3 October 2024

4 minutes read

What Is The GRE To GMAT Conversion Formula?

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

2 October 2024

4 minutes read

GMAT

Key Takeaways

GRE to GMAT Conversion tools offer a helpful way to predict how your GRE score compares to the GMAT, but they should be used as a guideline, not an absolute rule.
Choose the test that plays to your strengths: the GRE favors verbal reasoning, while the GMAT leans toward quantitative skills.
Both tests are accepted by business schools, so focus on showcasing your abilities rather than worrying too much about score conversion.

Did you know that over 10,000 MBA programs worldwide accept both GRE and GMAT scores? If you’re applying to business school, this opens up more flexibility—but it can also be confusing. Many applicants find themselves asking, “How do I compare my GRE score to an average GMAT score?” The simple truth is, business schools don’t hand out a conversion chart, leaving you to decide how your verbal and quant GRE sections stack up against the GMAT total score.

The problem is, without a clear GRE to GMAT conversion formula, candidates are often left guessing whether their score is competitive. Worse, it can feel like the stakes are higher than ever—imagine sending the wrong test score and it doesn’t reflect your potential. Fortunately, there are ways to convert your score based on ETS data and score comparison tools that many universities use. Let’s dive into how this conversion works and ensure you’re positioning yourself for success in the application process.

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How To Convert GRE To GMAT?

To convert your GRE to GMAT, you’ll need to rely on a formula based on data from ETS (the organization that administers the GRE). While there’s no exact one-size-fits-all formula, ETS provides a conversion tool that universities use to compare the scores. The most commonly referenced conversion takes your GRE verbal and GRE quant scores and compares them to the GMAT equivalent using a specific GMAT percentile ranking.

You need to do:

Add your GRE verbal and quant scores.
- For example, if your GRE verbal score is 160 and your GRE quant score is 165, your combined score is 325.
Use ETS data to match your combined GRE score to the GMAT total score range. Based on available data, a combined GRE score of 325 typically converts to around a GMAT total score of 650. This conversion is score-based and gives you a ballpark estimate of where you stand on the GMAT scale.

It’s important to note that both the GRE and GMAT exams have different focuses. The GMAT quant section tends to be more challenging than GRE quant, while the GMAT verbal may emphasize critical reasoning skills more than the GRE verbal. So, while this formula provides a guideline, the exams test slightly different skills. Always consider your strengths when choosing between the two for your business school application!

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What Is The Difference Between GRE and GMAT Scores?

When you decide between the GRE and GMAT for MBA admissions, understand how the scores differ is crucial. Both tests are designed to measure your readiness for graduate-level education, but they focus on slightly different skill sets and scoring systems.

GRE vs. GMAT: Which is Right For You? [2024 Edition]

While the GRE general test is used for a wide variety of graduate programs, the GMAT exam is tailored specifically for business schools. So, whether you’re taking the GRE or GMAT, knowing how to compare your scores is important to predict your competitiveness for MBA programs.

Here’s a breakdown of GRE and GMAT scores to help you understand how they compare:

Criteria	GRE	GMAT
Total Score Range	260 – 340	200 – 800
Verbal Section	GRE Verbal: 130 – 170	GMAT Verbal: 6 – 51
Quant Section	GRE Quant: 130 – 170	GMAT Quant: 6 – 51
Score Reporting	Separate scores for Verbal and Quant	Combined GMAT total score
GRE to GMAT Conversion Tool	Can convert GRE scores to predict GMAT total score using a conversion tool	No direct conversion from GMAT to GRE
Test Focus	GRE focuses on Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning	GMAT focuses more on Quant and Critical Thinking
Accepted By	Business schools and other graduate programs	Primarily business schools
Best For	Candidates strong in verbal reasoning	Candidates strong in quantitative skills

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How Are The GRE And GMAT Scores Reported?

Both the GRE and GMAT scores are reported differently, reflecting the unique scoring systems of each test. When you appear for the GRE test, you’ll receive separate scores for the GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, as well as a GRE Analytical Writing score. In contrast, the GMAT exam combines your GMAT verbal and quantitative scores into a single total GMAT score, which is widely used by business schools to evaluate your overall performance.

Here’s how GRE and GMAT scores are reported:

Test	GRE	GMAT
Verbal Section	Scored from 130 to 170	Scored from 6 to 51
Quant Section	Scored from 130 to 170	Scored from 6 to 51
Analytical Writing	Scored from 0 to 6	Scored from 0 to 6 (Integrated Reasoning also scored separately)
Total Score	Combined Verbal and Quant scores (260 to 340)	Combined Verbal and Quant scores (200 to 800)
Score Reporting	Individual scores for Verbal, Quant, and Writing	Combined score based on Verbal and Quant sections
Score Validity	5 years	5 years
How Scores Are Used	Graduate and business programs	Primarily business schools

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Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to take the GRE or GMAT should align with your strengths. If you’re stronger in verbal reasoning, the GRE test might be your best bet, while those with solid quantitative skills might crack the GMAT. The key takeaway? Focus on the test that showcases your abilities best, and use conversion tools as a guide, not a hard rule.

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FAQs

What is the difference between the GRE and GMAT?

The GMAT is primarily used for business school admissions, while the GRE is accepted for a broader range of graduate programs, including business and law schools. The GMAT includes sections like Integrated Reasoning, whereas the GRE has two Verbal Reasoning sections and a more straightforward Quantitative section that allows calculator use

How much do the GRE and GMAT cost?

The GRE costs approximately $205, which includes sending scores to up to four schools. In contrast, the GMAT costs $250 for online tests and $275 for in-person exams, with free score delivery to up to five schools included

How long are the GRE and GMAT scores valid?

Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years from the test date

How many times can I take the GRE or GMAT?

You can take the GRE up to five times within any 12-month period, with a minimum gap of 21 days between attempts. For the GMAT, you can take it up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a lifetime limit of eight attempts

What skills are tested on the GRE and GMAT?

The GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The GMAT evaluates analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills

How should I prepare for the GRE or GMAT?

Preparation strategies vary based on individual learning styles. Many candidates benefit from taking practice tests for both exams to determine which format suits them better.