Every AQA A Level Chemistry student receives a data booklet with their exam papers. It contains the periodic table, infrared absorption data, NMR chemical shifts, and selected organic structures. This guide explains where to download the official PDF, what the booklet includes, how it is used in exams, and how it compares to resources from other exam boards.
The booklet is provided with every AS and A Level Chemistry question paper (specifications 7404 and 7405). Students are not expected to memorise the periodic table or the spectroscopy data it contains. Instead, the booklet is designed to support problem-solving during the exam.
Several free PDF versions of the data booklet are available from official and trusted third-party sites. The safest source remains the AQA website itself, but revision platforms such as Physics and Maths Tutor also host accurate copies.
Where to Download the AQA A Level Periodic Table PDF?
Free access to the AQA A Level periodic table as part of the Data Booklet.
See all 118 elements, atomic numbers, masses, plus IR and NMR data.
How to use the periodic table effectively in Paper 1 and other assessments.
Differences between AQA, OCR, and other A Level periodic tables.
- The AQA A Level periodic table is provided in the Data Booklet, which is given with every exam paper.
- The table includes all 118 elements with relative atomic masses (not atomic mass numbers).
- Additional data on the sheet includes infrared absorption wavenumbers and NMR chemical shifts for selected groups.
- The arrangement follows standard periodic trends, but groups and periods are labelled clearly.
- No variation exists between the periodic table used in AS and A Level exams – it is the same for both.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of elements | 118 (up to Oganesson) |
| Group labels | 1–18 (old groups 1–8 also noted on some versions) |
| Period labels | 1–7 |
| Extra data sections | Infrared absorption data (Table A), NMR chemical shifts (Table B) |
| Mass format | Relative atomic mass (to two decimal places typically) |
| State at room temperature | Not explicitly shown (deduced from position) |
| Available for | AS and A Level Chemistry (7404, 7405) |
Official AQA Download Links
The most authoritative version of the data booklet is hosted on the AQA specification page for A Level Chemistry. Students can access the PDF directly from the AQA AS and A Level Chemistry page. This source is always up to date and reflects the current specification.
Download from Physics and Maths Tutor
A widely used alternative is the PDF hosted by Physics and Maths Tutor. This copy mirrors the official booklet and is frequently accessed by students for quick download and printing. Another reliable PDF is available from A-Level Chemistry, an independent resource site.
Printing the Periodic Table
The PDF booklet is designed for printing. Students often print the periodic table page separately for revision. The AQA GCSE periodic table appendix is also available on the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification page, though that version has a different layout and fewer elements than the A Level booklet.
What Does the AQA A Level Periodic Table Include?
Key Data: Atomic Numbers and Masses
The periodic table in the AQA data booklet shows the atomic number, element symbol, element name, and relative atomic mass for all 118 known elements. The relative atomic mass is given to two decimal places in most cases. This allows students to perform accurate calculations without memorising individual values.
Infrared Absorption Data
Table A of the booklet lists characteristic infrared absorption ranges. For example, a C=O bond appears between 1680 and 1750 cm⁻¹, while an O–H bond in alcohols appears between 3230 and 3550 cm⁻¹. In exam answers, students are expected to quote the range from the table, not just the bond type.
Arrangement by Groups and Periods
The table follows the IUPAC convention with groups numbered 1 to 18 and periods 1 to 7. Some older versions also note the traditional group numbers (e.g. Group 1 alkali metals, Group 7 halogens). The layout is consistent with modern teaching and matches the arrangement used in most textbooks.
The same periodic table appears in both the AS Data Sheet and the A Level Data Booklet. Students sitting either qualification receive an identical table layout and data set.
How Does the AQA Periodic Table Compare to Other Exam Boards?
AQA vs OCR Periodic Table
Both AQA and OCR provide a data booklet with IR absorption data, NMR chemical shifts, and a full periodic table. The main difference is that the AQA booklet also includes a section of selected organic molecules. OCR’s booklet is produced for each exam series and is released after the live series. The layout of the periodic table itself is similar, but the supporting data sections differ in format and emphasis.
Differences from Edexcel and WJEC
Edexcel and WJEC also provide specification-specific data booklets. Edexcel’s materials are available on the Pearson website. While the core content is similar, the exact arrangement of data tables and the inclusion of certain organic structures may vary. Students should always use the booklet provided by their own exam board, as other versions may not be permitted in the exam room.
A useful overview of the AQA data sheet and its contents can be found at Save My Exams, which explains what each section of the booklet contains and how to use it effectively.
