Choosing the right topic is often the hardest—and most important—step in writing your IB Math Internal Assessment (IA). The topic determines not only how interesting your exploration will be, but also how much mathematical depth you can demonstrate. The best topics for 2025 balance creativity with mathematical rigor and allow for reflection, analysis, and personal engagement.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top IB Math IA topic ideas for 2025 using RevisionDojo’s Topic Finder, which helps students match their interests with suitable mathematical methods.
Quick Start Checklist
Before selecting your IA topic, make sure you:
- Understand the criteria for a successful IA: focus, clarity, and mathematical depth.
- Choose a topic that involves real mathematics, not just data description.
- Use the Topic Finder to align your interests with IB-approved themes.
- Confirm your topic is neither too simple nor too advanced.
- Ensure your question allows space for reflection and evaluation.
The right topic sets the stage for an IA that feels meaningful, original, and achievable.
What Makes a Great IB Math IA Topic?
The strongest IA topics share three key traits:
- Personal Connection: You chose it for a genuine reason, not because it “sounds smart.”
- Mathematical Depth: It involves techniques like calculus, algebra, modeling, or statistics.
- Clarity of Purpose: You can frame it as a focused, testable question or model.
A great topic invites exploration and reflection—not just computation.
Best IB Math IA Topics for 2025 by Category
Here’s a curated list of fresh, high-potential ideas for both Math AA (Analysis and Approaches) and Math AI (Applications and Interpretation) students.
1. Real-World Modeling Topics
Perfect for students who enjoy applied mathematics and problem-solving.
- Modeling the spread of a new social media trend using logistic growth.
- Predicting battery life in smartphones using exponential decay.
- Modeling climate temperature changes using moving averages.
- Analyzing car braking distances using quadratic regression.
- Estimating population saturation in urban areas with differential equations.
These topics allow strong use of calculus, graphing, and reflection on limitations.
2. Sports and Performance Analysis
Sports offer measurable data and real engagement opportunities.
- Optimizing free-throw angles in basketball using trigonometric modeling.
- Exploring the effect of spin on a soccer ball trajectory using projectile motion.
- Analyzing running pace using exponential or polynomial fits.
- Investigating the relationship between batting average and reaction time.
- Modeling the ideal curve for a ski slope to maximize speed and safety.
Sports topics work well when supported by clear data and self-collected measurements.
3. Probability and Statistics Topics
Ideal for Math AI students or anyone interested in real-world data interpretation.
- Predicting election outcomes using weighted probability models.
- Studying randomness in card shuffling or lottery patterns.
- Testing the reliability of online reviews through sample variance.
- Comparing different algorithms for random number generation.
- Investigating bias in sports officiating using chi-squared testing.
These topics balance mathematical rigor with accessibility and personal engagement.
4. Mathematical Patterns and Sequences
Great for Math AA students interested in pure math exploration.
- Exploring Fibonacci ratios in nature and architecture.
- Investigating convergence in infinite geometric series.
- Analyzing continued fractions and their approximations of π.
- Modeling population genetics using recursive functions.
- Studying periodicity in trigonometric sequences.
These topics allow for symbolic manipulation, proof, and discussion of mathematical beauty.
5. Economics and Finance Topics
Perfect for students with an interest in business, economics, or real-world decision-making.
- Modeling stock market fluctuations using logarithmic functions.
- Comparing loan repayment models using simple vs. compound interest.
- Analyzing inflation trends using regression and exponential modeling.
- Predicting housing price changes using correlation and time-series analysis.
- Exploring optimization in profit and cost equations.
These topics demonstrate strong application of algebra, calculus, and data analysis.
6. Technology and Digital Systems
Modern, relevant topics that connect math to current innovations.
- Modeling internet traffic flow using polynomial approximations.
- Exploring compression algorithms with logarithmic mathematics.
- Simulating computer graphics curves using Bézier functions.
- Investigating cryptographic primes and number theory applications.
- Measuring data storage efficiency using information theory.
These areas allow both analytical and creative approaches—ideal for students interested in computer science or engineering.
7. Everyday Mathematics
Even simple phenomena can become powerful IA topics if treated mathematically.
- Calculating the most efficient route to school using graph theory.
- Modeling caffeine decay in the human body.
- Exploring how music frequency ratios create harmony.
- Analyzing the geometry of a Ferris wheel’s motion.
- Predicting how temperature affects the speed of ice melting.
Real-life connections make your IA more relatable and engaging.
How to Use the Topic Finder
RevisionDojo’s Topic Finder helps you narrow down and personalize your IA idea through a simple process:
- Select your Math pathway (AA or AI).
- Choose your interest category (real-world, data, pure math, etc.).
- Match your interests to suitable mathematical tools (e.g., calculus, algebra, statistics).
- Generate and refine possible topic questions.
For example:
Interest: “Music” → Math Type: “Functions and Ratios” → Topic: “Modeling Musical Harmony Using Logarithmic Relationships.”
This structured approach ensures your idea fits IB expectations from the start.
Common Topic Mistakes to Avoid
- Topics too simple: Avoid purely descriptive ideas (e.g., “Calculating BMI”).
- Topics too broad: Narrow down large ideas like “climate change” to a measurable variable.
- Overused examples: Examiners have seen endless projectile motion or golden ratio projects—add a personal twist.
- No mathematical focus: Avoid topics that rely only on data collection without analysis.
- Unrealistic complexity: Don’t choose university-level concepts unless you can fully explain them.
A clear, achievable idea always outperforms an overly ambitious one.
Reflection: How to Make a Topic “Yours”
The best IA topics are the ones that reflect you. Ask yourself:
- Why does this topic genuinely interest me?
- What do I hope to discover or learn?
- How can I apply math I already know while exploring something new?
That personal connection turns a standard topic into a memorable, high-scoring one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How early should I choose my topic?
Ideally 2–3 months before your IA deadline. This gives enough time to collect data, model, and revise.
2. Can I use a topic someone else has done before?
Yes—but make it your own by changing context, approach, or dataset.
3. What if I’m not sure my topic has enough math?
Run it through the Topic Finder or discuss it with your teacher to ensure it includes appropriate techniques.
4. How do I make a simple topic more advanced?
Add layers: test multiple models, evaluate assumptions, or extend your work using calculus or simulations.
5. How many topics should I brainstorm before choosing one?
Aim for at least five ideas before deciding. The first idea is rarely the best fit for all criteria.
Conclusion
Your IB Math IA topic sets the foundation for everything that follows. A great topic combines mathematical richness, personal interest, and a clear, focused question.
With RevisionDojo’s Topic Finder, you can explore hundreds of tested and original ideas that align with IB expectations—ensuring your IA starts strong, stays engaging, and finishes with confidence.
RevisionDojo Call to Action:
Find your perfect IB Math IA topic today. Use RevisionDojo’s Topic Finder to discover ideas tailored to your interests, mathematical strengths, and IB success.
