GMAT Focus Score Chart — With Percentiles (2026)
Understand your GMAT Focus score with this expert-created 2026 score chart. Learn how section scores convert and what a competitive score really means.
By Mihir G.
Custom GMAT Strategy | 765 Score (100th Percentile) | Chicago Booth MBA
Posted January 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Understanding the GMAT scoring scale is essential for setting realistic goals and crafting a strong MBA application. With the shift to the GMAT Focus Edition, it’s especially important to understand how the new scoring system works and what your score actually signals to admissions committees.
The GMAT Focus Edition is now the standard GMAT exam. Many schools rely on it to compare candidates using a single standardized exam. Knowing how scores, percentiles, and score ranges work helps prospective students plan GMAT prep and choose schools with realistic targets. This article breaks down the GMAT Focus scoring structure and explains how to interpret your results in a practical, admissions-focused way.
I am a professional GMAT Focus tutor with a score of 765 (100th percentile) and a results-driven approach to test preparation. With years of experience helping students improve their scores, ranging from 685 to 715, I focus on strategic test-taking techniques, time management, and a personalized study plan tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses.
What Is the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is the current version of the GMAT and remains the standard exam used by business schools for 2025–2026 admissions. Introduced by GMAC to make the test more efficient and skills-focused, the exam is now shorter at 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is significantly less time than the previous GMAT. It is made up of three sections only:
- Quantitative Reasoning,
- Verbal Reasoning, and
- Data Insights
Each has 45 minutes per section. Test-takers can also review and change up to three answers per section, adding flexibility that did not exist before.
The exam no longer includes a writing section, and content like Sentence Correction and most Geometry topics has been removed or deemphasized, allowing the test to focus more on problem-solving, reasoning, and data interpretation skills that business schools care about today.
While GMAC no longer officially markets the exam under the name “GMAT Focus Edition,” the format itself has not changed is now simply referred to as the GMAT Exam, and all of these structural updates remain fully in effect for current applicants.
Read: 5 Hardest Types of GMAT Questions [With Shortcuts]
GMAT Focus Scoring Scale and Total Score Ranges
The GMAT Focus uses a new score scale. The total GMAT score ranges from 205 to 805. This is different from the old GMAT scale but still allows schools to compare applicants.
Each section receives a section score. These section scores combine into the total GMAT score. The scoring scale is computer adaptive. Question difficulty adjusts as test takers perform during the exam.
GMAT Focus Total Score Ranges
A high GMAT score places candidates ahead of other test takers, but schools still review applications as a whole. Here’s a breakdown of the GMAT Focus total score ranges:
| Score Range | General Meaning |
|---|---|
| 205–545 | Below-average score for most MBA programs |
| 555–645 | Competitive for some business schools |
| 655–695 | Around the average GMAT score |
| 705–745 | Strong score for top business schools |
| 755–805 | Top score range |
MBA Application Checklist
Download a free, customizable MBA application checklist to stay organized at every part of the process.
GMAT Focus Sections and What They Measure
The GMAT Focus exam includes three sections. Each section tests skills used in business school coursework.
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative reasoning measures math, logic, and problem-solving. It focuses on algebra, arithmetic, and data interpretation. Schools use this section score to judge how students may handle finance, economics, and statistics classes.
Read: GMAT Focus Quant: Topics, Timing, Scores, & Tips
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning measures reading comprehension and logical reasoning. It does not test grammar rules from the traditional GMAT. Schools value this section because it reflects how students analyze written material and arguments.
Read: GMAT Focus Verbal: Topics, Timing, Scores, & Tips
Data Insights Sections
Data insights combines skills from integrated reasoning and data analysis. It tests charts, tables, multi-source reasoning, and decision making. Many schools value this section because business programs rely on data-based decisions.
Sections Removed From the Exam
The GMAT Focus edition removed the analytical writing section. GMAC made this change to shorten the exam and focus scoring on reasoning skills. Writing ability is now reviewed through essays and interviews during admissions.
GMAT Focus Score Percentiles Explained
GMAT score percentiles show how test takers performed compared to other test takers. Percentile rankings are often more useful than raw scores.
