Mathematics Vocabulary in English
20 essential mathematics vocabulary words in English with definitions and example sentences — ideal for A2–B1 students studying maths in English at school or university.
Mathematics has its own precise language, and for ESL learners studying maths in English — whether at school, university, or for professional purposes — knowing the correct terminology is just as important as understanding the concepts themselves. A student who understands what a denominator is but cannot say the word in English will struggle to follow a classroom explanation or read a maths textbook. Building this specialised vocabulary gives you the tools to participate fully in mathematical discussions in English.
One of the most useful things about mathematics vocabulary is that many terms come directly from Latin and Greek roots, which means they often look similar across European languages. However, the pronunciation and exact usage in English can differ significantly. For example, theorem is pronounced “THEE-uh-rem” in British English, and formula has a specific plural form — formulae or formulas — both of which are used. Paying attention to these details helps you sound confident and accurate when discussing maths in English.
For learners preparing for GCSE, A-Level, or academic English qualifications such as IELTS Academic or Cambridge, mathematics vocabulary appears frequently in data-interpretation tasks and graphs. Words like percentage, statistics, probability, and variable are core academic vocabulary items that appear across science, economics, and social science, not just in maths classes. Mastering them now will pay dividends across many subject areas.
What You'll Learn
- 20 essential mathematics vocabulary words in English with clear definitions and original example sentences
- Key terms from algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and statistics — the four main branches of school maths
- How to describe numbers, shapes, and calculations accurately in English
- Which maths terms appear most often in academic English tasks at A2–B1 level
Essential Mathematics Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| equation | a statement that two things are equal | The teacher wrote a simple equation on the board: 3x + 5 = 20. | A2 |
| integer | a whole number without fractions | The answer must be a positive integer, so 3.5 is not accepted. | B1 |
| fraction | a number expressed as one part divided by another | She cut the cake into eight equal pieces and ate a fraction of it. | A2 |
| denominator | the bottom number in a fraction | To add two fractions, you must first find a common denominator. | B1 |
| numerator | the top number in a fraction | In the fraction 3/8, the numerator is 3 and the denominator is 8. | B1 |
| geometry | the branch of maths dealing with shapes | In geometry class, we studied the properties of triangles and circles. | A2 |
| algebra | maths using letters to represent unknown values | Algebra can seem difficult at first, but it becomes easier with practice. | A2 |
| probability | the chance of something happening | The probability of rolling a six on a fair die is one in six. | B1 |
| statistics | the collection and analysis of numerical data | Statistics shows that road accidents are more common in wet weather. | B1 |
| theorem | a mathematical statement that has been proved | Pythagoras' theorem states that a² + b² = c² in a right-angled triangle. | B1 |
| formula | a rule written in mathematical symbols | Use this formula to calculate the area of a circle: A = πr². | A2 |
| coefficient | a number multiplied by a variable | In the expression 4x, the coefficient of x is 4. | B1 |
| variable | a letter representing an unknown number | In the equation y = 2x + 3, both x and y are variables. | B1 |
| decimal | a number expressed with a decimal point | The answer rounded to two decimal places is 3.14. | A2 |
| prime | a number divisible only by 1 and itself | Seven is a prime number because no other number divides into it exactly. | A2 |
| symmetry | exact match on both sides of a line | A butterfly has symmetry — its left wing is a mirror image of its right. | A2 |
| radius | the distance from the centre to the edge of a circle | If the radius of the circle is 5 cm, its diameter is 10 cm. | A2 |
| diameter | the distance across a circle through its centre | The diameter of this wheel is exactly twice the length of its radius. | A2 |
| circumference | the distance around the edge of a circle | To find the circumference, multiply the diameter by pi (3.14159…). | B1 |
| percentage | a proportion expressed as a fraction of 100 | Sixty per cent of students passed the maths exam with a grade B or above. | A2 |
Practice This Vocabulary
Flash Cards
Review words with spaced repetition
Wordsearch
Find hidden vocabulary words
Anagram
Unscramble the letters to find the word
Match Up
Match words to their meanings
Practice What You've Learned
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a “numerator” and a “denominator”?
