DfE statement G13 · Geometry and measures

Plans and elevations

Both tiersNon-calculator

Plans and elevations is content statement G13 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the geometry area. It is on both tiers, and it is examined without a calculator. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 3 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.

What the specification says

The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Construct and interpret plans and elevations of 3D shapes." (statement G13). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
— Department for Education, Mathematics: GCSE subject content and assessment objectives, statement G13

Tier

Both tiers. This statement is Foundation content, which means Higher students are examined on it too — Higher is Foundation plus more, never instead of it.

Calculator

This is non-calculator territory. Questions on it belong naturally on Paper 1, where written method is all you have — so practise it that way rather than with a calculator to hand.

Common mistakes

Drawing the elevation in perspective. A plan and an elevation are flat, true-shape views with no foreshortening.
Omitting the internal lines that show where a step or a change of depth occurs.
Swapping the front and side elevations when the viewing direction is marked on the diagram.

Sample questions (10 of 10)

G13 · Plans and elevationsQuestion 1 of 10 · 0 correct

Practice mode· no pressure · hints available

Geometry and measures

G13

Intermediate

A shop stacks tins in a display block. The front elevation of the block is 4 tins wide and 3 tins high. The side elevation shows the block is 2 tins deep. Every position in the block is filled. How many tins are used in total?

💡 Hints:

Foundation worksheet Higher worksheet Foundation geometry and measures practice Higher geometry and measures practice

Nearby statements

G1Geometric terms, notation and diagrams G2Ruler and compass constructions and loci G3Angle facts, parallel lines and polygons

Questions people ask

Is plans and elevations on Foundation or Higher?

Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.

Can I use a calculator for plans and elevations?

Not on Paper 1, which is where this normally appears. Paper 1 is non-calculator for both tiers and carries the same 80 marks as each of the other two papers.

What is the single most common mistake here?

Drawing the elevation in perspective. A plan and an elevation are flat, true-shape views with no foreshortening.

Are these past paper questions?

No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.

Back to Geometry and measures at Foundation or at Higher.