How to Use the Periodic Table in AQA A Level Chemistry Exams?
Using the Data Booklet in Paper 1
The data booklet is provided with all AQA Chemistry exam papers, including Paper 1. Students should be familiar with the layout before the exam so they can quickly locate the periodic table, IR data, and NMR tables. The booklet is not annotated or highlighted, so knowing where each section is saves valuable time.
Tips for Memorising Element Positions
Although the periodic table is provided, familiarity with common element positions helps. Transition metals, noble gases, and the halogens appear frequently in questions. Knowing roughly where they are located allows students to cross-check information faster.
Common Exam Questions Using the Periodic Table
Typical exam questions that rely on the data booklet include identifying functional groups from IR spectra, assigning proton environments using NMR chemical shifts, and calculating relative atomic masses from isotopic abundance data. The periodic table is also used to check group and period trends in ionisation energy and electronegativity.
In IR spectroscopy questions, always quote the wavenumber range from the booklet. For example, say “strong absorption around 1680–1750 cm⁻¹ indicates a C=O bond” rather than simply writing “carbonyl”. This demonstrates precise use of the data.
Some students believe they need to memorise the NMR chemical shift values. This is not required. The data booklet provides all shift values in Table B. However, being able to quickly match a shift to a functional group is a skill that improves with practice.
When Was the AQA A Level Periodic Table Last Updated?
- 2015 – AQA introduced the current AS and A Level Chemistry specification (7404, 7405), including the data booklet in its present form.
- Ongoing – The periodic table and data sections have remained unchanged since the 2015 specification, aside from minor formatting refinements.
- No scheduled update – AQA has not announced any changes to the data booklet for the current specification. Students should always use the version provided in their exam materials.
- Before each exam series – It is good practice to check the official AQA website before the exam period for any updated versions or specification notices.
What Do Students Need to Know About the Periodic Table for AQA Exams?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The AQA A Level periodic table is the same for all papers and all sessions within the current specification. | Some students wonder whether they need to memorise element positions — the table is provided, so memorisation is not required, but familiarity helps. |
| All 118 elements are included; no elements are omitted. | Whether the data booklet contains the same periodic table for AS and A Level? Yes, it is identical. |
Why Does the AQA Periodic Table Include IR and NMR Data?
The inclusion of infrared absorption data and NMR chemical shifts reflects the emphasis on spectroscopy in the A Level Chemistry curriculum. Students are expected to interpret spectra to identify functional groups and deduce molecular structures. The data booklet provides the reference values needed to do this accurately.
The arrangement uses Group 1–18 following IUPAC convention, which aligns with modern teaching. Compared to the GCSE version, the A Level periodic table adds elements beyond lead (atomic number 82) and includes additional data that supports advanced topics such as organic synthesis and instrumental analysis.
A more detailed discussion of the booklet’s layout and contents is available from Bright Mind Tutors, which explains how the data is organised for exam use.
What Do Official Sources Say About the AQA Data Booklet?
“Periodic Table of the Elements is provided in the Data Booklet.”
— AQA Chemistry specification (7404, 7405)
“Know where the transition metals are – they are often used in titration questions.”
— Experienced AQA Chemistry teacher
The official AQA Data Booklet PDF (pages 2–3) contains the exact periodic table layout used in exams. This is the authoritative reference for all AQA A Level Chemistry students.
What Should You Do Next with the AQA Periodic Table?
Download the official PDF from the AQA website or a trusted revision site, print the periodic table page, and use it throughout your course. Practice locating elements, IR ranges, and NMR shifts quickly. The more familiar you are with the booklet before the exam, the more efficiently you will use it. For additional support, explore our other AQA A Level Chemistry data booklet resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AQA A Level periodic table include all 118 elements?
Yes, the table includes all known elements up to Oganesson (element 118).
Is the periodic table allowed in every AQA Chemistry exam?
Yes, the Data Booklet (containing the periodic table) is provided with all exam papers for AS and A Level.
Can I use a different periodic table in the exam?
No, you must use the official AQA Data Booklet provided. Other versions may differ and are not permitted.
Is the periodic table the same for AS and A Level?
Yes, the same periodic table appears in both the AS Data Sheet and the A Level Data Booklet.
Do I need to memorise the positions of elements?
No, the periodic table is provided, so memorisation is not required. However, knowing common element positions can save time.
Where can I get a printable version of the AQA periodic table?
You can download the PDF from the official AQA website or from trusted revision sites. Print it for revision, but only the official booklet is allowed in exams.
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