What Is on the GMAT? Sections, Timing, and Question Types

If you’re here, chances are you’re wondering the same thing as nearly every new GMAT student: what, exactly, is on the GMAT?

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive entrance exam with three sections. You’ll have 2 hours and 15 minutes for three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Test-takers choose from six possible section orders and can take one optional 10-minute break. All three sections count equally toward your total score.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of the GMAT structure and content.

For a broader overview of the exam, see our complete guide: What Is the GMAT? [LINK: “What Is the GMAT?” pillar post]

The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Section

The 45-minute GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section consists of 21 questions. All 21 are Problem Solving questions, similar to multiple choice questions found in the math section of other standardized exams. They require test-takers to solve a problem and select the best answer from five choices.

The GMAT quant section is rooted in the same fundamental mathematical concepts taught at the high school level. This does not mean, however, that the exam is easy. GMAT quant questions may not require calculus or trigonometry, but they often demand creative problem-solving approaches that you won’t find in a textbook. 

To succeed on the GMAT quant section, students must have a solid understanding of basic math and a flexible mindset that allows them to adapt to unexpected problems.

The following are the most common math topics that appear on the GMAT quant section:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Exponents
• Percents
• Ratios
• Rates
• Probability
• Combinations and Permutations
• Statistics
• Number Properties

For more information, check out this article on mastering GMAT Problem Solving [LINK: “How to Master Problem Solving” article], or our free GMAT quant course on YouTube.

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

The 45-minute GMAT Verbal Reasoning section includes 23 questions across two question types:

1) Reading Comprehension (RC)

The Verbal Reasoning section typically has three to four Reading Comprehension passages of varying lengths, interspersed throughout the section. Each passage is followed by three or four questions; together, they account for roughly half of all Verbal Reasoning questions. Common topics include economics, science, art, and history.

The purpose of Reading Comprehension passages is not to test subject-specific knowledge. Rather, they assess your ability to read and understand written material, even when it covers an unfamiliar topic. 

On Reading Comprehension questions, test-takers are often asked to:

• Identify the primary purpose or main idea
• Draw inferences and conclusions
• Discern logical structure
• Recognize an author’s tone, style, or perspective

For more on this topic, check out our article on how to study for GMAT Reading Comprehension [LINK: “How to Study for GMAT RC” article], our free GMAT Reading Comprehension course on YouTube, or our video: GMAT Ninja RC Ep 1: How to approach GMAT Focus Reading Comprehension.

2) Critical Reasoning (CR)

Critical Reasoning questions make up roughly half of the questions seen on the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section. Each question consists of a short passage presenting an argument. 

Critical Reasoning questions test your ability to evaluate arguments, identify logical relationships, and draw sound conclusions from limited information.

On Critical Reasoning questions, test-takers are commonly asked to:

• Strengthen the argument
• Weaken the argument
• Identify the role that a particular statement plays within the argument
• Identify the assumptions underlying a conclusion
• Resolve an apparent paradox or discrepancy
• Infer a conclusion based on a set of facts

For more on this topic, check out our article [LINK: “How to Prepare for GMAT Critical Reasoning” article], our free GMAT Critical Reasoning course on YouTube, or our video on: GMAT Ninja CR Ep 1: How to Approach GMAT Focus Critical Reasoning.

The GMAT Data Insights Section

The GMAT Data Insights section (DI) requires test-takers to use a combination of quantitative, verbal, and data reasoning skills to solve multifaceted problems. It often provides students with superfluous data in order to test their ability to sort through and identify relevant information.

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The 45-minute Data Insights section consists of 20 questions and includes the following five question types:

1) Data Sufficiency (DS)

Data Sufficiency problems consist of a question followed by two statements, each of which may or may not be helpful in answering the question. Test-takers must determine which of the statements (if any) are sufficient to answer the question. 

Data Sufficiency questions often cover the same concepts seen on the quant section, but many DS questions feature no math at all. They have a strong logic component, and typically do not require extensive calculations. The Data Insights section generally includes four to eight DS questions.

2) Graphical Interpretation (GI)

Graphical Interpretation questions include a graph, often accompanied by text, followed by a question with one or more blanks to fill. Common graphs types include bar charts, scatter plots, line graphs, flow charts, and other data visualizations. 

Graphical Interpretation questions may or may not include a quant component. Common mathematical concepts include percentages, correlation, and rates of change. The Data Insights section generally includes four to six GI questions.

3) Table Analysis (TA)

Table Analysis questions include a sortable table, similar to what you might see in Excel or Google Sheets. Test-takers can sort the table to help identify relevant information. 

Each Table Analysis problem is followed by a three-part question. The Data Insights section generally includes two to four TA questions.

4) Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)

Multi-Source Reasoning questions consist of two or three tabs of information, each of which may contain a data display, text, or both. Each passage is followed by three questions, some of which may include multiple parts. 

These questions can resemble either quant or verbal problems. The Data Insights section generally includes one to two MSR “tab sets”, yielding a total of three to six questions.

5) Two-Part Analysis (TPA)

Two-Part Analysis problems often resemble either Critical Reasoning questions or quant word problems. They draw on many of the same skills and content tested on the quant and verbal sections. 

Two-Part Analysis questions present two columns, and test-takers must select one answer for each column. The Data Insights section generally includes two to four questions.

For an overview of how to approach the Data Insights section, check out our video: Data Insights Ep. 0: How to Approach GMAT Data Insights.

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GMAT Section Order

You can take the three sections of the GMAT in whichever order you prefer. That gives you six possible section orders (there’s a miniature combinations question for you!). No section order is perfect for everyone — it comes down to personal preference.

When deciding on your section order, consider two main factors.

• Are you likely to feel nervous at the beginning? If so, start with a section that will give you the most confidence.
• Are you likely to feel mentally fatigued toward the end? Then save a section you find less challenging for last.

You also have the option to take a 10-minute break after completing a section. That break can help you refocus for the remainder of the exam, so choose the timing of your break strategically.

The Big Picture

As you begin your GMAT studies, here are a couple of key things to keep in mind:

• To perform well on the quant section, you’ll need both a methodical approach and strong problem-solving skills. Mastering the core math concepts is essential, but it’s only the beginning.
• The verbal section does not test your knowledge of any particular subject. It tests your ability to read precisely and think logically.
• To excel in the Data Insights section, you’ll need many of the same skills required for quant and verbal, along with the ability to interpret graphs, analyze data, and sort through excess information.
• Aside from the central quant topics, the GMAT is not particularly concerned with content knowledge. Success comes from reading carefully, thinking logically, and avoiding careless mistakes.
• Above all, the GMAT is a reasoning test. Focus on developing a flexible mindset and a versatile problem-solving approach rather than memorizing formulas or shortcuts. 

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