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Welcome to the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section, commonly referred to as GRE math. It’s not your average math test. In this post, we’re going to break down all the quirks of the GRE math section, give you the lowdown on what you’ll need to do to score well, and share common mistakes to avoid. You’ll also get plenty of study tips, a breakdown of the different question types, and more!
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Structure of the GRE Math Section
- GRE Quant Question Formats
- Intro to GRE Quant Topics
- The GRE On-Screen Calculator
- Five Tips for Getting a Great GRE Quant Score
- GRE Quantitative Practice Questions
- Managing GRE Quant Difficulty
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Structure of the GRE Math Section
A great place to start is with the overall structure of the quant section of the GRE exam — a structure likely very different from any other you’ve seen.
How many quantitative questions are on the GRE? There are 2 sections with a total of 27 quant questions. The number of questions per section and the time limit per section are fixed. For the first quantitative section, there are 12 math questions and a time limit of 18 minutes. For the second section, there are 15 math questions and a time limit of 26 minutes.
| GRE Quant | # Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | 12 | 18 minutes |
| Section 2 | 15 | 26 minutes |
The GRE quant sections are adaptive, meaning how you do on the first section determines the difficulty level of the second section. If you do poorly on section 1, you’ll get an easier section 2. If you do well on section 1, you’ll get a tougher section 2.
Lastly, in each section, you can move around freely within the section, skipping questions and then returning to them. Being comfortable with this feature is important to scoring well.
TTP PRO TIP:
The GRE Quant sections are adaptive — your performance on the first section determines the difficulty of the second section.
GRE Quant Question Formats
Now that we’ve discussed the GRE math section at a very high level, let’s take a closer look at the question types you’ll encounter.
You’ll need to understand the different ways math concepts are tested. Below are the 4 different question formats that appear on the GRE.
Multiple-Choice Single Answer
This one is pretty straightforward. It’s a quant question followed by 5 answer choices, exactly 1 of which is the correct answer. The majority of questions you’ll see on the GRE math sections are single-answer, multiple-choice. Note that the answer choices won’t be labeled A, B, C, D, or E. Instead, they’ll have round radio buttons. You’ll need to click on the radio button that matches the answer you select.
Quantitative Comparison
In this question type, you have to compare the quantity in one column with the quantity in the other column. Whichever column contains the larger quantity is the correct answer. This question type is unique to the GRE. You might need to give extra attention to learning the logic and reasoning needed to answer these questions, in addition to having the requisite math skills. Learn more about Quantitative Comparison questions.
Multiple-Choice Multiple Answer
As the name implies, there can be more than 1 correct answer. Specifically, you must choose all answers that are correct. Importantly, there’s no partial credit, so you must choose all of the correct answers and none of the incorrect ones. Additionally, this question type does not have round radio buttons for selecting your answers. Instead, the answer choices have square buttons. You’ll have to click on the square buttons that correspond to what you believe are the correct answers.
Numeric Entry
This question type is relatively straightforward. There’s an empty box in which you enter your answer as an integer. For some questions, you may be asked to enter your answer as a fraction. In that case, you’ll be provided 2 answer boxes, 1 for the numerator and 1 for the denominator.
Check out this complete breakdown of the GRE math section for more details.
TTP PRO TIP:
There are 4 different question types on the GRE math section — understanding the distinctions between each is key to mastering the section.
Intro to GRE Quant Topics
It’s important to know the specific math concepts that appear on the GRE Quant section. After all, you don’t need to study trigonometry, which isn’t on the test (I can almost hear your sigh of relief). You will, however, want to study triangle properties, which are frequently tested.
Doing well on GRE math hinges on mastering key math topics. This means understanding the concepts behind these topics, as well as the appropriate strategies.
For a comprehensive detail of GRE math topics and additional resources, visit our GRE Quant Syllabus.
Here’s a chart that breaks down the frequency of GRE math topics in an easy-to-digest format.
The following are the different quant topics you’ll need to know, including a selection of strategies.
Algebra: The Foundation of GRE Quant
A firm grasp of algebra is essential for GRE success. Indeed, algebra appears on nearly every question in some shape or form.
