GMAT Scores Explained

From score scales to percentiles, we know you have questions about GMAT exam scores—and you should!

Why? Because your GMAT score is important. It helps you to stand out during competitive admissions, demonstrate your readiness for the rigors of business school, and opens doors to more scholarships and funding.

Explore this page to learn everything you need to know about GMAT scoring!

The GMAT Score Scale

The GMAT total score scale ranges from 205 to 805 and is based on your performance on all 3 sections of the exam:

  • Quantitative Reasoning. Measures your algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge and how you apply this knowledge to solve problems.
  • Verbal Reasoning. Measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and to reason and evaluate arguments.
  • Data Insights. Measures your ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios.

Overall, your score is a measure of your problem-solving, critical thinking, and data literacy skills. This means it represents your business aptitude and the skills you need to succeed in a management career.

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Know the Score

Each GMAT score is associated with a percentile ranking, which schools use in their holistic admissions process. 

What are percentile rankings?

Percentile rankings indicate what percentage of test takers you performed better than. For example, a percentile ranking of 75% means that you performed better than 75% of other test takers, and 25% of test takers performed better than you.

Score Ranges

Percentile*

655 - 805

91% - 100%

625 - 645

81% - 88%

605 - 615

72% - 78%

565 - 595

52% - 69%

515 - 555

32% - 49%

435 - 505

11% - 28%

205 - 425

0% - 9%


*Percentile values presented in this table are subject to be updated annually in the third quarter of every year
Score Guide Mock Up

You don't need a perfect score to get your MBA

Admissions committees look at the whole picture—your work experience, leadership potential, career goals, and how you’ll contribute to the program. A strong application can more than make up for a non-perfect test score. Remember, they’re building a diverse, dynamic class, not just admitting test-taking machines.

Click here to view submitted score ranges to schools around the globe.

What are business schools saying about GMAT exam scores?

Michigan Ross

"...the scoring scale has been recalibrated to provide a fairer evaluation of candidates and to help ensure a level playing field for all applicants."

-Andrea McHale, Director of Admissions, Michigan Ross

Duke Fuqua

"As an admissions team, we look forward to receiving GMAT scores as part of our holistic admissions process."

-Shari Hubert, Associate Dean of Admissions, Duke Fuqua

INSEAD

"The skills you build in your preparations will be more relevant to your target program than ever before."

-Virginia Fougea, Global Director of Admissions, INSEAD

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