The GMAT Data Insights section is one of the most innovative parts of the GMAT exam and a key differentiator in today’s data-driven business environment. Designed to measure how well you can analyze, interpret, and apply data to solve real-world business problems, this section plays a vital role in showcasing your readiness for modern MBA programs.
With the increasing importance of data literacy in global business, admissions committees value applicants who can demonstrate strong analytical reasoning and the ability to work with complex information. The Data Insights section does exactly that. It includes a mix of question types drawn from both Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question formats, offering a practical evaluation of your digital and data fluency.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the GMAT Data Insights section—from question formats and timing to expert tips, strategies, and sample questions with solutions. Whether you’re just starting your GMAT preparation or looking to boost your performance in this section, this guide will help you build confidence and master the skills needed to excel.
What is the Data Insights Section on the GMAT?
The Data Insights section is a 45-minute segment of the GMAT exam that evaluates your ability to use data to make informed decisions. As business problems become more complex and data-intensive, this section helps test your readiness to thrive in MBA classrooms and real-world business scenarios.
Key Facts:
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Total Questions: 20
- Question Types:
- Data Sufficiency (DS)
- Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)
- Table Analysis (TA)
- Graphics Interpretation (GI)
- Two-Part Analysis (TPA)
- Scoring Range: 60–90
- Adaptive: No (Unlike Quant and Verbal, this section is not computer-adaptive)
What It Tests:
- Your ability to interpret and evaluate data in various formats (charts, graphs, tables, etc.)
- How effectively you integrate information from multiple sources
- Your logical reasoning and critical thinking
- Digital literacy and business decision-making using data
GMAC defines this section as one that measures a newly calibrated digital and data literacy dimension, making it a highly practical and future-ready component of the GMAT.
In the next section, we’ll break down each of the five Data Insights question types so you know exactly what to expect on test day.
GMAT Data Insights Question Types (with Examples)
1. Data Sufficiency (DS)
What It Tests:
Your ability to assess whether provided data is sufficient to answer a question, without necessarily solving it.
Structure:
You’re given a question followed by two statements. You must decide whether the information in the statements is enough to answer the question.
Answer choices are always the same: A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
C. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
D. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.
Example:
Is x > 0?
(1) x² > 0
(2) x³ > 0
In this case, the correct answer would be (2) ALONE is sufficient.
2. Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)
What It Tests:
Your ability to pull relevant info from multiple tabs or sources to answer multiple questions.
Structure:
- Tabs with emails, reports, charts, etc.
- 2–3 questions per set
- You need to compare, contrast, and infer from different pieces of info
Example:
You may get an email from a manager in one tab, and a graph of product returns in another. Then you’ll be asked to determine if a statement is true, false, or uncertain based on both sources.
3. Table Analysis (TA)
What It Tests:
Your ability to interpret data organized in a sortable table and answer yes/no or true/false questions.
Structure:
- A spreadsheet-style table
- Sortable by columns
- 3 questions, each with multiple statements to evaluate as “Yes” or “No”
Example:
You’re shown sales data for various stores. You’ll be asked whether specific statements about profit margins, inventory levels, or sales trends are true or not based on the table.
4. Graphics Interpretation (GI)
What It Tests:
Your ability to read and interpret visual data representations like bar graphs, pie charts, and scatter plots.
Structure:
- A graph or chart
- Fill-in-the-blank style questions with drop-down options
Example:
A graph shows quarterly sales trends. You may be asked:
_”In Q3, sales increased by __% compared to Q2.”
with options in a drop-down.
5. Two-Part Analysis (TPA)
What It Tests:
Your ability to solve complex problems that have two related components.
Structure:
- A passage or prompt
- A table with two columns to fill in – one for each part of the question
- Same five options for both parts, but you can choose a different one for each
Example:
A company’s revenue is calculated based on product A and product B. What is the optimal price and quantity to maximize profit?
You’ll select one answer per column to complete the analysis.
These five question types test a mix of verbal, quantitative, and reasoning skills – all under a data-focused lens. In the next section, we’ll look at strategies to help you ace the Data Insights section of the GMAT.
Tips to Master the GMAT Data Insights Section
The GMAT Data Insights section can feel intense at first — especially with its data-heavy and multi-layered question types. But with the right approach, you can turn it into one of your strengths. Here are some proven tips to help you master this section:
1. Understand the Question Before Looking at the Data
Don’t jump straight into the table, graph, or email. Instead, read the actual question first so you know what to look for. This saves time and prevents you from getting overwhelmed by irrelevant details.
