GMAT Structure, Format, and Timing
The GMAT has four sections totaling 3.5 hours of testing time:
| GMAT Test Section | # of Questions | Question Types | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 Topic | Analysis of Argument | 30 Minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 Questions | Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation Two-Two Part Analysis Table Analysis |
30 Minutes |
| Quantitative | 37 Questions | Data Sufficiency Problem Solving |
75 Minutes |
| Verbal | 41 Questions | Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction |
75 Minutes |
| Total Exam Time | 3hrs, 30 minutes |
You’ll receive an optional 8-minute break before the Quant section and before the Verbal section, so the complete testing experience is closer to 4 hours.
Take note:
- Your Total Score of 200-800 points is based entirely on the Quantitative and Verbal sections – these sections are more important than the others. In practice, when you refer to “your GMAT score” you’re talking about the Total Score, although schools will receive all of the scores above on your score report.
- The Quant and Verbal sections are of equal length, but have a slightly different number of questions.
- On some exams, you don’t know what sections will come in what order – the order is randomized. That is not the case on the GMAT; you’ll always see the Quant section before the Verbal, for example.
- There is no experimental section: all of the sections count toward some sort of reported score. There are, however, “experimental” questions. These are presented to you within a section as if they are normal questions, so you won’t be able to identify them, but they will not count toward your final score.
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