Your GMAT score is one of the most important metrics in your MBA application. It helps business schools evaluate your readiness for the academic rigor of their programs. But more than just a number, your GMAT score comes with a percentile ranking that shows how you compare to other test-takers worldwide.
With the GMAT now updated and streamlined, understanding how scores are calculated—and what they mean—has become more critical than ever. This article breaks down the latest GMAT scores and percentiles, using data from 2019 to 2024 based on a sample size of nearly 600,000 test-takers. We’ll also explain the score ranges for each section, what contributes to your total score, and how to interpret your performance using percentile rankings.
Whether you’re targeting a top 10 MBA program or just trying to improve your GMAT performance, this guide will help you understand what a good GMAT score looks like and how to use your percentile ranking to benchmark your results.
GMAT Scoring System Explained
The current GMAT consists of three core sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is individually scored on a scale of 60 to 90. These scores are then combined to calculate your Total GMAT Score, which ranges from 205 to 805, in 10-point increments.
GMAT Section-Wise Format and Score Range
| Section | Scaled Score Range | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60–90 | 21 | 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60–90 | 23 | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 60–90 | 20 | 45 minutes |
| Total GMAT Score | 205–805 | 64 | 2 hours 15 mins |
Understanding GMAT Scores
- Each section is scored separately and contributes to your Total GMAT Score through a proprietary algorithm. The final score is not a simple average but a reflection of your overall performance across sections.
- The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, which means the difficulty level adjusts based on your performance as you move through each section.
- The Total GMAT Score is accompanied by a GMAT percentile, which shows what percentage of test-takers you outperformed. For example, a score in the 88th percentile means you scored better than 88% of all GMAT candidates.
- The GMAT no longer includes an Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), and the previous Integrated Reasoning section has been merged into the new Data Insights section.
Understanding both your GMAT score and GMAT percentile ranking is key to setting the right goals and evaluating your competitiveness for your target business schools.
GMAT Section-Wise Scoring Breakdown
Each section of the GMAT—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—is scored on a scale of 60 to 90. These section scores are then used to calculate your Total GMAT Score, which ranges from 205 to 805 in 10-point increments.
Let’s break down how each section is scored and how your GMAT percentile ranks correspond to your score based on the latest official data (sample size: 596,155; data period: 2019–2024).
Total GMAT Score: 205–805
The Total GMAT Score is based on your performance across all three sections. Here’s the full GMAT score-to-percentile table:
| Score | Percentile | Score | Percentile | Score | Percentile |
| 805 | 100% | 715 | 99% | 625 | 69% |
| 795 | 100% | 705 | 98% | 615 | 62% |
| 785 | 100% | 695 | 98% | 605 | 59% |
| 775 | 100% | 685 | 96% | 595 | 52% |
| 765 | 100% | 675 | 95% | 585 | 49% |
| 755 | 100% | 665 | 93% | 575 | 43% |
| 745 | 100% | 655 | 91% | 565 | 40% |
| 735 | 100% | 645 | 88% | 555 | 35% |
| 725 | 99% | 635 | 83% | 545 | 32% |
| 725 | 99% | 635 | 83% | 535 | 28% |
| 525 | 25% | 465 | 9% | 405 | 4% |
| 515 | 22% | 455 | 8% | 395 | 3% |
| 505 | 20% | 445 | 7% | 385 | 3% |
| 495 | 17% | 435 | 6% | 375 | 2% |
| 485 | 15% | 425 | 5% | 365 | 2% |
| 475 | 12% | 415 | 4% | 355 | 2% |
| 465 | 11% | 405 | 3% | 345 | 1% |
| 335 | 1% | 275 | 0% | 205 | 0% |
- Mean Score: 553.35
- Standard Deviation: 88.53
A score of 645+ places you in the top 12% of all test-takers globally.
Quantitative Reasoning: 60–90
This section tests your ability to solve mathematical problems using arithmetic, algebra, and logical reasoning.
| Score | Percentile | Score | Percentile |
| 90 | 100% | 75 | 32% |
| 89 | 97% | 74 | 26% |
| 88 | 95% | 73 | 22% |
| 87 | 94% | 72 | 19% |
| 86 | 91% | 71 | 15% |
| 85 | 88% | 70 | 12% |
| 84 | 85% | 69 | 10% |
| 83 | 81% | 68 | 8% |
| 82 | 76% | 67 | 6% |
| 81 | 70% | 66 | 4% |
| 80 | 64% | 65 | 3% |
| 79 | 57% | 64 | 2% |
| 78 | 50% | 63 | 2% |
| 77 | 43% | 62 | 1% |
| 76 | 37% | 61 | 1% |
| 60 | 1% |
- Mean Score: 78.05
- Standard Deviation: 6.25
Verbal Reasoning: 60–90
This section evaluates your ability to understand written material and reason through arguments and passages.
