GMAT Score Chart Explained with an Interactive Table

The GMAT score chart helps you understand how your scores on the Quant and Verbal sections add up to your total score, which can go up to 800 points. It tells you where you need to do better to increase your overall GMAT score.

The way GMAT scores are calculated has changed over time. Getting a high score, like 780, 790, or 800, now requires higher scores in each section because many test-takers have done really well.

How to use GMAT score chart

You can use the chart to figure out how to get your target GMAT score. You pick your desired total score from a list, and the chart shows you the combinations of Verbal and Quant scores that lead to that total.

The chart doesn’t include Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) scores because they don’t affect your total GMAT score.

Using the GMAT Score Chart can help you understand where you're strong and where you need to improve. You might find that even with a low Quant score, your total score is good. On the Quant section, a high percentile isn't necessary for admission. And on the Verbal section, a high percentile might not raise your total score much, especially if many international test-takers score high in Quant and low in Verbal.

So, improving your Verbal score could be the quickest way to raise your total GMAT score, even if your Verbal percentile is high, and your Quant percentile is low. The total score matters most to schools.

However, it's essential to consider the average GMAT score at your chosen MBA program. This gives you an idea of how your score compares to your peers and your chances of getting in. Some demographics may need higher scores to be competitive, while underrepresented groups might have a wider acceptable score range.

What is the GMAT score distribution?

The GMAT score distribution is based on the scores of all test takers. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the average GMAT score is 582.34. This data is based on a sample size of 282098 test takers taken between Jan 2020 and Dec 2022.

The GMAT score range is from 200 to 800, and a score of 730 or higher is generally considered to be a good score. A score of 700 or above is considered to be a competitive score, while a score of 600 - 700 is considered to be a subpar score for most MBA programs. However, different business schools have different average GMAT scores, so it's important to check with the specific schools to which you plan to apply.

The GMAT score distribution can be divided into several categories:

• Below average: scores that fall between 200-450
• Average: scores that fall between 450-650
• Above average: scores that fall between 650-730
• High: scores that fall between 730-800

Here's a breakdown of the GMAT score distribution:

• Approximately 1% of test takers score above 760
• Approximately 13% of test takers score above 700
• Approximately 25% of test takers score between 660 and 700
• Approximately 30% of test takers score between 570 and 660
• Approximately 20% of test takers score between 400 and 570
• Approximately 15% of test takers score below 400

It's important to note that a GMAT score is just one of many factors that admissions committees consider when reviewing applications. Other factors such as work experience, academic record, letters of recommendation, and essays are also important in the application process.

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