How GRE scores work
The GRE General Test reports three scores: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning (each 130–170 in 1-point steps) and Analytical Writing (0–6 in half-point steps). Many people add Verbal and Quant into a total out of 340, although ETS itself reports the sections separately. Since September 2023 the test is shorter — about 1 hour 58 minutes, with one essay.
Why the same score has different percentiles
Percentiles show the percentage of test takers who scored lower, using ETS data from the most recent three years. Because GRE test takers are generally stronger in math, a Quant score earns a lower percentile than the same Verbal score: a 165 is about the 95th percentile in Verbal but only about the 67th in Quant. Programs in engineering and economics usually focus on Quant; humanities programs on Verbal and Writing.
What is a good GRE score?
- Around 300–305 total: near the average of all test takers.
- 310–320: competitive for many master's programs.
- 320–330: strong for selective programs.
- 330+: top programs; for STEM PhDs, a Quant score of 165+ is common.
Check the average scores published by your target programs. Business schools accept the GRE as well; compare with our GMAT percentile calculator.
How the GRE is structured
The current GRE General Test has three measures. Analytical Writing is a single 30-minute "Analyze an Issue" essay. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning each consist of two sections. The test is adaptive by section: how well you do on the first Verbal or Quant section determines the difficulty of the second one, and harder second sections give access to the top of the score scale. There is no longer an unscored experimental section, so every question you see counts.
Setting a realistic target score
- Collect the average or median GRE scores published by each program on your list, section by section.
- Take a full official practice test (ETS offers free POWERPREP tests) to get a baseline under real timing.
- Enter your practice scores above and compare your percentiles with each program's averages.
- Spend most of your study time on the measure your field cares about most — Quant for STEM, economics and business; Verbal and Writing for humanities, law and social sciences.
Retakes and sending scores
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period. With the ScoreSelect option you decide which test dates to send, so a weaker attempt does not have to reach admissions committees. On test day you can send your scores to a handful of institutions at no additional cost; later reports carry a fee. Because many programs only see the scores you choose to send, a planned retake is a reasonable strategy if your first score falls short of your target.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good GRE score?
What percentile is a 160 on GRE Verbal?
Is the GRE total out of 340?
How long are GRE scores valid?
Sources & methodology
This calculator was last reviewed on November 1, 2026. Figures are based on the following official and primary sources:
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