacher, moderated by the IB | The IB (external examiners) |
| Mathematics | At the level of your course | Usually beyond the syllabus, understood and explained |
| Reflection | Within the exploration | Reflection sessions with your supervisor and a reflective statement* |
* From the new guide as we understand it; being checked.
Writing your IA too? The IA hub has its own ideas, guides and tools. Keep the two topics different.
How the EE is assessed
Provisional The criteria, marks and reflection details on this page are from the new IB Extended essay guide (first assessment May 2027) as we understand it, and are being checked against the published guide. Treat them as provisional until this note goes.
| Criterion | What it asks, in short | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A: Framework for the essay | Is the research question focused, are the methods suitable, and does the structure carry the argument? | 6 |
| B: Knowledge and understanding | Do you understand the mathematics you use, explain it accurately and use the right sources? | 6 |
| C: Analysis and line of argument | Do you analyse your mathematics and build one clear argument that answers the question? | 6 |
| D: Discussion and evaluation | Do you discuss what your results mean and judge the strengths and limits of your work? | 8 |
| E: Reflection | Does your reflective statement show how the EE changed you as a learner? | 4 |
| Total | 30 |
Our summaries, not the IB's wording. The criterion guides open fully once the criteria are confirmed. Check your draft against every criterion in the free self-check.
Ideas library
107 original ideas across 11 areas, each with a research question, the mathematics needed, an approach, honest scope notes and pitfalls.
- Number theory12 ideas
- Algebra and abstract structures8 ideas
- Analysis and calculus10 ideas
- Geometry and topology9 ideas
- Probability10 ideas
- Statistics10 ideas
- Applied mathematics and modelling10 ideas
- Discrete mathematics and graph theory10 ideas
- Codes, cryptography and algorithms9 ideas
- Optimisation and game theory8 ideas
- History of mathematics11 ideas
A few to start with
- Which numbers are sums of two squares?Number theorySolid
- The gambler's ruin problemProbabilitySolid
- Three proofs that Σ1/n² = π²/6Analysis & calculusAmbitious
- V − E + F = 2, and when it failsGeometryAccessible
- Why RSA encryption worksCodes & algorithmsSolid
- Archimedes' bounds for πHistory of mathsAccessible
Tools
Guides
- How to write a maths EE research question
- Structure, timeline and word count
- How to reference sources
- AI tools and academic integrity
- Criterion A: Framework for the essay
- Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
- Criterion C: Analysis and line of argument
- Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation
- Criterion E: Reflection
- Annotated exemplars (in preparation)
Frequently asked questions
What is a maths Extended Essay?
An independent research essay of up to 4,000 words on a mathematical question you choose, supervised by a teacher at your school and assessed externally by the IB. It is part of the Diploma Programme core.
How is the EE different from the Maths IA?
The IA is a shorter exploration marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB, and it counts towards your maths grade. The EE is longer, assessed externally, has its own criteria and a reflection process with your supervisor, and usually goes further beyond the syllabus.
Can I write my EE on the same topic as my IA?
Schools and the IB expect the two pieces of work to be different, and you cannot get credit twice for the same work. Check your school's rules and talk to your supervisor before choosing a related topic.
Do I need to take Maths HL to write a maths EE?
No, but you need to be comfortable working with mathematics beyond what you have been taught, and you must understand everything you use. Choose a question whose mathematics you can learn and explain.
Can AI tools help with my EE?
Only in ways your school allows and the IB's academic integrity rules permit, and any use must be acknowledged. Our tools give feedback, checklists and scaffolds; they never write any part of your essay.
IB Math Revision is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the IB. Criterion descriptions are our own summaries; for the official wording see the IB's Extended essay guide (your EE coordinator has it).