The GMAT exam syllabus changed significantly with the launch of the Focus Edition, which is now the only version of the test available. This guide breaks down all three sections of the GMAT — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights — covering question counts, timing, tested topics, and how the scoring works on the 205-805 scale.
GMAT Focus Edition Overview is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers 64 questions, 2h15m total, score range 205-805.
| Section | Questions | Time | Key Topics | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 min | Arithmetic, Algebra | No |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 min | RC, Critical Reasoning | No |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 min | DS, Graphics, Table, Two-Part, Multi-Source | Yes |
Test Duration and Format is an important aspect of gmat focus edition overview. 64 questions, 2h15m total. The GMAT consists of 64 total questions across three sections, each 45 minutes.
Score range 205-805Additionally, Three equally weighted sections. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Scoring Scale is an important aspect of gmat focus edition overview. Score range 205-805. The GMAT consists of 64 total questions across three sections, each 45 minutes.
Quantitative Reasoning Section is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers 21 problem solving questions in 45 min, arithmetic and algebra only.
Topics Covered in Quant is an important aspect of quantitative reasoning section. 21 Problem Solving questions in 45 min. The total test time is 2 hours 15 minutes, down from 3+ hours for the classic GMAT.
Arithmetic and algebra onlyAdditionally, No calculator, no geometry. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Question Format and Timing is an important aspect of quantitative reasoning section. Arithmetic and algebra only. The total test time is 2 hours 15 minutes, down from 3+ hours for the classic GMAT.
Worked Example
A store sells a jacket for $120 after a 25% discount. What was the original price?
Verbal Reasoning Section is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers 23 questions in 45 min, rc and cr only.
Reading Comprehension is an important aspect of verbal reasoning section. 23 questions in 45 min. Test takers can review and change up to 3 answers per section.
RC and CR onlyAdditionally, Sentence Correction removed. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Critical Reasoning is an important aspect of verbal reasoning section. RC and CR only. Test takers can review and change up to 3 answers per section.
Data Insights Section is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers 20 questions in 45 min, 5 question types.
| Question Type | Description | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Data Sufficiency | Determine if given statements provide enough info to answer a question | Quantitative reasoning, logical analysis |
| Graphics Interpretation | Interpret data from graphs and charts | Data reading, visual analysis |
| Table Analysis | Sort and analyze data in spreadsheet-like tables | Data organization, pattern recognition |
| Two-Part Analysis | Solve problems with two linked components | Multi-step reasoning, algebra |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | Synthesize information from multiple tabs/sources | Information integration, critical analysis |
Five Question Types is an important aspect of data insights section. 20 questions in 45 min. The GMAT is accepted by over 7,700 programs at 2,400+ business schools globally.
5 question typesAdditionally, Calculator available. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Scoring and Calculator Access is an important aspect of data insights section. 5 question types. The GMAT is accepted by over 7,700 programs at 2,400+ business schools globally.
Key Changes from the Classic GMAT is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers awa and sentence correction removed, geometry removed from quant.
| Feature | Classic GMAT | Focus Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 3+ hours | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Score Range | 200-800 | 205-805 |
| Sections | 4 (Quant, Verbal, IR, AWA) | 3 (Quant, Verbal, DI) |
| Essay (AWA) | Yes | Removed |
| Sentence Correction | Yes | Removed |
| Geometry | Yes | Removed |
| Answer Review | No | Yes (3 per section) |
| Section Order Choice | No | Yes |
What Was Removed is an important aspect of key changes from the classic gmat. AWA and Sentence Correction removed.
Geometry removed from QuantAdditionally, Answer review feature (3 per section). Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
New Features Added is an important aspect of key changes from the classic gmat. Geometry removed from Quant.
See how classic GMAT scores translate to the Focus Edition scale.
The GMAT Focus Edition has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions, 45 minutes), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions, 45 minutes), and Data Insights (20 questions, 45 minutes). All three sections are equally weighted in the total score.
The GMAT Focus Edition total score ranges from 205 to 805, with all scores ending in 5. Section scores range from 60 to 90. The old classic GMAT used a 200-800 scale, so a Focus Edition score of 645 is roughly equivalent to the old 700.