- 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.
GMAT vs GRE. A common test comparison for students that are interested in taking a Master’s or PhD, especially for Business and Management subjects. What’s the difference between these two, and which one should you choose?
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.
What are the GMAT and GRE used for?
Both GMAT and GRE are standardised tests with three sections, used for graduate admissions. Here’s a quick overview:
GMAT explained:
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 Test (GMAC). It has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
GRE explained:
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is also a graduate-level exam for Master’s and PhD admissions. While it’s common for business schools, it’s also used for Law, Engineering, and Social Sciences admissions. It’s administered by ETS and has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
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GMAT vs GRE: Key differences
GMAT and GRE have differences in format, scoring, question types, and style. The sections below cover GMAT Focus Edition, which replaced the GMAT 10th edition in 2024, and the Shorter GRE, which is the updated exam from 2023 onwards.
GMAT vs GRE format
The GMAT has three 45-minute sections that test your analytical thinking, data interpretation, and reading skills. You can choose which section to start with, but you’re only allowed to use a calculator during the Data Insights section.
GMAT Section | What it includes |
Quantitative Reasoning | Algebra, arithmetics, problem-solving skills |
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) |
The GRE has a dedicated Analytical Writing section, and allows you to use an on-screen calculator when needed. You need to start with the Analytical Writing section, then you can move forward with either of the two other sections.
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 vs GRE scoring system
GMAT and GRE are scored differently. Here’s more on the score ranges, validity, and what makes up a good score:
GMAT | GRE | |
Score range | 205 – 805 | 260 – 340 (plus Analytical Writing: 0–6) |
Sections | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
Total score calculation | Scaled scores for all sections | Combined score from Quantitative and Verbal (130–170 each); Writing scored separately |
Time to receive scores | Official scores in 3–5 days | Official scores in 8–10 days (some sooner) |
Score validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Best possible score | 805 | 340 (plus 6 for Writing) |
Lowest possible score | 205 | 260 (plus 0 for Writing) |
What’s a good GMAT score?
- A good GMAT score depends on where you want to apply. On average, test takers between 2019 and 2024 scored around 553. So, if you get a score of 650 or above, you’re doing better than most—higher than 90% of other students.
- Top business schools often look for scores in the 650–700+ range, but many universities accept lower scores too. Aim high, but remember: a strong application is more than just your GMAT.
What’s a good GRE score?
- On the GRE, a good score also depends on your programme. Between 2021 and 2024, the average GRE scores were about 151 in Verbal, 158 in Quant, and 3.4 in Writing. Scoring above these averages puts you ahead of most test takers.
- 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.
GMAT vs GRE availability
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 vs GRE cost
GMAT and GRE prices depend on where you’re based.
GMAT’s price tends to be around $250 if you take it at a test centre and $275 if you take it at home. It has additional fees for rescheduling and cancellation. For example, if you reschedule 60 days before the test date, you’ll be charged $50. If you reschedule 14 days or less before the test date, the rescheduling fee goes up to $150.
GRE costs $231.30 in China and $220 in all other countries. It charges a $55 fee to reschedule your test date ($53.90 in China) and another $55 if you want to change your test centre.
Which test is harder: GMAT vs GRE?
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 one is more widely accepted: GMAT vs GRE?
For MBA and Business programmes, GMAT is more widely accepted than GRE. But the GRE is catching up, with more and more top universities now accepting both. Here’s how many schools currently accept each exam:
- 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
Side-by-side comparison: GMAT vs GRE
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 | Yes |
Writing section? | No | Yes |
Score range | 205–805 | 260–340 (+Writing: 0–6) |
Cost | $250-275 | $220-231.30 |
Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Retakes | 5 times in any 12-month period | Once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any 12-month period |
Accepted by | 7,700 programmes at over 2,400 business schools around the world | 1,300 business schools and over 100 law schools around the world |
Adaptive? | Yes: Questions get more difficult as you answer them correctly | Yes: Second sections of the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning get more difficult as you answer the first section correctly |
Best for | Business schools | Business schools, Law schools, and other graduate-level degrees |
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. But as a ground rule,
Choose GMAT if…
You’re 100% sure you want to apply to business school or an MBA.
Choose GRE if…
You’re still exploring options beyond business school, or you want to study a joint degree between a business and a non-business subject
Final words: How to prepare for GMAT and GRE?
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.
FAQs
1. Which is easier: GMAT or GRE?
It depends on what you’re good at. A lot of students say the GRE’s Quantitative section feels easier than the GMAT’s. But the GRE does expect you to have a stronger vocabulary, both in the Verbal and the Writing sections.
2. Which universities accept GMAT and GRE?
7,700 programmes at over 2,400 business schools accept GMAT. A more general exam, the GRE is accepted by over 1,300 business schools and 100 law schools around the world.
3. Can I take both GMAT and GRE?
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.
4. How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?
Both GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
5. What is the cost difference between GMAT and GRE?
On average, the GRE might be slightly cheaper than the GMAT. GRE costs between $220 and $231.30, depending on your country, and GMAT costs around $250-275, depending on where you’re based and whether you’re taking the exam at a test centre or online.
6. Can I take the GMAT and GRE online?
Yes, both tests have online, at-home options.