If your score is in the 80th percentile, you scored higher than 80 percent of GMAT test takers. Percentiles reflect performance across all test takers who took the exam during the reporting period.
These rankings help applicants understand:
- How they compare to other test takers
- Whether their score matches the top MBA programs
- How competitive their score is for admissions
GMAT Percentiles: What They Are and How to Interpret Them (2026)
When comparing your GMAT score to the national average, you can utilize the percentile rankings of a GMAT score chart to see how your score compares to the scores of other test-takers.
Use the GMAT score chart below to find the corresponding percentile rankings for your GMAT score. If you haven’t taken the GMAT yet but would like to estimate your percentile ranking, try this online GMAT percentile ranking calculator.
GMAT Score Chart – Total Score
| Percentile Ranking | GMAT Focus Score | Old GMAT Score |
|---|---|---|
| 100.0% | 805 | 800 |
| 100.0% | 795 | 790 |
| 100.0% | 785 | 790 |
| 100.0% | 785 | 790 |
| 99.9% | 775 | 780 |
| 99.9% | 765 | 780 |
| 99.9% | 755 | 780 |
| 99.8% | 755 | 780 |
| 99.7% | 745 | 770 |
| 99.5% | 735 | 770 |
| 99.4% | 735 | 770 |
| 99.2% | 725 | 760 |
| 98.7% | 715 | 760 |
| 98.6% | 715 | 760 |
| 98.1% | 705 | 750 |
| 97.9% | 695 | 750 |
| 96.9% | 695 | 740 |
| 96.7% | 685 | 740 |
| 96.1% | 685 | 730 |
| 95.2% | 675 | 730 |
| 94.0% | 675 | 720 |
| 93.2% | 665 | 720 |
| 92.6% | 665 | 710 |
| 89.6% | 655 | 710 |
| 89.3% | 655 | 700 |
| 86.7% | 645 | 700 |
| 85.1% | 645 | 690 |
| 83.5% | 635 | 690 |
| 82.7% | 635 | 680 |
| 80.1% | 625 | 680 |
| 80.1% | 615 | 680 |
| 78.3% | 615 | 670 |
| 74.5% | 615 | 660 |
| 74.5% | 615 | 650 |
| 71.5% | 605 | 650 |
| 70.7% | 595 | 650 |
| 65.3% | 595 | 640 |
| 64.8% | 585 | 640 |
| 62.8% | 585 | 630 |
| 62.1% | 585 | 620 |
| 58.9% | 575 | 620 |
| 55.8% | 575 | 610 |
| 55.1% | 565 | 610 |
| 52.7% | 565 | 600 |
| 51.4% | 555 | 600 |
| 47.8% | 555 | 590 |
| 46.7% | 555 | 580 |
| 44.3% | 545 | 580 |
| 43.8% | 545 | 570 |
| 41.1% | 535 | 570 |
| 38.2% | 535 | 560 |
| 37.9% | 525 | 560 |
| 35.6% | 525 | 550 |
| 35.0% | 515 | 550 |
| 32.3% | 515 | 540 |
| 30.8% | 515 | 530 |
| 28.5% | 505 | 530 |
| 28.5% | 495 | 530 |
| 27.3% | 495 | 520 |
| 25.1% | 495 | 510 |
| 24.3% | 485 | 500 |
| 23.0% | 485 | 500 |
| 22.4% | 485 | 490 |
| 21.1% | 475 | 490 |
| 19.2% | 475 | 480 |
| 18.8% | 475 | 470 |
| 17.6% | 465 | 470 |
| 17.1% | 465 | 460 |
| 15.3% | 455 | 460 |
| 14.1% | 455 | 450 |
| 13.9% | 445 | 450 |
| 12.8% | 445 | 440 |
| 12.7% | 435 | 440 |
| 11.5% | 435 | 430 |
| 10.4% | 435 | 420 |
| 10.4% | 435 | 410 |
| 9.4% | 425 | 410 |
