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Introduction from our Director of Learning

The creators of the first actuarial Formula and Tables for exams in 1877 could hardly have imagined how much their publication would evolve and expand. We now take pleasure in releasing the eighth edition, 148 years later. 

Advances in computational technology have reduced the need for compound interest tables and rendered life insurance related commutation functions irrelevant. However, the central function of providing core statistical formulae and tables as well as mortality and other decrement tables has remained unchanged. This function has expanded with the growing reach of the profession.

While many sections of the 2025 edition remain unchanged from the 2002 edition, some sections have been removed as they are no longer examined. The mortality and other decrement tables have been updated to reflect changing experience, based on the excellent work done by the Continuous Mortality Investigation Team.

While few will find this book exciting bedside reading, it fulfils an essential function in the development of the next generation of actuaries. By providing both useful formulae and important tables, it enables students to develop the problem solving and statistical reasoning essential in the development of actuarial skills.

Most actuaries will recall the edition of the Formulae and Tables they relied on during their studies. More senior members remember the 1952 blue edition with the loose grey cover. Slightly younger members remember the 1982 green edition and, since the early years of the 21st century, the orange edition. 

From 2026 students will engross themselves in this new red edition. I am confident it will serve as a valuable resource as they develop into the profession’s future leaders in the decades ahead.

I would like to thank ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿â€™s Curriculum Team, our staff actuaries, the Continuous Mortality Investigation Team, and everyone else who has contributed to this important resource.

Mike McDougall
Director of Learning