GMAT Scoring System
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The GMAT uses a computer-adaptive testing (CAT) format for the Quantitative and Verbal sections. This means the difficulty level of each question changes based on your performance in previous questions.
Your total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800 and is derived from your Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning scores. Other sections, like Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Integrated Reasoning (IR), have separate scoring scales.
Section | Score Range | Score Increments |
Quantitative Reasoning | 6 – 51 | 1-point increments |
Verbal Reasoning | 6 – 51 | 1-point increments |
Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 1 – 8 | 1-point increments |
Analytical Writing Assessment | 0 – 6 | 0.5-point increments |
Total GMAT Score | 200 – 800 | 10-point increments |
GMAT Scoring Breakdown by Section
a. Quantitative Reasoning (6–51)
- Purpose: Tests problem-solving and data sufficiency skills.
- Questions: 31 questions in 62 minutes.
- Scoring: Based on the number of correct answers, difficulty level, and consistency.
- Weight in Total Score: Combined with Verbal to form the 200–800 score.
b. Verbal Reasoning (6–51)
- Purpose: Measures reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammar usage.
- Questions: 36 questions in 65 minutes.
- Scoring: Like Quant, it’s computer-adaptive and considers difficulty level and accuracy.
c. Integrated Reasoning (1–8)
- Purpose: Tests data interpretation skills across multiple formats (tables, graphs, text).
- Questions: 12 questions in 30 minutes.
- Scoring: Scored separately; not included in the 200–800 total.
d. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) (0–6)
- Purpose: Evaluates your ability to present a clear, logical argument.
- Task: Write an essay analyzing an argument in 30 minutes.
- Scoring: Two ratings — one by a human examiner and one by an AI-based system — averaged to form the final score.
How the GMAT Adaptive Scoring Works
In the Quantitative and Verbal sections, the first question is of medium difficulty. Based on your performance:
- Correct answers lead to more challenging questions.
- Incorrect answers lead to easier questions.
Your final score depends on:
- Number of questions answered correctly
- Difficulty level of questions
- Consistency in performance
Since it’s adaptive, you cannot skip or go back to previous questions.
Total GMAT Score Calculation (200–800)
Your total score is not a simple sum of Quant and Verbal raw scores. Instead:
- Each raw score (6–51) is converted into a scaled score.
- These scaled scores are then combined using GMAC’s proprietary algorithm to produce the 200–800 total score.
Example:
- Quantitative score: 47
- Verbal score: 40
- Combined total: 710 (approximate, depending on score mapping tables)
What Is a Good GMAT Score?
A “good” score depends on your target business schools. According to GMAC:
- Average GMAT score: ~ 565
- Competitive MBA programs: 650+
- Top-tier programs: 700+
Percentiles:
GMAT scores are also represented as percentiles, indicating how you rank compared to other test takers.
- 760+ = 99th percentile
- 700 = ~88th percentile
- 650 = ~73rd percentile
GMAT Percentiles vs. Scaled Scores
Percentiles change slightly each year based on test-taker performance. Higher scores place you in higher percentiles, signaling stronger performance compared to peers.
Sample Percentile Chart (Approximate):
Total Score | Percentile |
760–800 | 99% |
730 | 96% |
700 | 88% |
650 | 73% |
600 | 54% |
550 | 37% |
How Business Schools View Your GMAT Scores
Business schools consider:
- Total Score (200–800): Most important metric.
- Section Scores: Especially Quant, for programs with heavy analytical focus.
- AWA & IR Scores: While not part of the total, they can highlight writing and analytical skills.
- Percentiles: Helpful in comparing applicants.
Tip: Even if a school publishes only average total scores, high IR and AWA scores can strengthen your application.
GMAT Score Validity & Retakes
- Validity: GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.
- Retakes: You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period and a maximum of 8 times in your lifetime.
- Waiting Period: Minimum of 16 days between attempts.
Improving Your GMAT Score
Since the test is adaptive:
- Focus on early questions: They have a stronger impact on your final score.
- Aim for consistency: Avoid long strings of incorrect answers.
- Strengthen weak areas: A balanced Quant and Verbal score maximizes total score potential.
Key Takeaways
- GMAT total scores range from 200–800 and come from Quant and Verbal sections.
- AWA and IR are scored separately.
- The test is computer-adaptive, adjusting question difficulty as you go.
- Top MBA programs often expect scores of 700+, but requirements vary.
- Scores remain valid for 5 years, giving you flexibility in applications.
