GCSE Maths: Compound Measures
Master GCSE Maths compound measures including speed, density and pressure. Practice forming and rearranging formulae from real-world contexts.
RatioFoundation & HigherAQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on compound measures, and what each one is really asking.
Speed, distance, time
Density, mass, volume
Pressure, force, area
Unit conversions for compound measures
Average speed problems
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Use the triangle method: cover the quantity you want to find
- Speed = Distance ÷ Time; Distance = Speed × Time
- Average speed = total distance ÷ total time (not average of speeds)
Compound Measures questions students ask
What is a compound measure?
A compound measure is one that involves two or more units, such as speed (km/h), density (g/cm³) or pressure (N/m²).
How do I calculate average speed?
Average speed = total distance ÷ total time. You cannot simply average two speeds — you must use the total distance and total time.