If you’re a GMAT aspirant, you may feel confused about how your GMAT score works.
Well, you’re not alone. Many students wonder how their scores are calculated and what those numbers really mean.
In this blog, we’ll break down the GMAT score chart in the best way possible.
We’ll explain how GMAT scores are calculated, how to use GMAT percentiles to compare your performance, and share a GMAT score conversion table to help you understand everything clearly.
How the GMAT is Scored
Before showing up for the exam, it is important to know how GMAT scores are structured and what they really mean.
The GMAT is made up of four sections:
- Quantitative: tests math and logic
- Verbal: tests grammar, reading, and reasoning
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): tests data interpretation
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): tests writing and critical thinking
However, when people talk about a “GMAT score,” they usually mean the total score, which ranges from 200 to 800. This total score comes only from the Quantitative and Verbal sections.
Here’s How GMAT is Structured
- Each of these two sections (Quant and Verbal) is scored between 6 and 51.
- The GMAT algorithm uses these two scores together to calculate your total score.
- The scoring is adaptive, meaning the test gets harder or easier based on how well you’re doing.
- Your total GMAT score is not a simple average; it’s based on a special formula that considers both difficulty level and accuracy.
GMAT Score Chart
You may be thinking, how do your GMAT scores actually add up? Well, it can be confusing at first. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below is a clear GMAT score chart to show how your Verbal and Quant scores combine into your total score out of 800.
Use this to see where you stand and how close you are to your target.
| Quant + Verbal Scores | Total GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| 51 + 45 | 770 |
| 50 + 40 | 730 |
| 47 + 38 | 700 |
| 44 + 35 | 670 |
| 42 + 32 | 640 |
| 38 + 30 | 610 |
| 35 + 28 | 590 |
Here’s a Full Fledged Chart for More Clear Understanding
GMAT Percentiles vs. Scores: What’s the Difference?
You might think a GMAT score is all that matters, but there’s more to the story.
Schools also look at something called your percentile rank. So, what’s the difference between a GMAT score and a GMAT percentile?
Let’s break it down in simple terms:
- Your GMAT score is the number you get after taking the test. It ranges from 200 to 800.
- Your GMAT percentile tells you how your score compares to others who took the test. It’s a number between 1 and 99.
GMAT Score Percentiles Table (2025)
Here’s a GMAT score percentiles chart to help you understand where you stand:
| Total GMAT Score | GMAT Percentile |
|---|---|
| 800 | 99% |
| 760 | 99% |
| 730 | 96% |
| 700 | 88% |
| 650 | 66% |
| 600 | 46% |
| 550 | 28% |
| 500 | 17% |
| 450 | 10% |
| 400 | 5% |
| 350 | 2% |
| 300 | 1% |
How Business Schools See Your GMAT Score
Well, business schools look at more than just your number. But yes, your GMAT score (and your GMAT percentile) can make a big difference when schools are reviewing your application.
What Schools Look For?
Most top schools want to see a total score of 700 or higher. But that’s not the whole picture. Here’s what they usually pay attention to:
- Your Total Score (200–800): This shows your overall test performance.
- Quant and Verbal Balance: Many schools prefer a good mix, not just a high score in one section.
- GMAT Percentiles: A 720 score might look great, but if it drops in percentile next year, it may seem less impressive.
- Trends and Fit: If your target program focuses on finance or data, they may care more about your Quant score and Quant percentile.
What Your GMAT Score Signifies
Your GMAT score shows business schools how ready you are for the kind of thinking, problem-solving, and communication that MBA programs expect.
Business schools use your score to guess how well you might handle the coursework, especially in areas like data analysis, reading complex material, and making decisions under pressure.
What does each section show about you:
- Quantitative Score: You’re strong in numbers, logic, and problem-solving. Helpful for finance, operations, and data-heavy programs.
- Verbal Score: You can read, understand, and explain ideas clearly great for leadership, marketing, and communication roles.
- Total Score (200–800): This is the overall summary of how you performed on the test. It gives schools a quick way to compare you with other applicants.
- GMAT Percentiles: These show how rare or common your score is and help schools see how you rank against others.
Conclusion
Understanding your GMAT score isn’t just about numbers; it’s about knowing where you stand and what steps to take next.
With the GMAT score chart, GMAT percentiles, and the breakdown we’ve shared, you now have a clear picture of how the scoring system works and what it means for your business school life.
If your score isn’t where you want it to be yet, that’s okay. Now you know what to aim for and how to use your score to your advantage.
