GRE Quantitative Reasoning Scores

The GRE consists of five scored sections: one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections, and two Quantitative Reasoning sections. There are no unscored or experimental sections on the GRE, and you receive several scores, including:

  • An Analytical Writing score (scored separately from Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning)
  • A Verbal Reasoning score
  • A Quantitative Reasoning score
  • A Total score that is the combination of your Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores

Quantitative Reasoning scores range from 130-170, and your Total GRE score will range from 260-340. You do not lose points for incorrect answers on the GRE; instead, you receive points for selecting the correct answer to a problem.

Computer Adaptation and Quantitative Reasoning Scores

The GRE is computer adaptive at the section level. This means that how you perform on your first Quantitative Reasoning section determines the difficulty level of the questions you will receive on your second section. If you perform well on the first Quantitative Reasoning section, you will be asked more difficult questions on your second section. Alternatively, if you perform poorly on the first Quantitative Reasoning section, you will be given less challenging questions on your second section. The GRE maintains a large pool of questions to choose from, allowing the test to be customized to the individual test-taker based on the questions they answer correctly and incorrectly.

Some test-takers may believe they should intentionally perform poorly on the first Quantitative Reasoning section in order to receive easier questions on the second section. According to test prep professionals, however, this is a mistake because the exam’s algorithm takes into account the difficulty level of a section when determining your score, not just whether you answered a question correctly. This means that more difficult questions may be worth more points, which is why you should do your best to answer every single question correctly on both Quantitative Reasoning sections.

What is Considered a “Good” Quantitative Reasoning Score?

There is much debate online about what constitutes a “good” Quantitative Reasoning score. The general rule of thumb is that a score at or above the 75th percentile is considered “good,” which for Quantitative Reasoning means a score of 167 or higher.

Ultimately, though, the definition of a “good” score depends a lot on the particular academic programs to which you are applying. For the most competitive programs, a “good” Quantitative Reasoning score starts at the 90th percentile, which is a score of 170.

There are also notable differences in GRE scores depending on the type of program you are applying to. Among students applying to leading business programs, Quantitative Reasoning scores ranged between 161 and 168 for the 2024-2025 year. Graduate programs focusing on life sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences tend to place a greater emphasis on higher Quantitative Reasoning scores, whereas graduate programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences tend to place more importance on higher Verbal Reasoning scores.

The best way to understand what a “good” Quantitative Reasoning score means for you is to do your research. Start by looking up the GRE scores for the programs you wish to attend; a quick online search will show you the average Quantitative Reasoning score attained by accepted students in a particular program, as well as the 25th and 75th percentile scores.

You may also wish to email the programs you are interested in attending directly. Share that you are a prospective student and provide some background information about yourself; they may respond with answers to your questions or connect you with a current student who can provide additional information. This can give you a better idea of what is expected from potential students, including the emphasis placed on Quantitative Reasoning scores and what are considered “good” or “competitive” scores.

Once you have a score goal in mind for the Quantitative Reasoning sections, it’s a good idea to take a practice GRE to determine how far you are from your target score. Then you can decide the best option for improving your score, which may be reading test-focused material, enrolling in a group course, or engaging the services of a private tutor. At Manhattan Review, we offer several Quantitative Reasoning guidebooks intended to help you understand the types of questions you will be asked, as well as how to effectively solve them. These books include GRE Math Essentials, GRE Number Properties, GRE Arithmetics, GRE Algebra, GRE Geometry, GRE Word Problems, GRE Combinatorics & Probability, and GRE Statistics & Data Interpretation.

Manhattan Review also offers in-person and online group prep courses where instructors lead the class through structured, comprehensive GRE preparation. And for students who prefer to work one-on-one with a test prep professional, we offer in-person or online private tutoring programs that are customized to your specific test-taking needs.

When and How are Scores Received? 

The GRE can be taken in a test center or remotely at home on a computer. Regardless of where you take the test, the process of receiving your scores is the same. When you complete the test, you will receive your unofficial test scores. While you cannot really do anything with these scores, they are important in that they let you know how you performed and if you need to do more studying and take the exam again in order to achieve your target score or scores.

Official GRE scores are typically received within 8-10 days of completing the GRE. You will be notified via email when your scores are ready, and you can access them directly through your ETS account. If you already selected the programs you want your scores sent to, there is nothing else you need to do. If you did not select the programs you want your scores sent to when you took the GRE, you can select those programs once you receive your official scores.

Conclusion

Quantitative Reasoning questions account for two of the four multiple-choice sections of the GRE, and these are often the questions that give test-takers the greatest anxiety, as they are undisputably difficult. But like any standardized exam, the GRE (and Quantitative Reasoning sections, in particular) can be mastered through focused and consistent study. There are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the Quantitative Reasoning sections:

  1. Do your research. Know the average scores accepted by the programs you most wish to attend. Read everything you can about these programs online, then consider sending an email to the admissions department for additional information. Remember to be polite and express your appreciation for an admission officer’s time and assistance.
  2. Set your target score. Once you’ve done your research, identify the Quantitative Reasoning score you need to achieve to be considered a competitive applicant at your top programs. What constitutes a “competitive” Quantitative Reasoning score will vary depending on the program you are applying to, as well as the specific discipline: programs with a stronger focus on math and science will generally expect higher Quantitative Reasoning than Verbal Reasoning scores, while programs focused on the arts, humanities, or social sciences tend to favor candidates with higher Verbal Reasoning than Quantitative Reasoning scores.
  3. Take a practice test. Take a practice GRE test and determine how far you are from your target Quantitative Reasoning score.
  4. Determine the best test prep for you. There is no shortage of resources that can help you prepare for the GRE; the key is making sure you are working with reputable, professional materials and instructors. If you enjoy learning in the company of others, a structured group prep course may work best for you. If you prefer to learn at your own pace and want to focus on specific aspects of Quantitative Reasoning questions, you might do best working with a private tutor who can customize a study program just for you.

Whatever you decide, it is important to be consistent with your study schedule and to make sure you frequently take additional practice tests to measure your growth until you are regularly achieving the Quantitative Reasoning score you need to be accepted by your top program.

Fill out Info Request