Adult learning · England
Functional Skills Maths for adults
Clear lessons, worked examples and printable practice for Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2 — written for adults and apprentices, using real-life money, measures and data.
The basics
What is Functional Skills maths?
Functional Skills maths is a qualification in England that tests whether you can use maths to solve practical problems — working out pay, comparing prices, measuring a room, reading a chart or planning a budget. Questions are set in realistic situations rather than as pure number exercises, so the skill is as much about choosing the right method as doing the calculation.
The subject content is set nationally, and the qualifications are offered by a number of awarding bodies. All of them cover the same three areas: using numbers and the number system; using common measures, shape and space; and handling information and data.
Who takes it?
Functional Skills maths is taken by adults returning to learning, by apprentices who need a maths qualification to complete their apprenticeship, and by people who did not get a GCSE in maths at school and want a recognised qualification for work or further study. It is commonly studied at colleges, adult learning centres, training providers and through employers, and some people prepare on their own before booking an exam.
Level 1 and Level 2
Level 1 covers the core skills: fractions, decimals and percentages of amounts, simple ratio, formulae in words, metric measures and time, area of rectangles, volume of cuboids, mean and range, and simple probability.
Level 2 builds on this with reverse percentages, inverse proportion, formulae with letters, compound interest, compound measures such as speed and density, circles and cylinders, coordinates, grouped data, combined probability and scatter diagrams. Level 2 is often accepted where a GCSE maths pass is requested, but requirements vary, so check with the organisation concerned.
How the assessment works
The assessment is usually one exam with a non-calculator section and a calculator section. The exact length, pass mark and formula sheet vary by awarding body (for example Pearson Edexcel, City & Guilds, NCFE, Highfield and Open Awards), so check your own provider. Some offer the exam on paper, some on screen, and some both.
The non-calculator section checks number skills; the calculator section uses longer, multi-step problems. Our exam technique guide explains how to show working, estimate and check, and manage your time.
Your learning path
Work through the pages in this order if you are starting out. Each topic page has a short lesson, worked examples, common mistakes, and a printable sheet with Level 1 and Level 2 tabs and full worked answers.
Want more everyday practice alongside the course? See our adult numeracy worksheets for money, pay, VAT and budgeting sheets.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
No. It is a separate qualification focused on using maths in everyday and work situations. Level 2 is often accepted where a GCSE pass is asked for, but check with the employer, college or apprenticeship provider.
If you have not done maths for a while, start with Level 1. If the Level 1 practice sheets feel comfortable, move on to Level 2. Many colleges also offer an initial assessment to guide you.
It is usually one exam with a non-calculator section and a calculator section. Length, pass mark and formula sheet vary by awarding body, so check your provider's information.
No. These are independent practice materials written to cover the published subject content. Use your awarding body's own sample papers as well.
PaperKind Printables is an independent practice resource. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any awarding body or the Department for Education.
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026