2. Practice Mental Elimination for Data Sufficiency
You don’t always have to calculate the final answer. In Data Sufficiency, your job is to judge whether the information is enough — not what the answer is. Learn to think in terms of sufficiency, not solution.
3. Get Comfortable Navigating Tabs in MSR
Multi-Source Reasoning questions often trip people up due to the format. Practice switching between sources quickly and efficiently. Skim the sources before you answer, so you know where key info is.
4. Sort the Table Logically
For Table Analysis questions, sort the columns strategically to identify patterns or extremes (like highest revenue, lowest cost, etc.). Use the sorting feature to eliminate the need for manual scanning.
5. Look for Trends in Graphics
In Graphics Interpretation, focus on direction and comparison — Is something increasing? Which value is the highest or lowest? You don’t need exact numbers unless the question demands it.
6. Use Strategic Guessing in Two-Part Analysis
If you’re stuck, work backward using answer choices. Plug them in logically and eliminate unlikely combinations — it’s often faster than trying to calculate from scratch.
7. Don’t Get Stuck – Move On
Each question in this section is worth the same, so don’t burn too much time on one. If you’re stuck, make your best guess and move on — you can’t revisit questions once submitted.
8. Sharpen Your Reading and Critical Thinking
The Data Insights section isn’t just about numbers — it blends reading comprehension with analytical thinking. Strengthen both skills with daily practice using real-world charts, tables, and editorial articles.
9. Use Official Practice Questions
GMAC’s official practice tools give you the most realistic experience. Focus on the Data Insights question bank to get familiar with the exact format and question style.
GMAT Data Insights Study Plan (4 Weeks)
This 4-week plan is structured to gradually build your conceptual understanding, application ability, and test-taking speed for the Data Insights section.
Week 1: Build Core Understanding
✅ Focus Areas:
- Understand all 5 question types:
- Data Sufficiency
- Multi-Source Reasoning
- Table Analysis
- Graphics Interpretation
- Two-Part Analysis
✅ Actions:
- Spend 1 day on each question type to learn the format.
- Watch concept videos (use GMAT Official Guide or platforms like e-GMAT, Target Test Prep).
- Practice 10–15 beginner-level questions/day.
Week 2: Focused Practice by Question Type
✅ Focus Areas:
- Deep-dive into the logic behind each type.
- Identify which types are most challenging.
✅ Actions:
- Solve 10–12 questions per day by topic.
- Analyze mistakes: Was it a misread? A logic flaw? Time management issue?
- Use GMAT Club or Manhattan Prep forums for explanations.
Week 3: Mixed Practice & Strategy Building
✅ Focus Areas:
- Practice under timed conditions.
- Learn strategic skipping and pacing.
✅ Actions:
- Mix up question types (as in the real exam).
- Simulate 45-minute Data Insights sections 2–3 times.
- Review answer patterns and log errors.
Week 4: Mock Tests and Final Polishing
✅ Focus Areas:
- Sharpen timing and stamina.
- Identify last-minute gaps.
✅ Actions:
- Take 2–3 full-length mock tests (GMAT Official Prep).
- Focus revision on weakest areas.
- Practice with graphs, tables, real-world business articles to train your “data muscle.”
Recommended Resources
| Resource | Use For |
|---|---|
| GMAT Official Guide | Realistic practice questions |
| GMAT Official Practice Exams | Full-length test simulation |
| GMAT Club DI Forum | Community explanations & Q&A |
| Economist / WSJ data charts | Build real-world chart reading skills |
Sample GMAT Data Insights Questions with Solutions
1. Data Sufficiency (DS)
Question:
Is x>5x > 5x>5?
Statement 1: x2>25x^2 > 25×2>25
Statement 2: x>0x > 0x>0
Solution:
- From Statement 1:
x2>25x^2 > 25×2>25 ⇒ x>5x > 5x>5 or x<−5x < -5x<−5 → Not sufficient (could be either). - From Statement 2:
x>0x > 0x>0 ⇒ Not sufficient (x could be any positive number, including less than 5). - Combine:
From (1), x is either >5 or < -5. From (2), x > 0. Together → x > 5. ✅
Answer: C (Both statements together are sufficient).
2. Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)
Question:
Refer to two tabs:
- Tab 1 (Sales Report): Shows monthly sales of Products A, B, C.
- Tab 2 (Marketing Spend): Lists how much was spent marketing each product.
Prompt:
Was Product B the most cost-efficient (sales per dollar of marketing) in Q1?
Solution Approach:
- Pull Q1 sales data and marketing spend for Product A, B, and C from both tabs.
- Calculate:
Efficiency = Total Sales / Total Marketing - Compare values for A, B, and C.
✅ MSR questions test how well you can navigate between tabs and synthesize information.
3. Table Analysis (TA)
Prompt:
You are given a sortable table showing revenue, cost, and profit margins for 15 products.
Question:
Select Yes if the statement is supported by the data. Otherwise, select No.
Statement:
“All products with profit margins above 20% had revenue greater than $100,000.”
Solution:
- Sort table by profit margin.
- Check all products with >20% margin → Is revenue >$100,000 for each?
✅ This tests data filtering and logical analysis.
4. Graphics Interpretation (GI)
Prompt:
You are shown a bar graph of monthly customer satisfaction scores (out of 100) for 6 months.
Question:
If the company wants a 6-month average score of at least 85, what minimum score must they get in the 6th month if the average of the first 5 is 83?
Solution:
Target: Total of 6 months = 6 × 85 = 510
Sum of 5 months = 5 × 83 = 415
Required score in 6th month = 510 – 415 = 95
Answer: 95
✅ GI questions require interpretation, calculation, and visual reasoning.
5. Two-Part Analysis (TPA)
Question Prompt:
A company is hiring a marketing manager and a financial analyst. The marketing manager must have at least 3 years of experience, and the analyst must be under 30 years old.
Choices (Two Columns):
Which candidate is qualified for each role?
| Candidate | Marketing | Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| Alice | 4 years, Age 28 | ✓ |
| Bob | 2 years, Age 26 | ✗ |
✅ Select “✓” or “✗” in each column per candidate.
Answer: Alice: ✓✓, Bob: ✗✓
✅ TPA evaluates logical reasoning and dual-constraint decision-making.
Final Thoughts
The GMAT Data Insights section is a powerful indicator of your ability to interpret, analyze, and apply data—skills that are increasingly essential in today’s data-driven business environment. While it may seem challenging at first, a methodical approach to preparation can go a long way in helping you master this section.
Focus on understanding question formats like Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, and Table Analysis. Practice solving problems using actual data sets and develop a habit of drawing insights quickly under timed conditions.
Remember, excelling in the Data Insights section doesn’t just improve your GMAT score—it also showcases your readiness for real-world MBA coursework and leadership roles where analytical thinking is key.
Take the time to build your data literacy, sharpen your reasoning skills, and you’ll be well on your way to a strong performance on test day.
FAQs about the GMAT Data Insights Section
1. What is tested in the GMAT Data Insights section?
The GMAT Data Insights section tests your ability to interpret data from various formats—graphs, tables, and text—and apply logical reasoning to answer questions. It covers question types like Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.
2. How many questions are there in the Data Insights section?
There are 20 questions in the Data Insights section, and you have 45 minutes to complete them.
3. Is a calculator allowed in the Data Insights section?
Yes, the GMAT provides an on-screen calculator for use in the Data Insights section only. You cannot use it in the Quant section.
4. What skills do I need to perform well in this section?
You need strong data literacy, logical reasoning, and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources. Understanding charts, evaluating statements, and drawing conclusions based on data are essential.
5. How is the Data Insights section scored?
Your performance in the Data Insights section contributes to your Total GMAT score (ranging from 205 to 805), along with your scores in Quant and Verbal. You also get an individual Data Insights scaled score from 60 to 90.
6. How can I prepare for the Data Insights section effectively?
Practice with official GMAT materials and tools that simulate real exam questions. Work on your speed and accuracy by solving different data formats, and review each question to understand your mistakes.
7. Is Data Sufficiency part of the Quant section?
No, in the new GMAT, Data Sufficiency is now part of the Data Insights section, not the Quantitative section.
8. Does the Data Insights section include Integrated Reasoning questions?
Yes. The question types like Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, and Graphics Interpretation originally appeared in the Integrated Reasoning section of the previous GMAT format and are now part of Data Insights.
