The GRE score calculator converts your raw practice test performance into the scaled 130-170 scores used by graduate schools. Enter the number of questions you got correct in each section to see your estimated scaled score, percentile ranking, and overall competitiveness assessment.
Verbal Reasoning
Total scored Verbal questions: 40
Quantitative Reasoning
Total scored Quantitative questions: 40
Analytical Writing
GRE Score Quick Reference
Verbal Reasoning
| Scaled | Approx. %ile |
|---|---|
| 170 | 99 |
| 165 | 96 |
| 160 | 86 |
| 155 | 69 |
| 151 | 50 |
| 145 | 27 |
| 140 | 12 |
| 130 | 1 |
Quantitative Reasoning
| Scaled | Approx. %ile |
|---|---|
| 170 | 96 |
| 167 | 90 |
| 163 | 79 |
| 160 | 76 |
| 155 | 59 |
| 153 | 50 |
| 148 | 36 |
| 140 | 18 |
Analytical Writing
| Score | Approx. %ile |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 97 |
| 5.0 | 93 |
| 4.5 | 82 |
| 4.0 | 59 |
| 3.5 | 38 |
| 3.0 | 18 |
| 2.0 | 5 |
Understanding Your GRE Scores
The GRE General Test is the most widely accepted graduate admissions exam in the U.S. and many international programs. Understanding what your scores mean — and what they communicate to admissions committees — is the first step in a successful application strategy.
How GRE Scoring Works
The GRE uses section-level adaptive scoring. Your performance on the first Verbal section determines whether your second Verbal section is easier or harder — harder means more scoring potential. The final scaled score (130-170) is produced through a statistical equating process that accounts for difficulty. This means two people with the same raw score (e.g., 30/40 correct) may receive different scaled scores depending on which form of the test they took.
Verbal vs. Quantitative Percentiles
A 160 means very different things on Verbal vs. Quant. A 160 Verbal is the 86th percentile — you scored better than 86% of test-takers. A 160 Quant is the 76th percentile — because the Quant distribution is much higher (more test-takers score well on math), the same scaled score corresponds to a lower relative ranking. For STEM programs, a 160 Quant is often considered below average among applicants; a 165+ is typically expected.
How Programs Use GRE Scores
Most programs use GRE as a screening tool, not a primary criterion. A score below their published 25th percentile range puts you at risk of rejection on GRE alone. A score above their 75th percentile lets you "clear the GRE bar" and focus the committee's attention on your research experience, letters, and statement of purpose. Focus your prep on getting above each program's 50th percentile cutoff, then invest remaining time in the other parts of your application.
GRE Prep Strategy
Most students need 2-3 months of structured prep to meaningfully improve their scores. Start with a full-length practice test to establish a baseline. Use the ETS Official Practice Tests (free on the ETS website) for the most accurate score estimates — they use real retired questions. Focus on your weaker section first. The biggest gains come from understanding why you got questions wrong, not from repeatedly doing practice problems without reviewing errors.
FAQ
Is the GRE Score Calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
What is the GRE scoring scale?
GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning each score on a 130-170 scale in 1-point increments. Analytical Writing scores on a 0-6 scale in 0.5-point increments. The total combined Verbal + Quant score ranges from 260 to 340.
How does the raw score to scaled score conversion work?
The GRE uses equating — the raw-to-scaled conversion varies slightly by test form to account for difficulty differences. The calculator uses approximate conversion tables based on ETS published data. Actual test scores may vary slightly from these estimates.
What is a competitive GRE score for grad school?
It depends entirely on the program. For top-ranked programs (top 10), expect 163+ Verbal and 165+ Quant. For most master's programs at good universities, 155+ on both sections is competitive. STEM programs weight Quant more heavily; humanities programs weight Verbal more heavily.
What percentile is a 160 on the GRE?
A 160 Verbal is approximately the 86th percentile. A 160 Quantitative is approximately the 76th percentile (the Quant distribution is higher-scoring, so the same scaled score corresponds to a lower percentile).
How is GRE Analytical Writing scored?
Two human raters each give the essay a 0-6 score in half-point increments, and the scores are averaged. If they disagree by more than 1 point, a third rater resolves the difference. The average test-taker scores around 4.0.
How many questions are on the GRE?
The GRE has two scored Verbal sections (about 27 questions each) and two scored Quantitative sections (about 27 questions each), plus one unscored experimental section. Verbal has 40 scored items total; Quant has 40 scored items total.