Press "Enter" to skip to content
GMAT Club

How to calculate GMAT Scores

gmatclub 0

Discovering that a strong performance on the GMAT (Graduate Admission Test) can significantly enhance your chances of securing a spot in your preferred business school may come as a pleasant surprise. Hence, a good understanding of how GMAT scores are calculated is crucial for achieving high GMAT scores in both quantitative and verbal reasoning sections 

Within this guide, our intention is to offer you an in-depth comprehension of the methodologies behind GMAT score calculations. We will delve into the intricacies of how GMAT scores are computed and understood. Additionally, we aim to navigate through the GMAT score chart, providing elaborate explanations to facilitate your interpretation of the results.

The primary objective of this article is to demonstrate the effective utilisation of the GMAT calculator, aiding you in verifying your overall score and enhancing your performance in the GMAT exam.

What is GMAT Calculator 2024? 

The GMAT calculator functions as a tool designed to calculate the overall score based on the sectional scores obtained. The GMAT, short for Graduate Management Admission Test, serves as a standardised assessment for evaluating the knowledge and capabilities of individuals applying to graduate business programs.

The resultant scaled scores play a crucial role in establishing the overall GMAT score. The GMAT scorecard succinctly outlines these scaled scores and presents them in percentile format, offering insights into the percentage of test takers who scored below a specific mark.

Important: The GMAT stands out as a computerised adaptive test, and the computation of final scores involves the utilisation of the GMAT score calculator for the year 2024. Employing a scaling algorithm, the GMAT determines a candidate's total scaled score. Despite the GMAT authorities keeping the specifics of the score scaling process confidential, the GMAT scorecard provides a breakdown of the scores.

Upon completing the GMAT exam, individuals gain insights into their sectional test scores for Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights, and the overall Total. The scaled score received is influenced by factors such as the accuracy of answers, both correct and incorrect, the total number of questions attempted, and the difficulty level of the questions addressed.

How to calculate GMAT score using GMAT score calculator 

The GMAT calculator proves to be a valuable resource, allowing you to project your potential GMAT score by adjusting the sliders corresponding to your preferred Verbal and Quant scores. These adjustments provide you with an estimated score range for the upcoming actual exam.

This calculator effectively simulates the authentic GMAT™ experience, establishing a baseline for your exam scores. It empowers you to tailor practice sets to your specific needs, incorporating various question types and mimicking the GMAT test process with the calculated GMAT score. This tool facilitates a comprehensive check of both your quantitative and verbal scores, contributing to a thorough GMAT preparation experience via GMAT focus test

So, What's a Good GMAT Score?

Striving for a solid GMAT score (your target) is the name of the game. Generally, a range between 655 and 685 is considered good, while anything above 695 is excellent. The average GMAT score for the top 30 U.S. business schools in 2022 hovers around 711 (Focus equivalent of 665), showcasing a diverse range from 665 to 733 (Focus equivalent of about 615 and 675 respectively). Remember, when evaluating your GMAT score, factor in your qualifications and the overall competitiveness of each program.

Never forget, a firm grasp of concepts and nimble mental math skills are your secret weapons in this section. So, put in the effort, practice with dedication, and witness your GMAT score skyrocket with the help of our GMAT Score Calculator!

Achieve your desired score with our best-in-class GMAT Score Calculator to estimate your score. Use our INTERACTIVE SCORE CALCULATOR and get the overall score that exceeds all your expectations!

GMAT  Score Calculator 

With this calculator, you can calculate your final score based on your sectional scores in Quantitative, Verbal, and DI.  This tool uses your practice GMAT scores to gauge your performance. You can use this calculator to improve your overall GMAT score using a GMAT score predictor or estimate. 

Calculator matches your results exactly after you set your scores.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

  1. The results are always multiplied by 5 to ensure they are never multiplied by another number. Using the calculator, you can determine how much you can improve your score by making changes.

