GMAT vs GRE is a common question for students applying to graduate study, especially Business and Management programmes. The right choice starts with the tests your target programmes accept.
We’ll help you decide by covering what each test is for, how they’re structured, how scoring works, which is harder, and how to choose the one that fits your goals.
GMAT and GRE at a glance
- Start by understanding how each works: GMAT is built for business schools and MBAs, while the GRE opens doors to a wider range of degrees, including Law, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
- The GMAT skips writing but dives deep into data analysis; the GRE tests your essay skills but offers a more balanced mix of general academic skills and vocabulary.
- Scoring systems are different, and so are the question styles, time limits, and calculator rules.
Let’s sum up the differences between the GMAT and GRE in a table:
| GMAT | GRE |
Sections | Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights | Quantitative, Verbal, Analytical Writing |
Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
Calculator permitted? | Only for Data Insights | Only in Quantitative Reasoning |
Writing section? | No | Yes |
Score range | 205–805 | |
Example test fees | US$249 in most locations; US$237.86 in China; India has separate fees | |
Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Retakes | Up to 5 times in a rolling 12 months, at least 16 days apart; no lifetime limit. | Once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any 12-month period |
Accepted by | 7,700+ programmes at 2,400 business schools,reported by the GMAT’s provider | 1,300+ business schools and 100+ law schools,reported by the GRE’s provider |
Adaptive? | Adapts to your responses within each section. | Your first Verbal or Quantitative section determines the difficulty of the second section in that measure. |
Official results | 8–10 days | |
Best for | Business schools | Business schools, Law schools, and other graduate-level degrees |
Fees are examples checked in October 2026, not worldwide fixed prices. The acceptance counts use different units and do not tell you which exam a particular school prefers.
What the GMAT and GRE are used for
Both GMAT and GRE are standardised graduate admissions tests. The GMAT has three sections; the GRE has five sections across three skill areas. Here’s a quick overview:
GMAT
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is an exam for graduate-level business and management degrees, such as a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). It’s administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
GRE
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a graduate-level exam for Master’s and PhD admissions. It is used by programmes in Business, Law, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among other fields. It’s administered by ETS and has three skill areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
GMAT and GRE formats
The sections below cover the current GMAT, initially called the Focus Edition, and the shorter GRE General Test introduced in September 2023. Older preparation materials may describe different exams.
GMAT sections
The GMAT has three 45-minute sections that test your analytical thinking, data interpretation, and reading skills. You can choose the section order, but you’re only allowed to use a calculator during Data Insights. GMAC’s structure guide gives the current format:
GMAT Section | What it includes |
Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic, algebra and problem-solving skills (45 minutes for 21 questions) |
Verbal Reasoning | Reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions based on short passages (45 minutes for 23 questions) |
Data Insights | Interpreting charts, tables, and graphs. Also includes multi-source reasoning and basic math. (45 minutes for 20 questions) |
GRE sections
The GRE has a dedicated Analytical Writing section and allows an on-screen calculator only in Quantitative Reasoning. Writing comes first; the Verbal and Quantitative sections then follow in the order assigned. You can move between questions within a section.
GRE Section | What it includes |
Analytical Writing | One “Analyze an Issue” task to assess your critical thinking and expression skills (30 minutes) |
Verbal Reasoning (Two sections) | Vocabulary in context, reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence (18 minutes for 12 questions in Section 1; 23 minutes for 15 questions in Section 2) |
Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections) | Basic math, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Includes multiple-choice and numeric entry. (21 minutes for 12 questions in Section 1; 26 minutes for 15 questions in Section 2) |
GMAT and GRE scores
GMAT and GRE are scored differently. The GMAT gives one total score. ETS reports separate Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing scores for the GRE; the often-used 260–340 figure is the sum of Verbal and Quantitative, not a separate ETS score.
What is a good GMAT score
Use GMAC’s score information to interpret the current 205–805 scale. GMAC’spublished percentile guide currently places 655 at the 91st percentile. Percentiles can change, and the older GMAT’s 200–800 scores are not directly interchangeable with the current scale.
A good score depends on your target programme. Compare with the score ranges it publishes for admitted students, checking the test edition. A strong application is more than just your GMAT.
What is a good GRE score
In ETS’s2026–27 score guide, the average GRE scores were 151.39 in Verbal, 157.62 in Quantitative Reasoning and 3.46 in Analytical Writing. These figures cover tests taken from July 2022 to June 2025. They provide context, not a universal admission minimum.
Competitive programmes might look for 160+ in Verbal or Quant. If you’re applying to a technical or business field, pay special attention to your Quant score.
Where you can take either test
Both tests are widely available online or at test centres.
- For GMAT, create an MBA.com account to view all the dates and schedule your exam.
- For GRE, visit ets.org to check out all your options.
GMAT and GRE fees
GMAT and GRE prices depend on where you’re based.
- GMAC’s US example is US$275 at a test centre or US$300 online. Other countries have different fees, currencies or taxes. Rescheduling, cancellation and additional score reports can cost extra; check the payment screen before booking.
- ETS’s fee schedule, effective from 1 August 2026, lists US$249 in most locations and US$237.86 in China, with separate fees for India. Rescheduling is US$55 in most locations or US$55.43 in China; changing test centre is generally US$55. Local exceptions apply.
Which test is harder
It depends on your strengths: GMAT is more business-focused, and GRE is more general. Either way, you'll want to prepare in advance to do your best.
Which programmes accept the GMAT and GRE
Both tests are widely accepted for business study. ETS also lists programmes outside Business, including Law and research degrees. Check the exact course and intake rather than choosing on headline acceptance totals alone.
- GMAT: 7,700 programmes at over 2,400 business schools around the world
- GRE: 1,300 business schools and over 100 law schools around the world
Which test should you take
You should always check the admission requirements of your target universities to decide whether you should take the GMAT or GRE. If both are accepted, take an official practice test for each and compare the questions, timing and results.
When the GMAT may fit
You’re sure you want to apply to business school or an MBA, your programmes accept the GMAT, and its reasoning and data questions suit your strengths.
When the GRE may fit
You’re still exploring options beyond business school, or want a joint degree between a business and a non-business subject. Check that all your target programmes accept the GRE.
Can you take both tests
You can take both the GMAT and GRE, but it may be better to focus on one test that fits your goals, strengths, and target schools.
How to prepare for your chosen test
No matter which test you choose, you’ll need to prepare well. Here’s how to get started:
Use official prep tools: You can find free and paid guides for GMAT on MBA.com, and for GRE on ETS.org.
Learn the exam format very well: Besides the topics, study the question types to know what to expect.
Time yourself: Practise with a timer to see if you can finish each section within the time limit.
Make your shortlist before booking
Choose the programmes first, confirm their test policies and use a timed practice test to plan your preparation.
