Why Choosing the Right IA Topic Matters
The IB Math IA is your chance to explore math beyond the textbook. It counts for 20% of your final grade, and a compelling topic that you genuinely enjoy can make a big difference.
Examiners look for:
- Personal engagement
- Relevant mathematical exploration
- Clear communication of process and reasoning
Picking a current, creative, and data-rich topic in 2025 will not only keep your IA fresh—it could be your ticket to a 7.
Key Criteria for a Successful Math IA
Before diving into ideas, ask yourself:
- Is this topic mathematically rich?
Can I apply real IB-level math, not just basic stats? - Can I access or generate data easily?
Is it measurable, testable, or sourced online? - Does it interest me personally?
Will I stay motivated through the analysis?
Avoid topics that:
- Lack a clear mathematical focus
- Are too common or generic (e.g., BMI studies)
- Rely entirely on secondary research with little computation
Top IB Math IA Ideas for 2025 and Beyond
Here are student-friendly IA ideas based on current trends, real-world data, and IB math concepts:
✅ Emerging Technology & AI
- Predicting the spread of AI tools using logistic models
- Analyzing chatbot response times using probability distributions
- Optimization in machine learning training (gradient descent concepts)
✅ Climate and Environment
- Modeling CO₂ emissions by country over time
- Forecasting sea level rise using exponential or linear regression
- Comparing renewable vs fossil fuel growth with function analysis
✅ Health and Fitness
- Predicting heart rate recovery using exponential decay
- Modeling caloric burn from smartwatch data
- Statistical analysis of sleep patterns vs academic performance
✅ Economics and Finance
- Modeling inflation trends using real economic data
- Analyzing stock volatility with standard deviation
- Forecasting currency exchange rates with time series analysis
✅ Sports and Games
- Calculating win probabilities in chess or football
- Optimizing fantasy football scores using linear programming
- Modeling trajectory and velocity in basketball or baseball
✅ Social Media and Digital Behavior
- Regression analysis of TikTok views vs hashtags
- Exploring exponential follower growth
- Analyzing YouTube algorithm bias with probability simulations
✅ Game Theory and Strategic Decisions
- Nash Equilibria in board games or real-world situations
- Prisoner’s dilemma in marketing strategies
- Decision trees for competitive gaming choices
✅ Urban Design and Transportation
- Optimizing bus routes using graph theory
- Modeling traffic congestion with queue theory
- Analyzing city layout efficiency using network math
✅ Weather and Disease Modeling
- Forecasting flu spread using SIR models
- Predicting temperature patterns via trigonometric models
- Correlation between pollution and allergy patterns
✅ Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
- Modeling bitcoin mining difficulty over time
- Predicting crypto trends with time series analysis
- Using matrices to analyze blockchain ledger transactions
Modern Tools to Support Your Math IA
Make your IA engaging with tech:
- GeoGebra & Desmos: For graphs, curve fitting, and function modeling
- Excel/Sheets: For regression, statistical analysis, and simulations
- Python: For HL students using real algorithms or AI libraries
- WolframAlpha: To verify math, solve equations, and visualize models
AA vs AI: Choosing the Right IA Topic by Course Type
Math AA SL/HL Ideas
- Focus on pure math: calculus, functions, proofs
- Ideal topics: Optimization, rates of change, abstract modeling
Math AI SL/HL Ideas
- Focus on data analysis, modeling, and statistics
- Ideal topics: Social trends, economics, simulations, correlation studies
Common Mistakes in Math IA Topics
Avoid:
- Copying old ideas from previous years or templates
- Using only basic math like mean or median (especially for HL)
- Topics with no mathematical progression or exploration
How to Make Your Topic Stand Out
- Add a personal twist: use your own data or connect it to a hobby
- Use recent events: pandemic, AI, or 2024/2025 economic data
- Include unexpected math: graph theory, matrices, calculus if possible
How RevisionDojo Helps You Choose and Structure Your IA
✅ RevisionDojo.com has:
- Fresh IA topic ideas for AA and AI
- 7-scoring IA exemplars with comments
- Structure templates with word count guides
- Formula sheets and sample graphs
- Personalization strategies for originality
🎯 Turn a good IA into a top-grade project at RevisionDojo.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I reuse a previous IA topic?
Only if you change the data, approach, and method entirely—and it’s best to avoid overlap.
2. How much math is “enough” for HL?
HL IAs must use HL-specific math like calculus, regression, or matrices—not just stats.
3. What’s the best IA idea for a non-math student?
Choose applied topics like sports analysis, social media, or personal data modeling.
4. Can I use AI-generated data?
Only if it’s clearly marked, ethically used, and backed with real analysis.
5. Do I need original data?
Not always—but personal or collected data boosts engagement and uniqueness.
6. How do I know if the topic is too simple?
Check if your math goes beyond descriptive stats—explore functions, graphs, and problem-solving.
Conclusion
Your IB Math IA can be more than just an assignment—it can be a creative, relevant, and high-scoring exploration of something you're curious about. Choose a topic you care about, layer in meaningful mathematics, and analyze with clarity and originality.
🎯 Need more help picking or refining your IA topic? Browse expert guides and 7-scoring samples at RevisionDojo.com—your one-stop hub for IB Math mastery.