| 9.4% | 425 | 400 |
| 8.5% | 415 | 400 |
| 7.7% | 415 | 390 |
| 7.5% | 415 | 380 |
| 6.9% | 405 | 380 |
| 6.7% | 405 | 370 |
| 6.2% | 395 | 370 |
| 5.6% | 395 | 360 |
| 5.3% | 395 | 350 |
| 4.7% | 385 | 350 |
| 4.7% | 375 | 350 |
| 4.2% | 375 | 340 |
| 3.7% | 375 | 330 |
| 3.7% | 375 | 320 |
| 3.3% | 365 | 320 |
| 3.3% | 365 | 310 |
| 2.7% | 355 | 310 |
| 2.5% | 355 | 300 |
| 2.4% | 345 | 300 |
| 2.2% | 345 | 290 |
| 2.2% | 345 | 280 |
| 2.1% | 335 | 280 |
| 1.8% | 335 | 270 |
| 1.7% | 335 | 260 |
| 1.6% | 335 | 250 |
| 1.4% | 325 | 250 |
| 1.3% | 315 | 250 |
| 1.0% | 315 | 240 |
| 1.0% | 305 | 240 |
| 0.9% | 305 | 230 |
| 0.8% | 295 | 230 |
| 0.6% | 295 | 220 |
| 0.6% | 285 | 220 |
| 0.5% | 285 | 210 |
| 0.4% | 275 | 210 |
| 0.4% | 265 | 210 |
| 0.3% | 255 | 210 |
| 0.3% | 255 | 200 |
| 0.2% | 245 | 200 |
| 0.2% | 235 | 200 |
| 0.1% | 225 | 200 |
| 0.1% | 215 | 200 |
| 0.0% | 205 | 200 |
GMAT Score Chart – Verbal
| Percentile Ranking | GMAT Focus Verbal Score |
|---|---|
| 100% | 89-90 |
| 99% | 87-88 |
| 98% | 86 |
| 96% | 85 |
| 91% | 84 |
| 86% | 83 |
| 79% | 82 |
| 70% | 81 |
| 60% | 80 |
| 51% | 79 |
| 42% | 78 |
| 33% | 77 |
| 25% | 76 |
| 19% | 75 |
| 14% | 74 |
| 11% | 73 |
| 8% | 72 |
| 5% | 71 |
| 4% | 70 |
| 3% | 69 |
| 2% | 67-68 |
| 1% | 61-66 |
| 0% | 60 |
GMAT Score Chart – Quantitative
| Percentile Ranking | GMAT Focus Quantitative Score |
|---|---|
| 100% | 90 |
| 97% | 89 |
| 95% | 88 |
| 94% | 87 |
| 92% | 86 |
| 89% | 85 |
| 85% | 84 |
| 81% | 83 |
| 76% | 82 |
| 71% | 81 |
| 66% | 80 |
| 59% | 79 |
| 52% | 78 |
| 46% | 77 |
| 40% | 76 |
| 35% | 75 |
| 29% | 74 |
| 25% | 73 |
| 21% | 72 |
| 17% | 71 |
| 14% | 70 |
| 12% | 69 |
| 9% | 68 |
| 7% | 67 |
| 5% | 66 |
| 4% | 65 |
| 3% | 64 |
| 2% | 63 |
| 1% | 60-62 |
GMAT Score Chart – Data Insights
| Percentile Ranking | GMAT Focus Data Insights Score |
|---|---|
| 100% | 89-90 |
| 99% | 85-88 |
| 98% | 84 |
| 96% | 83 |
| 94% | 82 |
| 90% | 81 |
| 86% | 80 |
| 79% | 79 |
| 73% | 78 |
| 66% | 77 |
| 58% | 76 |
| 51% | 75 |
| 45% | 74 |
| 39% | 73 |
| 34% | 72 |
| 28% | 71 |
| 24% | 70 |
| 20% | 69 |
| 17% | 68 |
| 14% | 67 |
| 12% | 66 |
| 10% | 65 |
| 8% | 64 |
| 7% | 63 |
| 6% | 62 |
| 5% | 61 |
| 4% | 60 |
Read: 10 Best GMAT Tutors
What Is a Good GMAT Focus Score?
A good GMAT score depends on the programs you’re applying to. There isn’t one universal cutoff. A simple way to judge your score is to compare it to the average GMAT score at your target schools: if you’re at or above that average, you’re in a solid position. As a general benchmark, many applicants view ~655 as around average, 705+ as strong, and 755+ as elite, though expectations vary by school.