  2. Your GMAT score is equally influenced by every GMAT section , so if one of them offers the possibility to maximize your score, you can do so without hesitation.

GMAT Structure

  • Data Insights Score (60-90)
  • Verbal Score (60-90)
  • Quant Score (60-90)

               GMAT SCORE CALCULATOR 

Calculate my GMAT Score 

Not satisfied with the results? Retake the GMAT 

How to use the GMAT Score calculator:

Step 1. Set your practice test scores 

Step 2. In case you are uncertain about your ability to perform under stress, leave it at average. 

Step 3. Click Submit

By submitting your GMAT scores, you may be able to improve your score. Furthermore, we check your confidence range (between 520 and 560), which is also important during the GMAT exam.

Step 4: Assess Your Results

Following calculator use, carefully evaluate the provided score range. This serves as a reference point, aiding you in gauging your preparedness for the GMAT and identifying areas where additional preparation may be beneficial.

It's important to note that the GMAT calculator provides estimates based on your target scores. For increased accuracy, it is advisable to take into account additional factors such as effective test-taking strategies, efficient time management, and regular practice with sample GMAT questions. 

Get your best GMAT score prediction with the GMAT calculator!

How is the GMAT Score calculated?

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a pivotal exam for those aspiring to enter graduate business programs. This computer-based test comprises four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.

GMAT Quant and Verbal Sections

Your overall GMAT score stems from the combination of your subscores in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning and GMAT Verbal Reasoning sections. Each section is scored on a scale from 60 to 90 points, and the composite score ranges from 205 to 805 points.

GMAT Score Report Breakdown

GMAT Score Chart 2024

Sections Marks
Verbal Reasoning 60 - 90
Quantitative Reasoning 60 - 90
Data Insights 60 - 90

GMAT Score Range Insights

  • 655 or Higher: A score between 655 and 685 is generally considered good.
  • 675 as a Good Score: A score of 675 is excellent and stands as a strong candidate for top business programs.
  • 605 – 645: Placing you at the 72nd to 80th percentile, this range is a solid starting point.
  • Below 605: While 605 is solid, more is often needed for admission to competitive business schools.
  • 555: Considered "good," individual program requirements and your overall profile should guide your assessment.
  • 525: Aim higher, as this may be acceptable in some schools but generally advisable to target a higher score.

Quant Section Insights

  • Quant Score of 82 or Higher: Achieving the 85th percentile, outperforming 85% of test-takers is similar to the old Q49

Verbal Section Insights

  • Verbal Score of 82 or Higher: is 79th percentile, outperforming 79% of all test-takers, is similar to the old V35 

Data Insights Insights 

  • Data Insights score of 79 or higher: is 79th percentile

Important Information 

First of all, the GMAT is not an ordinary question-answer test in which points are awarded for correctly answering questions. Instead, the GMAT is an adaptive test, which means that your answer determines what will be asked next. It is for this reason that providing correct answers to the first questions is so crucial. 

The GMAT test is an adaptive exam that adjusts to the performance of its takers. Your exam score is determined by your ability to answer questions correctly that are deemed hard by the system.  In other words, even if you make a few mistakes, you can still get a high score.

Advice:

  1. Don't leave questions unanswered. Your GMAT scores will be affected if you do this. If you do not know the answer, please guess rather than leave your question unanswered. 

  2. Don't spend too much time on this question, as you might lose time for other questions. Instead, focus on the present rather than past or future questions. For a smart test like the GMAT, this is extremely important. Answering the questions you have in front of you will give you the best chance of getting a high score.

It is considered to be a competitive assessment, and the right strategy can significantly define one's overall performance during the exam. It is important to note that GMAT does not solely rely on the number of mistakes made but also difficulty of questions. However, in contrast to GMAT Classic, GMAT Focus does not penalize early mistakes as harshly. At the same time, we have had a number of reports of applicants making only 2 mistakes in the Quant section and receiving a score of 78, a 59th percentile with only 2 questions answered incorrectly in the Quant section. Difficulty of questions you miss matters quite a bit more on GMAT Focus and you do not want to leave any questions unanswered as the penalty is also very severe. 