Luckily, the algebra on the GRE is not highly advanced. Still, if you haven’t done any algebra in years, it can be tricky going at first. Quickly gain confidence with these GRE algebra practice questions, including linear and quadratic equations.
While I mentioned the algebra on the GRE is not too advanced, there are still some thorny topics that trip students up. Yes, I’m looking at you, exponent questions with algebra in them. The truth is, these questions are not as hard as they need to be. Master the rules of exponent questions with algebra.
KEY FACT:
The algebra on the GRE is not highly advanced.
Geometry: Visualizing and Solving
Geometry isn’t nearly as common as test takers think, making up somewhere between 15%–20% of the concepts you’ll see on the GRE. Nonetheless, geometry seems to strike fear into many students. This is understandable — seeing an equilateral triangle inscribed in a square, followed closely by a question asking for the x-intercepts of a parabola, can be memorable (but not necessarily in a good way). So you can be forgiven for thinking geometry appears more often than it actually does!
Part of the reason geometry is challenging is that it requires us to visualize and reason about spatial relationships. This simply isn’t a skill that we often exercise. Luckily, it’s a skill that, with a bit of practice, we can readily improve.
Get a comprehensive overview of what you need to know to succeed on the geometry section of the GRE.
There’s another subtopic of geometry that, for many, is more frightening than those dreaded circle problems — coordinate geometry. Learning the coordinate geometry concepts on the test will take a little bit of practice (and patience). But the right resources will make things easier on you. Learn GRE quant formulas such as slopes, intercepts, and distance formulas in this GRE coordinate geometry webinar with no sweat.
KEY FACT:
Approximately 15%–20% of the concepts you’ll see in the GRE Quant section are geometry.
Word Problems: Translating Language into Math
Word problems can be difficult, even for seasoned test takers. This isn’t helped by the fact that the GRE often creates word problems that many find convoluted. But, like anything on the GRE, a little practice can go a long way. With word problems, the key is decoding a real-world scenario by creating the appropriate equation.
Learn here how to develop the skill of solving GRE word problems.
One particular type of word problem can be daunting for many: work, distance, and rate problems. Access step-by-step strategies for GRE rate questions.
Finally, word problems make up anywhere between 30% and 40% of the exam. It’s hard to give an exact percentage, since word problems overlap with many of the other concepts. Additionally, many question types require you to decode a number of words. (Do those count as “word problems”?) Nevertheless, learning to understand word problems is essential for your success.
KEY FACT:
Word problems account for between 30% and 40% of the exam.
Data Analysis: Working with Numbers
Being able to interpret graphs is important for 25%–30% of GRE quant questions. Some of these graphs can indeed be quite difficult to understand, such as boxplots and scattergrams, especially if you don’t have much experience with them.
Data Analysis also includes mean, median, and mode — 3 common concepts. Make sure you have these down!
Finally, and perhaps a bit more counterintuitively, the GRE categorizes Probability and Permutations/Combinations as Data Analysis questions. These questions are notorious for being some of the most difficult questions to master on the GRE. As a whole, this concept plays against our intuitions. In other words, what seems right is often wrong.
Tackling these tricky question types is especially important for a high score, since they often appear on the harder of the 2 second math sections. Get practical tips for calculating probabilities and outcomes on the GRE.
Finally, get effective strategies and ways to conceptualize tricky permutations and combinations questions.
TTP PRO TIP:
Be sure to have a firm grasp on the concepts of mean, median, and mode for the Data Analysis section.
Essential Quant Skills: Building Confidence
Doing well on GRE math isn’t only about being able to grasp the various subtopics described above. You also have to develop a strong number sense so you can dispatch questions quickly and effectively. After all, you don’t want to go reaching for a calculator to punch in relatively simple operations. Doing so will take you out of your logical flow and slow you down. Of course, there are certain calculations that can be tricky with pen and paper, and you’ll definitely want to use the onscreen calculator (described in the section below).
To build essential quant skills, you’ll need to confidently understand basics such as how to round digits to the nearest integer.
Another area where students may need a refresher is ratios, which show up in many of the subtopics, from word problems to geometry questions. Learn how to solve ratio problems effectively.
Finally, brush up on the important concept of absolute value, which is almost certain to show up on the GRE.