| Score | Percentile | Score | Percentile |
| 90 | 100% | 75 | 32% |
| 89 | 97% | 74 | 26% |
| 88 | 95% | 73 | 22% |
| 87 | 94% | 72 | 19% |
| 86 | 91% | 71 | 15% |
| 85 | 88% | 70 | 12% |
| 84 | 85% | 69 | 10% |
| 83 | 81% | 68 | 8% |
| 82 | 76% | 67 | 6% |
| 81 | 70% | 66 | 4% |
| 80 | 64% | 65 | 3% |
| 79 | 57% | 64 | 2% |
| 78 | 50% | 63 | 2% |
| 77 | 43% | 62 | 1% |
| 76 | 37% | 61 | 1% |
| 60 | 1% |
- Mean Score: 78.05
- Standard Deviation: 6.25
Data Insights: 60–90
This section tests your ability to evaluate data from multiple sources and apply quantitative logic to decision-making scenarios.
| Score | Percentile | Score | Percentile |
| 90 | 100% | 75 | 48% |
| 89 | 100% | 74 | 42% |
| 88 | 99% | 73 | 36% |
| 87 | 99% | 72 | 31% |
| 86 | 99% | 71 | 26% |
| 85 | 98% | 70 | 21% |
| 84 | 97% | 69 | 18% |
| 83 | 96% | 68 | 15% |
| 82 | 93% | 67 | 12% |
| 81 | 89% | 66 | 10% |
| 80 | 84% | 65 | 8% |
| 79 | 77% | 64 | 7% |
| 78 | 70% | 63 | 6% |
| 77 | 63% | 62 | 5% |
| 76 | 54% | 61 | 4% |
| 60 | 4% |
- Mean Score: 74.89
- Standard Deviation: 6.03
Each of these sections holds equal weight in your overall performance. Together, your section scores and percentile rankings give schools a detailed picture of your strengths and readiness for business school.
What is a Good GMAT Score?
A “good” GMAT score depends on your target business schools and your overall application profile. However, understanding GMAT scores in the context of percentile rankings helps set realistic benchmarks and competitive goals.
Let’s explore what qualifies as a good GMAT score and how schools interpret your results.
How Schools View GMAT Scores
Most business schools evaluate:
- Your total GMAT score
- Sectional balance (no weak areas)
- Percentile ranking to assess your performance relative to others
For top-tier MBA programs, scoring above the 88th percentile (645 or higher) can significantly strengthen your application.
GMAT Score Ranges and Competitiveness
| GMAT Score | Percentile | Competitiveness |
| 725–805 | 99–100% | Outstanding (Top 1%) |
| 685–715 | 96–98% | Very strong |
| 645–675 | 88–95% | Competitive for top 20 |
| 605–635 | 69–83% | Solid, above average |
| 565–595 | 43–62% | Average |
| 525–555 | 28–40% | Below average |
| Below 525 | <25% | Uncompetitive for top 50 |
GMAT Scores at Top Business Schools
Here’s a snapshot of average GMAT scores at leading MBA programs:
| School | Average GMAT Score |
| Stanford GSB | 738 (Classic GMAT) |
| Harvard Business School | 730 |
| Wharton (UPenn) | 728 |
| Chicago Booth | 729 |
| Northwestern Kellogg | 728 |
| MIT Sloan | 730 |
| Columbia Business School | 729 |
| INSEAD | 710 |
| London Business School | 708 |
Note: While these scores are based on the earlier 200–800 scale, the percentile benchmarks remain consistent with the new 205–805 GMAT scoring system.
Balanced Scores Matter
Admissions committees prefer applicants who demonstrate strength across all three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. A spike in one section with significantly lower scores in others can raise concerns about your academic readiness or communication skills.
What Score Should You Aim For?
- Target schools in the M7 or Top 10? Aim for 685+ (96th percentile or higher)
- Applying to top 20–30 schools? A score in the 645–675 range (88–95th percentile) is usually competitive
- Applying to mid-tier programs or specialized master’s? Scores in the 605–635 range (above 70th percentile) may suffice if supported by a strong profile
In the end, a good GMAT score is the one that matches or exceeds your target school’s average and complements your overall application. Admissions decisions are holistic, but your GMAT score remains a key academic benchmark.
How to Interpret Your GMAT Score Report
Once you complete the GMAT, you’ll receive a detailed GMAT score report that includes both your sectional scores and Total GMAT Score, along with corresponding percentile rankings. Understanding how to read this report is essential for evaluating your performance and planning next steps—whether that means applying to schools or retaking the exam.
What Your GMAT Score Report Includes
- Total GMAT Score (205–805)
- A composite score based on your performance across the Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights sections.
- Reported in 10-point increments.
- Comes with a percentile ranking, showing how your score compares to others.
- A composite score based on your performance across the Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights sections.
- Sectional Scores (60–90 each)
- Separate scores for:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Each includes a percentile, indicating your relative strength in each area.
