This book is devoted to efficient pairing computations and implementations useful tools for cryptographers working on topics like identity-based cryptography and the simplification of existing protocols like signature schemes. As well as exploring the basic mathematical background of finite fields and elliptic curves Guide to Pairing-Based Cryptography offers an overview of the most recent developments in optimizations for pairing implementation. Each chapter includes a presentation of the problem it discusses the mathematical formulation a discussion of implementation issues solutions accompanied by code or pseudocode several numerical results and references to further reading and notes. Intended as a self-contained handbook this book is an invaluable resource for computer scientists applied mathematicians and security professionals interested in cryptography.