Note: Admissions also weigh your work experience, academics, essays, and interview, not just your GMAT.
Read: What Is a Good GMAT Score? Score Range, Percentiles, and Target Benchmarks
5 Expert Tips to Boost Your GMAT Score and Improve Your Admissions Chances
Understand the Average GMAT Focus Score by School
Each school of business has different expectations for GMAT scores, so it's essential to research the average GMAT Focus score by school. For example, top-tier schools may expect higher scores, typically in the range of 720-740. Knowing where your score fits in compared to class profiles can help you set realistic goals and identify areas to focus on.
Focus on Your Weakest Sections
Most students find that certain sections of the GMAT, like Quantitative Reasoning or Data Insights, need more attention than others. Reviewing your exam results and identifying areas of weakness, such as lower performance in Data Insights, can give you a strategic advantage. If you aim to raise your mean score in those sections, you'll improve your overall score range significantly.
Prepare Using Diagnostic Practice Tests
Before diving into full-blown study sessions, take a diagnostic test to pinpoint the areas where you need improvement. This helps you personalize your study plan and focus on the percentage of questions where you struggle most. GMAC offers free practice tests to simulate the actual test environment and gauge your current GMAT score.
Know the Average GMAT Score at Your Target Schools
Research the average GMAT score of accepted applicants at your target schools. Aim for a score range that puts you at or above the average for your chosen school of business. For example, the GMAT mean score for applicants to schools like Stanford and Harvard can be around 730-740. Striving for a high GMAT score will put you in a more competitive position during admissions.
Retake the GMAT if Necessary
If your first attempt doesn’t meet your target score, consider retaking the exam. The GMAC allows up to five attempts per year, so use the opportunity to improve your performance. Many candidates retake the GMAT to boost their scores and enhance their chances of admission to top business schools. This is especially helpful if your GMAT score falls just below the range required by your target schools.
The Bottom Line
Achieving a strong GMAT Focus score is your first step toward getting into a top MBA program. With a total score range from 205 to 805, the GMAT Focus Edition allows you to showcase your strengths in Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. A score of 700 or higher will set you apart, especially for top business schools like Harvard Business School.
While the journey can be challenging, with the right GMAT prep and a focused strategy, you can achieve your target score and take your career to the next level. Stay committed, keep improving, and remember that every step forward brings you closer to your goals.
Ready to Achieve Your Target GMAT Score?
Mihir G. is a GMAT expert and strategic test prep coach who scored a 765 (100th percentile) on the new GMAT Focus Edition. With dual honors degrees in Biochemistry and Plan II from UT Austin, and professional experience at Capital One and Moderna, he brings both analytical rigor and real-world insight to every tutoring session. Mihir helps students master the test through customized, results-driven strategies that go beyond content to focus on timing, logic, and confidence. Book a free intro call with Mihir to get one step closer to your target GMAT score.
For more personalized GMAT prep, work with an expert tutor who can help you determine a target score, create a study plan, and tackle the most challenging portions of the GMAT.
Here are more resources to help you ace your GMAT and navigate the world of business school applications. Check out these articles:
- GMAT Focus Sections: Overview & Structure Breakdown
- How to Study for GMAT: The GMAT Tutor's Guide
- Top 50+ Free Resources for GMAT & GRE Practice
- How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?
- The 10 Most Common Mistakes in GMAT Exam Prep and How to Avoid Them
FAQs
What is a top 1% GMAT score?
- A top 1% GMAT score is typically around 760 or higher, placing you among the highest-scoring candidates.
Is 435 a good GMAT score?
- A 435 GMAT score is below average, typically placing you in the lower percentiles. It may limit your chances at top-tier business schools.
What is a Good GMAT Score in 2025-26?
- A good GMAT score for top business schools in 2025-26 is around 700 or higher. A score above 750 puts you in the top 10%.
Is 520 a good GMAT score?
- A 520 GMAT score is below average and may not be competitive for most top programs, but it can still be sufficient for some schools with lower cutoffs.
What percentile is 750 GMAT?
- A 750 GMAT score typically places you in the 98th percentile, meaning you score higher than 98% of test-takers.
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