- Separate scores for:
- Percentile Rankings
- Percentiles are based on data from the past three years (currently 2019–2024).
- They show the percentage of test-takers you outperformed.
- For example, a score of 645 corresponds to the 88th percentile, meaning you scored better than 88% of test-takers.
- Percentiles are based on data from the past three years (currently 2019–2024).
- Score Validity
- GMAT scores are valid for five years.
- You can view your scores and send them to schools anytime within this window.
- GMAT scores are valid for five years.
Unofficial vs Official GMAT Scores
- Unofficial Score Report
- Shown immediately after your exam ends on the test screen.
- Includes all section scores and your total score (excluding percentile data).
- Useful for early decision-making or planning school submissions.
- Shown immediately after your exam ends on the test screen.
- Official Score Report
- Available online within 7 calendar days via your GMAC account.
- Includes full percentile rankings, score history, and the ability to send scores to schools.
- Available online within 7 calendar days via your GMAC account.
Score Reporting and Retakes
- You can send your GMAT scores to 5 schools for free, either before or immediately after the test.
- You can retake the GMAT up to 5 times in a 12-month period, and up to 8 times total.
- Schools typically see only the scores you choose to send unless you send all scores explicitly.
Tip: If you’ve taken the test multiple times, some schools look at your highest score, others may consider the most recent, and a few even look at score trends—so plan accordingly.
Canceling or Reinstating Scores
- After viewing your unofficial GMAT score, you can cancel it immediately if you’re not satisfied.
- If you change your mind, you can reinstate the score within 4 years and 11 months, for a fee.
Your GMAT score report is more than a number—it’s a snapshot of your analytical, verbal, and data reasoning abilities. Business schools use it as an academic indicator, especially when evaluating candidates from diverse educational or professional backgrounds.
GMAT Score FAQs
1. How is the GMAT scored?
The GMAT is scored based on your performance in three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is scored on a scale of 60 to 90, and these scores are combined algorithmically to give you a Total GMAT Score ranging from 205 to 805. Your GMAT percentile shows how you performed relative to other test-takers worldwide.
2. What GMAT score do I need for top business schools?
Top business schools typically expect scores in the 685–725+ range, which corresponds to the 96th percentile and above. However, GMAT expectations vary by school, and admissions committees review your full profile—including work experience, essays, and recommendations.
3. How do percentiles work on the GMAT?
A GMAT percentile ranking tells you the percentage of test-takers you outperformed. For example, if your score is in the 88th percentile, you scored higher than 88% of test-takers. Percentiles are updated annually and based on data from the last three years (currently 2019–2024).
4. How long are GMAT scores valid?
Your GMAT scores are valid for five years from the test date. You can send them to business schools anytime within this period.
5. Can I cancel my GMAT score if I’m not happy with it?
Yes. You can cancel your score immediately after completing the test if you’re not satisfied. You can also reinstate a canceled score within 4 years and 11 months, for a fee, via your GMAC account.
6. Will business schools see all of my GMAT attempts?
Only if you choose to send all of them. By default, schools only see the scores you choose to report. You can take the GMAT up to five times in a 12-month period, and eight times total.
7. Does the GMAT include an essay or sentence correction questions?
No. The current GMAT no longer includes the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) or Sentence Correction. Instead, it focuses entirely on reasoning-based questions across Quant, Verbal, and the newly added Data Insights section.
8. Are all three sections equally important in the GMAT score?
Yes. All three sections—Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights—are equally weighted when calculating your Total GMAT Score. Strong performance in one section cannot fully compensate for a weak performance in another, so balanced preparation is key.
9. Can I use a calculator on the GMAT?
You can only use an on-screen calculator during the Data Insights section. Calculators are not allowed in the Quantitative or Verbal Reasoning sections.
10. What’s more important: my GMAT score or percentile?
Both are important, but percentiles offer better context. A raw score tells you how many points you earned, but your GMAT percentile ranking shows how competitive you are in the applicant pool.
Final Thoughts
Your GMAT score is more than just a number—it’s a signal of your academic readiness, problem-solving ability, and data-driven thinking. But to truly understand where you stand, you also need to look at your GMAT percentile ranking, which puts your score into global perspective.
With the updated GMAT structure and the most recent data from 2019 to 2024, it’s clear that small differences in scores can lead to significant jumps in percentiles. That’s why a balanced approach to all three sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—is crucial.
Whether you’re aiming for a top 10 MBA program or a specialized master’s, a strong GMAT score combined with a competitive percentile can elevate your application. But remember, schools evaluate candidates holistically. Your essays, recommendations, work experience, and academic background matter too.
Use this guide to:
- Set a realistic GMAT score goal based on your target schools
- Benchmark your performance using percentiles, not just raw scores
- Understand how your score report reflects your overall readiness
Keep practicing, stay consistent, and track your progress using full-length mocks and official materials. A high GMAT score is within reach—with the right mindset, prep strategy, and a clear understanding of how the exam is scored.
