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Become a better student · Module 4: Exam technique

Timing a paper: a mark a minute, and other rules

Running out of time costs more marks than any single hard question. A simple plan before you start fixes it.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 13 Oct 2026 5 min read

The course unlocks one lesson at a time. You can read this now, but it only counts once you’ve finished Stop re-reading.

Key takeaways

1. Work out your minutes per mark

Divide the time by the marks. For example, AQA GCSE Maths papers are 80 marks in 1 hour 30 minutes, so you have just over a minute per mark. Combined Science papers are 70 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes, a little over a minute per mark.[1]

Check the front of your own past papers for the exact time and marks, and work it out for every subject before exam season.

2. Set checkpoints

Write three times at the top of your paper: where you should be at a quarter, a half and three-quarters of the way through. If you’re behind at a checkpoint, speed up on short questions and keep longer answers focused.

90-minute paper, 80 marks
You should be around
After 22 minutes
Mark 20
After 45 minutes
Mark 40
After 67 minutes
Mark 60
Last 5 to 8 minutes
Checking and returning to skipped questions

3. When you’re stuck

If you’ve spent twice the time a question is worth and you’re still stuck, write down anything relevant, circle the question number and move on. Partial answers can still earn method marks, and coming back with fresh eyes often helps.

One stubborn question shouldn’t cost you the three easy ones after it.

4. Practise the pace

Time single questions

In normal revision, set a timer for the marks a question is worth.

One full paper a fortnight

In the run-up to exams, sit full papers in silence with the real time limit.

Review your timing

After each paper, note where you lost time and why.

For parents: Offer to be the invigilator: phone away, timer on, and no help until the end.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. How many minutes per mark on an 80-mark, 90-minute paper?

  2. 2. What should you do if you’re stuck for twice the time a question is worth?

  3. 3. Why practise full papers under timed conditions?

Your next steps

  • Work out minutes per mark for each of your papers.
  • Time yourself on three questions this week.
  • Book in one full timed paper before your next mock.

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Sources

  1. AQA: past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for GCSE and A-level. aqa.org.uk/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.