GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Section

The GMAT Quantitative Section: Back to Math

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT Focus Edition now only asks Problem-Solving questions. The Data Sufficiency problems have been moved to the Data Insights (DI) section, which also contains Integrated Reasoning problems.

The Focus Edition retains all topics covered in the legacy (old) GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, with one significant exception: geometry. Geometry will no longer be tested in the GMAT, and the section focuses only on Number Properties, Algebra and Arithmetic.

While you will be expected to use these math skills to solve the problems presented, the test is focused more on your critical reasoning and problem-solving skills than on difficult math concepts. In fact, many of the math questions are high school level—there is no calculus, geometry, or trigonometry—but test takers should be sure they have confidence in their knowledge of the basic concepts, rules, and equations for these mathematical subjects. Test takers should be prepared to perform basic calculations quickly, as this section does not allow the use of calculators. The test also evaluates critical thinking. 

The Quantitative Reasoning section has only 21 Problem-Solving questions, which are multiple-choice with five answer options. Test-takers have 45 minutes to complete this section.

The 45-minute time limit means that test-takers have approximately two minutes per question. The questions vary greatly in difficulty and the amount of time required for completion. Therefore, rather than restrict themselves to two minutes per question, test takers should budget their time more broadly. For example, planning on having 10 questions finished at the end of 22 minutes would be a better way to benchmark than question-by-question pacing. Ensure that you have returned to the bookmarked questions provided that time permits.