IB Maths Extended Essay
Maths EE structure, timeline and word count
A maths EE is an argument: every section should move the reader towards the answer to your research question. This page covers the shape of the essay, how to present the mathematics and a timeline you can adapt.
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.
A typical structure
| Section | What it does |
|---|---|
| Title page and contents | Title, research question, word count; your school tells you what else goes here. |
| Introduction | The research question, why it is worth asking mathematically, and the method you will follow. |
| Background mathematics | Only the definitions and results the argument needs, explained in your words with an example each. |
| Development (two to four sections) | The analysis: derivations, proofs, calculations and examples, each section ending with what it established. |
| Discussion and evaluation | What the results mean, what they do not show, the assumptions and their effect. |
| Conclusion | The answer to the research question, and the questions it leaves open. |
| References and appendices | Every source cited; long tables or code that support but do not carry the argument. |
Presenting mathematics
- Number the equations you refer back to, and refer to them by number.
- Define every symbol before you use it, and keep notation consistent.
- Use an equation editor, not screenshots, for mathematics.
- Label every graph and diagram, and say in the text what it shows.
- Put long calculations or code in an appendix, but keep every step the argument needs in the body.
Word count
The essay has a maximum of 4,000 words (as we understand the new guide). In maths essays, equations, tables and diagrams usually take up space without many words, so plan by sections rather than by a word count alone. Your school will tell you exactly what counts. Track your count in the EE planner, which warns you when you go over.
A timeline you can adapt
Your school sets the real dates. This is a common shape, from first ideas to submission:
- Choose an area of mathematics and read around it
- Draft a research question
- Agree the question and approach with your supervisor
- Main reading and working through the mathematics
- Outline: sections and the line of argument
- Complete first draft
- Supervisor's comments on the draft received
- Final essay checked: references, notation, word count
- Reflective statement written
- Submitted to your school
The EE planner spreads these across the time to your deadline and records your reflection sessions and supervisor meetings as you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long should each section of a maths EE be?
There is no fixed split. Most of the words should go on developing the mathematics and on discussion and evaluation; keep background to what the argument needs.
Do equations count towards the EE word count?
Schools follow the IB's rules on what counts, which your EE coordinator has. Check with them rather than guessing, and plan so you are comfortably inside the limit.
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).