GRE Quantitative
GRE General Test - Quantitative Reasoning
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Quantitative Reasoning measure is one of the sections of the GRE General Test, the admissions exam that ETS describes as "one test for graduate, business and law school." This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS or the GRE program.
The measure assesses three things: basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively and to model and solve problems with quantitative methods. Questions appear in real-life settings and in purely mathematical settings, and many are word problems that must be translated and modeled mathematically. Content is drawn from four areas - Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data analysis - at a level generally no higher than a second course in algebra; trigonometry, calculus, and proof construction are not tested, and neither is inferential statistics.
Questions are either discrete or grouped into Data Interpretation sets that share one table, graph, or data display. Preparation means working through sample questions with explanations, reviewing ETS's Math Review and Mathematical Conventions materials, and drilling the conventions that trip people up: figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, while coordinate systems and graphical data presentations are. Build accuracy first, then speed.
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About GRE Quantitative preparation
How advanced is the math on the Quantitative Reasoning measure?
The source states the content is high school mathematics and statistics "at a level that is generally no higher than a second course in algebra." Trigonometry, calculus, and other higher-level mathematics are not included, so a solid algebra foundation matters more than breadth of coursework.
What are the four content areas and question types?
Content falls into Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data analysis. The four question types are Quantitative Comparison, multiple-choice select-one (five choices), multiple-choice select-one-or-more, and Numeric Entry. Each question is either discrete or part of a Data Interpretation set sharing one data display.
Are geometry figures drawn to scale?
Usually not. Geometric figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, so do not assume lengths or angle measures from appearance - reason geometrically instead. Two exceptions are drawn to scale: coordinate systems such as xy-planes and number lines, and graphical data presentations such as bar, circle, and line graphs.
Is inferential statistics tested?
No. The page states plainly that inferential statistics is not tested, and that proof construction is not tested either. Data analysis questions instead cover descriptive statistics, interpretation of tables and graphs, elementary and conditional probability, random variables and normal distributions, and counting methods.
What is the most common Quantitative Comparison mistake?
Choosing the fourth option, "The relationship cannot be determined from the information given," when the quantities actually can be computed or compared. Never pick it if the values are determinable. Also check that you have not reversed the first two choices when Quantity A is greater.
How should I handle rounding on Numeric Entry questions?
If rounding is requested, round only the final answer to the required accuracy - carry intermediate computations exactly. For example, 46.7 rounded to the nearest integer is entered as 47. If no rounding instruction is given, enter the exact answer, and watch unit labels and percent-versus-decimal distinctions.
What mistakes cost Data Interpretation points?
Studying the whole display before reading the questions, and ignoring scales. Check axes and scales, units or orders of magnitude in titles and legends, broken scales, and bars that do not start at zero. Answer only from the data presented, everyday facts, and your own mathematics knowledge.
In what order should I study for this measure?
Start with the Math Review to rebuild arithmetic and algebra fundamentals, then conventions and assumptions, then each question type's answering tips. Move to timed practice only after accuracy is stable. When a computed answer is not among the five choices, the page's advice is to reread the question and recheck computations before changing method.
How long is the section, how many questions, and what does it cost?
This overview page does not state the number of questions, the time limit, fees, or retake rules; check ETS's test structure, fees, and registration pages for those figures. Treat any specific timing or fee number from a third party as unverified until you confirm it at the source.
Is testing available in Iran?
Per the notice on the ETS page retrieved 2026-10-31, in compliance with a U.S. Treasury (OFAC) regulatory change, TOEFL and GRE testing within Iran has been paused effective immediately. Iranian nationals may continue to test outside Iran where testing is available; affected test takers are contacted directly about cancellations.