While this may seem like a rather extreme scenario, it is an accurate representation of the GMAT scoring system. The exam takes into account a candidate's overall performance, rather than solely focusing on the number of mistakes made. This means that candidates can earn points even if they do not consistently answer correctly throughout the test.

How to Interpret the GMAT Score Chart?

  •  Making Sense of Your Scores:

When reviewing Official Score Reports, the focus is often on the Total Score, but don't overlook the significance of section scores and percentile rankings. They provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Understanding GMAT Percentile Score:

Your five GMAT scores come with a percentile ranking, indicating how your performance compares to other test-takers. For instance, an average ranking of 75% means you outperformed 75% of test-takers, and 25% did as well as you. Your scores remain constant, but rankings shift based on the past three years' exam data.

  • GMAT Raw Score:

The GMAT raw score reflects your immediate performance on the Quantitative and Verbal sections, ranging from 60 to 90. These are then transformed into a total score between 205 and 805.

  • Decoding Total Score:

Your GMAT Score comprises a Verbal Section Score Quant Section Score, and a Data Insights Section Score. It assesses higher-order reasoning skills across verbal, quantitative, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning, indicating your potential for success in graduate management programs.

  • Quantitative Reasoning Section Score:

The Quantitative section gauges mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. Scaled scores range from 60 to 90, The mean Quant score is 77.71.

  • GMAT Percentile Scores:

Percentile scores help you compare your GMAT performance with other test-takers. A 50th percentile score is median, while the 75th percentile is considered good. A score in the 90th percentile is excellent, and 99th percentile denotes outstanding performance.

  • Scoring Mechanism:

Before scoring Quantitative and Verbal sections, the GMAT total score is calculated. This total score falls within the 205 to 805 range, with most scores ranging between 435 and 675.

  • Official Score Report Timeline:

The official score report is typically available within three business days, but processing may extend to 20 business days in case an online test is flagged for an administrative review.

  • GMAT Overall Score Classification:

Scores between 205 and 445 are deemed below average, 445 to 585 as average, 595 to 685 as above average, and 695 to 805 as high. Understanding these classifications helps assess your performance relative to GMAT norms.

GMAT Score Calculator Chart vs. GMAT percentile Chart

GMAT percentile Chart & GMAT Score Conversion

In addition to the actual GMAT score, there is another important aspect to consider - the percentile ranking. This number represents the percentage of test-takers that you outperformed by getting that specific score.

The percentile associated with a GMAT score indicates that you have outscored a certain percentage of candidates. For example, if you achieve a GMAT score of 555, it means that you have outperformed 50% of the GMAT test-takers score.

Take a look at the following GMAT score-percentile chart to understand how to convert GMAT scores into percentiles

FAQs 

Q1. What calculator is allowed for GMAT?  

According to the general regulations, you will be prohibited from bringing any personal items to the GMAT exam, including your calculator. Instead, you will be provided with an on-screen calculator, and can use it during only one section of your exam - Data Insights Section. 

IMPORTANT: The only tools for doing arithmetic calculators that exam takers can use are note boards and markers. For better clarity, the sections during which you cannot use any calculator include Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical writing sections.

Q2.  How do I calculate my GMAT score? 

A GMAT score is derived by combining subscores from data insights, quant and verbal sections. The results of each section are reported on a scale from 60 to 90 points. After the results of both sections are ready, a total GMAT score is being calculated. This score ranges from 205 to 805 scores. 

However, a total GMAT Score for the answered questions is only one of the things that matters. As a GMAT test is adaptive, the percentiles for each section must also be calculated, as well as the total percentile. And here is the most interesting part – the percentile for a total GMAT exam depends on the other examiners’ score. This means that GMAT results are not entirely based on answers to exam questions.