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GCSE Maths: Sample Space & Listing Outcomes

Use sample space diagrams to list outcomes and calculate probabilities. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.

ProbabilityFoundation & HigherAQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas

What you need to know

The concepts examiners test on sample space & listing outcomes, and what each one is really asking.

List all possible outcomes systematically
Draw sample space diagrams for two events
Use sample spaces to calculate probabilities

Where marks get lost

The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.

  • Missing some combinations when listing systematically
  • Thinking combinations like (1,2) and (2,1) are the same when rolling two dice (they are separate outcomes!)
  • Adding the numbers when the question asks to multiply

Sample Space & Listing Outcomes questions students ask

Is Sample Space & Listing Outcomes on the Foundation paper?

Yes. Sample Space & Listing Outcomes appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.

What should I know before starting Sample Space & Listing Outcomes?

It builds on Basic probability. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Sample Space & Listing Outcomes questions assume them.

What is the most common mistake in Sample Space & Listing Outcomes?

Missing some combinations when listing systematically.

Which exam boards cover Sample Space & Listing Outcomes?

All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.