In a fraction, the numerator is the number written above the fraction line and the denominator is the number written below it. For example, in the fraction 3/8, 3 is the numerator (it tells you how many parts you have) and 8 is the denominator (it tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into). A helpful memory aid: the d in denominator stands for “down.” Understanding these two terms is essential for any maths work involving fractions in English.
What is the difference between “radius” and “diameter”?
Both words describe measurements of a circle. The radius is the distance from the exact centre of a circle to any point on its edge. The diameter is the distance straight across the circle passing through the centre — it is always exactly twice the length of the radius. So if a circle has a radius of 6 cm, its diameter is 12 cm. The diameter is also used to calculate the circumference: multiply the diameter by pi (π ≈ 3.14159) to get the distance all the way around the circle.
What is a “variable” in algebra?
A variable is a letter (most commonly x, y, or n) used in an algebraic expression or equation to represent an unknown number whose value can change or needs to be found. For example, in the equation 2x + 4 = 10, x is a variable, and solving the equation means finding that x = 3. Variables allow mathematicians to write general rules that work for any number, not just one specific value. The number placed directly in front of a variable is called its coefficient: in 2x, the coefficient is 2.
What is the difference between “statistics” and “probability”?
Statistics is the process of collecting, organising, and analysing numerical data that has already happened — for example, analysing exam scores from last year's students. Probability is the mathematical study of how likely it is that something will happen in the future — for example, calculating the chance of rolling a six. Statistics looks backwards at real data; probability looks forwards at possible outcomes. In everyday academic English, both terms appear frequently in graphs and charts, particularly in IELTS Academic and Cambridge exams.
Why is “theorem” important to know in English maths?
A theorem is a mathematical statement that has been logically proved to be true from accepted starting points called axioms. Knowing this word matters because English maths textbooks and teachers use it constantly when referring to rules such as Pythagoras' theorem or the binomial theorem. A theorem is different from a formula (a practical rule for calculating something) and a conjecture (a statement believed to be true but not yet proved). Understanding the distinction helps you follow mathematical arguments in English more precisely.
Is “maths” or “math” correct in English?
Both are correct, but they reflect different varieties of English. Maths is used in British English (UK, Australia, Ireland, and most Commonwealth countries), while math is used in American English. Neither is wrong — you should simply use the form that matches the variety of English you are learning. Academic English courses and exams based on British English, such as Cambridge and most UK university programmes, will use “maths.” American textbooks and courses will use “math.”
What does “prime number” mean in English?
A prime number is a whole number greater than 1 that can only be divided exactly by 1 and by itself — no other integers divide into it without leaving a remainder. The first five prime numbers are 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11. The number 1 is not considered prime by mathematical convention. Prime numbers are fundamental in number theory and play a central role in modern encryption and computer security. In maths classes, you will encounter them when studying factors, multiples, and divisibility.
How do “equation” and “formula” differ?
An equation is a mathematical statement asserting that two expressions are equal, and it typically involves finding an unknown value. For example, 3x = 12 is an equation you solve to find x = 4. A formula is a general rule or relationship expressed in mathematical symbols that you apply to calculate a specific quantity. For example, the formula A = πr² tells you how to calculate the area of any circle. A formula is always true for all valid values; an equation is a specific condition that may only be true for certain values.
Where does mathematics vocabulary appear in English exams?
Mathematics vocabulary appears most prominently in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, where you must describe charts, graphs, and diagrams using words like percentage, statistics, and variable. In Cambridge B1 Preliminary and B2 First exams, science and technology reading texts frequently include terms like formula, probability, and equation. Even in everyday academic writing in English, words such as geometry, decimal, and symmetry appear in science, geography, and technology subjects, making this vocabulary broadly useful beyond maths classes.
What is the best way to learn mathematics vocabulary in English?
The most effective approach is to connect each term to a concrete visual or calculation you already understand in your native language. If you know what a fraction is in your first language, learning the English words numerator and denominator becomes a labelling exercise rather than a concept-learning exercise. Use the Flash Cards above to practise the terms in isolation, then try the Match Up exercise to connect words to definitions. Writing your own example sentences with real numbers will embed the vocabulary far more effectively than passive reading alone.