havo vwo
Difference between math A and B
Quick answer (syllabi 2027)
In Dutch secondary school the tracks are called wiskunde A and wiskunde B (mathematics A and B). A belongs with Economie & Maatschappij (E&M, economics and society) and Natuur & Gezondheid (N&G, nature and health). B belongs with Natuur en Techniek (N&T, nature and technology). On the vwo CE for A you meet algebra, relationships and change; statistics sits mainly in the school exam. On the vwo CE for B you meet functions, differential and integral calculus, trigonometry and coordinate geometry. This is not study-choice advice.
A beside B, from the syllabi
Dutch secondary tracks are named once here: havo (middle) and vwo (pre-university). The figures below come from the CvTE central-exam syllabi for exam year 2027. A syllabus explains the CE part; it is not a full description of the school exam. The SE part sits in an SLO handout.
Study load is measured in SLU (studielasturen, study-load hours). CE means centraal examen (central exam); SE means schoolexamen (school exam). Profile abbreviations stay as on Examenblad: E&M, N&G, N&T, C&M.
| Part | Wiskunde A | Wiskunde B |
|---|---|---|
| Required profile subject | E&M and N&G (havo and vwo). On vwo, C&M may choose A instead of C. | Natuur en Techniek. Other profiles may choose B if the school offers it. |
| Size on vwo | 520 SLU, CE about 60% | 600 SLU, CE about 90% |
| Size on havo | 320 SLU, CE about 60% | 360 SLU, CE 100% |
| CE domains on vwo | Algebra and counting, relationships, change. Statistics and probability: required in the SE, not in the CE column. | Functions, graphs and equations; differential and integral calculus; trigonometric functions; coordinate geometry. |
| CE domains on havo | Algebra and counting, relationships, statistics (present, process, distributions, statements). Change: SE. | Functions, graphs and equations; geometric calculations; applied analysis. |
In E&M and N&G you may choose B instead of A if the school offers that subject in the profile. Taking B as an extra subject next to A is also possible. That sits in the same introductory paragraphs; the school carries it out.
Read the row for your level carefully. “Havo A” is not the same CE package as “vwo A”, and B is not “A plus a bit more calculus” on every level — the domain lists differ.
What that means for the material
On vwo-A the CE includes, among other things, standard functions, equations, sequences, slope and the derivative. Counting problems sit under the CE domain algebra and counting. The statistics domains (from research design to inferential statistics) are listed in the syllabus as required school-exam content, not as CE content.
On vwo-B the CE is broader: almost the whole program. Next to functions and equations come integral calculus, trigonometry and geometry with vectors and the dot product. On havo-B the CE is 100% of the 360 SLU: functions, geometric calculations and applied analysis.
On havo-A statistics is in the CE (interpreting data, processing, distributions, statistical statements). That is a real difference with vwo-A, where statistics in 2027 sits in the SE.
If you only remember one contrast: A leans toward algebra, relationships and — depending on level — statistics; B leans toward functions, analysis and geometry. C and D are separate tracks, not shortcuts between A and B.
Where C and D sit
Examenblad 2027 lists A, B and D for havo, and A, B, C and D for vwo. Wiskunde C is a vwo subject: required in Cultuur & Maatschappij (C&M, culture and society), 480 SLU, CE about 60%. The CE for C covers algebra and counting, relationships, change, plus logical reasoning and shape and space. Statistics sits, as with vwo-A, in the SE.
Wiskunde D havo and wiskunde D vwo have no central exam in 2027. Examenblad states on both subject pages that this exam is assessed only as a school exam. There is an exam program, but no CE syllabus in the 2027 list.
So C is not “easier A”, and D is not a CE twin of B. If your question is which physical calculator may enter the exam room, that belongs in a different guide — not in the A/B domain table above.
Common mistakes when reading A vs B
- Treating this page as which calculator may go to the exam. Device rules sit in which calculator for the exam; this page is syllabus orientation only.
- Assuming havo-A and vwo-A put statistics in the same place. On havo-A it is in the CE; on vwo-A in 2027 it is mainly in the SE.
- Reading “B instead of A” as automatic study advice. The syllabi describe what is taught and examined; your school and profile decide the choice.
- Confusing C (vwo only in 2027) with a havo option, or expecting a CE for D when Examenblad says SE only.
- Using an older syllabus year. Figures and domain columns on this page summarize 2027; a new exam year can shift share, domains or subject lists.
Which tools on this site go with that
The hubs follow schoolbook structure, not an extra exam rule. For A (and C) you often start with statistics and algebra: mean, linear equation, later the quadratic formula. For B, geometry joins that set — for example Pythagoras and the graphing plotter.
Which physical machine may go into the central exam is a different guide: which calculator for the exam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between wiskunde A and B?
A is required in E&M and N&G; B in N&T. On vwo, A has 520 SLU (CE about 60%) and B 600 SLU (CE about 90%). The CE for A covers algebra, relationships and change; statistics sits mainly in the SE. The CE for B covers functions, calculus, trigonometry and coordinate geometry.
Is wiskunde C only on vwo?
On Examenblad 2027 yes: C is listed for vwo, not for havo. It is required in C&M (480 SLU, CE about 60%). Havo has A, B and D.
Does wiskunde D have a central exam?
In 2027 no. Both D havo and D vwo are assessed only as a school exam.
Which one fits me?
Your school and profile decide that, not this site. We only explain what the 2027 syllabi say about A, B, C and D. Not study-choice advice.
Does havo A/B differ from vwo A/B?
Yes. Among other things SLU and CE share differ, and on havo-A statistics is in the CE while on vwo-A in 2027 it sits mainly in the SE. See the table on this page.