TTP PRO TIP:
Mastering the basics and building a strong number sense will boost your confidence and help you answer questions more quickly.
The GRE On-Screen Calculator
Yes, it is true — there is an onscreen calculator, and you can use it on any quant problem on the GRE. But before you celebrate, take a look at the following question:
If n = 12! − 10!, what is the units digit of n?
- 0
- 2
- 3
- 6
- 9
Before you run to the calculator and punch in 12 ✕ 11 ✕ 10…✕ 1 — or do the same with 10! — ask yourself how long this would take. Probably about a minute (and a minute of very tired fingers!). Instead, the GRE wants you to recognize patterns. In this case, both 12! and 10! end in zero. Since both contain the number 10, and any integer multiplied by 10 ends in zero, n will end in a zero.
Granted, this is a somewhat extreme case, but some questions are engineered this way — you are punished (at least time-wise) for using the calculator.
So, why use the calculator?
Well, for many questions, the calculator will make things faster for you. If you need to divide 24 by 9, but all of the answer choices are in decimal form, then entering 24 divided by 9 into a calculator is much faster than writing it out or doing it in your head.
The key, ultimately, is developing a sense of when a calculator will save you time and when it will slow you down. Also note that the GRE calculator performs only basic functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as square roots. Learn more about when to use a calculator on the GRE.
TTP PRO TIP:
The GRE calculator is not always the best — or fastest — option.
Five Tips for Getting a Great GRE Quant Score
GRE quant preparation can seem daunting. First, there are 22 different concepts to master, each broken down into subtopics. Second, the test format and question types are likely different from those of any other test you’ve taken. Executing the right strategy from the start can make the difference between a mediocre score and a great GRE score.
So, what’s the right strategy? Here are 5 tips:
- First, take a practice test to establish your baseline score. Taking the test will also highlight which of those 22 topics you need to focus on the most.
- Create a study plan that starts with the math topics you struggle with most. Explore a more in-depth breakdown of where and how to focus with this GRE quant study plan.
- Of those topics, focus on those that are the most common on the exam. For example, if you struggle equally with algebra and probability, prioritize algebra. It’s a topic both fundamental to and nearly omnipresent on the quant section.
- Work on pacing and getting faster at GRE math. A key aspect of pacing in GRE quant is recognizing patterns in question types. In other words, there’s a long way to correctly answer a math question and a quick way. Learn how to get faster at GRE math.
- Take practice tests 2–4 weeks before your exam. Take several practice exams in the weeks leading up to test day. The GRE Powerprep exams, written by the test’s creators, offer the best possible prep. Make sure to also rigorously review your wrong answers once you’ve finished the test.
TTP PRO TIP:
Always begin your prep journey with a practice test to give you a baseline score and a sense of where you need to focus your time.
GRE Quantitative Practice Questions
As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. But for GRE Quant, we need to add a little nuance to the adage: the right kind of practice makes perfect.
To become better at GRE math, you don’t want to burn through as many random practice questions as possible. You do want to make sure you take the time to dive deep into specific concepts.
Throughout your prep, you’ll also want to do mixed practice sets or practice tests. Doing so allows you to revisit and reinforce the concepts you learn in a way that simulates the actual test. Get a little taste of that experience with this great range of GRE quantitative practice questions, which also includes 4 different question-type formats.
As you get better, you’ll notice that you’ll need increasingly difficult questions to keep boosting your score. For this reason, it’s important to review high-quality, difficult GRE Quant questions.
Finally, make sure to work through questions you missed to understand why you missed them. Students who burn through practice sets without taking time to understand their mistakes are more likely to perpetuate them on the test.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make sure to do mixed practice throughout your GRE prep to reinforce concepts you’ve already covered.
Managing GRE Quant Difficulty
A major reason GRE math seems difficult is perception. Students often come to their GRE prep with a lifetime of narratives built up around their math ability. Those narratives typically go something like “I’m not a math person” or “I’m bad at math.”
Weighed down by such narratives, students are then faced with the sheer magnitude of concepts covered on the GRE. And again, within those concepts are yet more subtopics! So it’s no wonder that, for some, the GRE quant section can be overwhelming. Read more about how negative beliefs about GRE math can hold you back.
Compounding the difficulty are 2 additional factors. First, the GRE quant section has unique question types that can be intimidating to students already questioning their inherent abilities. Second, the questions are constructed with alluring trap answers. When students fall for these, instead of trying to understand how they got trapped, they often think, “See, I’m bad at math.”
Luckily, there are ways to overcome these challenges. For one, replace limiting narratives with growth-oriented ones, such as “I have the potential with hard work to become much better at math.” Such positive narratives will help you push through those mountains of concepts. Read more about GRE quant obstacles and how to overcome them.
TTP PRO TIP:
Don’t limit yourself with self-defeating beliefs about your math ability — adopting the right mindset can lead to dramatic improvements in your score.
Summary
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section is an integral part of your GRE, making up half the scoring range. It consists of 27 math questions that cover a range of topics — and subtopics — that are often craftily constructed to lure you into the wrong answer. Throw in an additional 4 question types, some with a format you likely haven’t seen before, and you can see why the quantitative section intimidates many.
Fortunately, there are specific strategies and steps you can take to set yourself up for success, as we’ve covered in this post. Here’s a quick breakdown.
- Learn the right strategy and approach at the outset of your prep.
- Take a practice test to identify the concepts and subtopics that need the most work.
- Work through concepts you identify and revisit them periodically.
- Negative narratives around your mathematical ability can hold you back, so replace them with a growth-oriented mindset.
Armed with these tips and strategies, you are well on your way to GRE math success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is GRE Quant Adaptive?
The GRE Quant section is adaptive between sections, meaning that your performance on the first section determines whether you get an easy, medium, or difficult second section. The GRE Quant, however, is not question-adaptive, meaning each section consists of a fixed set of questions.
Is the GRE Test Adaptive?
Yes, the GRE test is adaptive, but not all of it. Just as the GRE Quant is only adaptive between sections, so too is the verbal section. The AWA, or essay section, does not adapt in any way.
How is GRE Quant Different from GMAT Quant?
The GRE Quant has different question types, including Quantitative Comparison and Multiple-Answer multiple-choice questions. The GRE Quant does not contain Data Sufficiency questions, while GMAT Quant does. Additionally, the GMAT adapts question by question. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the similarities and differences between GRE and GMAT quant.
How is GRE Quant Different from LSAT Quant?
The LSAT does not contain a quantitative section. That’s right — the LSAT consists entirely of verbal questions.
How can I prepare for the GRE quantitative section?
An important way to prepare is by first taking a practice test to determine which of the 22 topics you need to focus on the most. From there, create a customized study schedule that focuses on those weaker spots.
How can I improve my GRE quant score?
The best way to improve your GRE quant score is by focusing on the concepts in which you are weakest. Then, of those concepts, determine which are most likely to show up on the test. Focus on those concepts first, working your way down from most common to least common.
Is 158 a good GRE quant score?
As of 2025, a score of 157 is considered at the 50% mark. In other words, a 158 is right in the middle of the pack. This might be confusing because the quant score range is between 130–170. While a score of 158 is closer to the upper bound, even a perfect score of 170 is only in the top 5%. That’s because the GRE math test is very competitive.
What is a good GRE quant score?
The answer to this question depends on the program. Some schools might simply need you to get above a 150 on the GRE math test. In that case, a 151 is a “good” score. Conversely, for engineering programs, a good GRE math score tends to be closer to a 170, with average program quant scores sometimes as high as 165.
What’s Next?
Need support with your GRE prep? A great way to set yourself up for success and quickly learn how to master the different question types is to check out the Target Test Prep GRE Course.
Looking for more useful study strategies to increase your GRE quant score? Check out this post on GRE Quant strategies and this one about GRE timing strategies.
Want videos about the GRE? Visit the Target Test Prep YouTube channel to access tons of great Quant videos. In fact, here’s our entire GRE math playlist, a trove of killer strategies to ace the math section.
Looking for more GRE quant practice problems? Try to solve these differences of squares practice questions as well as these GRE quant exercises.
What about GRE math formulas? Happy you asked! Get the ultimate GRE quant cheat sheet.
