What are GRE percentiles?
GRE percentiles refer to the percentage of candidates who scored below you on the exam.
It is an important metric used by educational institutions to evaluate candidates and proceed with their applications.
A high percentile score can improve your chances of admission.
For example, if you score in the 85th percentile, then you have scored better than 85% of the candidates who took the exam, and only 15% of them scored better than you.
So, the higher your percentile, the better your score is. Also, it is important to note that GRE percentiles and GRE score ranges are not the same.
What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standard competitive assessment to measure the academic skills of international students applying for postgraduate courses abroad.
It is a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardised exam, conducted by ETS.
GRE percentiles are accepted as proof of academic achievement in several universities in countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Key takeaways:
In this page, we’ll explore
- The scoring and percentiles for each section of the GRE
- GRE scores and percentiles for the Subject test
- Tips for GRE preparation
Let's start with a detailed rundown of the GRE score percentiles 2024.
Table of Contents
- What are GRE percentiles?
- What is GRE?
- GRE score range 2024
- GRE score percentiles 2024 for General test
- GRE score percentiles 2024 for Subject test
- GRE percentiles for most common scores
- How to improve your GRE percentile score?
- How to send GRE scores to universities?
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the highest GRE score?
- What is a good GRE score out of 340?
- How long is GRE score valid?
- What's the average GRE score?
- What is the GRE score range?
- What percentile is my GRE score?
- What is a competitive GRE score?
- What is the 50th percentile for GRE?
- What is 159 verbal GRE percentile?
- Is 298 a good GRE score?
- Is 306 a good GRE score?
- How to prepare for GRE if I’m from a non-STEM background?
- About the Author
GRE score range 2024
Before we learn about the GRE percentiles, it is important to understand the sections and the scores provided in the exam.
Here is a breakdown of the GRE score range of each section.
GRE score range for General Test 2024
| GRE section | GRE score range | Point increment |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | 1 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | 1 |
| Analytical Writing | 0-6 | 0.5 |
The total score range for the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections is 260-340. Your performance is determined by the number of questions answered in a given time in these sections.
There are two terms you should understand before checking your GRE percentiles.
- Raw score - The number of questions you have answered correctly.
- Scaled score - The raw score converted to bring between the GRE score range 130-170.
KEY FACT:
Your GRE Analytical Writing section score is NOT factored into your total GRE score. However, a strong writing score (above 4.0) can enhance your university applications.
How are the GRE percentile scores calculated?
The GRE uses a method known as equating to make the scaled score precise and balanced for evaluation. ETS has not revealed the process of equating. [1]
GRE raw score and scaled score chart 2024
| GRE raw score range (No. of questions answered correctly) | GRE scaled score |
|---|---|
| 0-5 | 130-135 |
| 5-10 | 135-140 |
| 10-15 | 140-145 |
| 15-20 | 145-150 |
| 20-25 | 150-155 |
| 25-30 | 155-160 |
| 30-35 | 160-165 |
| 35-40 | 165-170 |
Data updated as of May 2024
What is the GRE scored out of?
The total score on the GRE is 340, excluding the analytical writing section.
GRE score percentiles 2024 for General test
The percentiles for verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning are calculated based on the scaled score. Initially, the raw score is converted to a scaled score.
Read the below score chart that depicts the scaled scores to percentiles for the GRE.
GRE score percentiles
GRE percentiles for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning 2024
Here is how GRE percentiles compare between Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning:
| Scaled Score | Verbal Reasoning Percentile | Quantitative Reasoning Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99 | 94 |
| 169 | 99 | 91 |
| 168 | 98 | 87 |
| 167 | 97 | 83 |
| 166 | 96 | 80 |
| 165 | 95 | 76 |
| 164 | 94 | 73 |
| 163 | 92 | 70 |
| 162 | 89 | 68 |
| 161 | 87 | 65 |
| 160 | 84 | 61 |
| 159 | 81 | 58 |
| 158 | 77 | 55 |
| 157 | 73 | 52 |
| 156 | 70 | 49 |
| 155 | 65 | 46 |
| 154 | 60 | 42 |
| 153 | 56 | 39 |
| 152 | 50 | 36 |
| 151 | 46 | 33 |
| 150 | 41 | 30 |
| 149 | 36 | 27 |
| 148 | 32 | 24 |
| 147 | 29 | 21 |
| 146 | 25 | 18 |
| 145 | 22 | 15 |
| 144 | 19 | 13 |
| 143 | 17 | 11 |
| 142 | 15 | 9 |
| 141 | 12 | 7 |
| 140 | 10 | 6 |
| 139 | 9 | 5 |
| 138 | 7 | 4 |
| 137 | 6 | 3 |
| 136 | 5 | 2 |
| 135 | 4 | 1 |
| 134 | 3 | 1 |
| 133 | 2 | 1 |
| 132 | 2 | - |
| 131 | 1 | – |
| 130 | – | – |
Data updated as of May 2024 | Source: ETS
Note that the GRE percentiles are lower for the Quantitative Reasoning scores compared to the Verbal Reasoning scores of the same level.
KEY FACT:
ETS does not provide GRE total score percentiles.
What is 160 verbal GRE percentile?
The GRE percentile for 160 in the verbal reasoning section is 86%.
GRE percentiles for Analytical Writing 2024
| Analytical Writing score | GRE writing score percentiles |
|---|---|
| 6 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 97 |
| 5 | 91 |
| 4.5 | 79 |
| 4 | 54 |
| 3.5 | 37 |
| 3 | 13 |
| 2.5 | 6 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 1.5 | 1 |
| 1 | – |
| 0.5 | – |
| 0 | – |
Data updated as of May 2024
GRE score percentiles 2024 for Subject test
The average GRE score range for the subjects in the Subject test is between 200-990 and consists of a 10-point increment.
While the scores differ, the GRE percentiles for the General and Subject tests remain the same.
GRE percentiles for Subject test
| Scaled Score | GRE Math percentiles | GRE Physics percentiles | GRE Psychology percentiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 980 | - | 95 | - |
| 960 | 97 | 92 | - |
| 940 | 96 | 88 | - |
| 920 | 95 | 85 | - |
| 900 | 94 | 81 | - |
| 880 | 81 | 78 | - |
| 860 | 87 | 74 | - |
| 840 | 83 | 70 | - |
| 820 | 79 | 67 | 99 |
| 800 | 75 | 64 | 97 |
| 780 | 72 | 61 | 95 |
| 760 | 67 | 58 | 91 |
| 740 | 64 | 54 | 86 |
| 720 | 60 | 51 | 79 |
| 700 | 56 | 47 | 72 |
| 680 | 52 | 43 | 64 |
| 660 | 49 | 39 | 56 |
| 640 | 44 | 36 | 49 |
| 620 | 40 | 32 | 43 |
| 600 | 36 | 28 | 36 |
| 580 | 32 | 24 | 31 |
| 560 | 27 | 20 | 26 |
| 540 | 23 | 16 | 22 |
| 520 | 19 | 12 | 18 |
| 500 | 15 | 9 | 14 |
| 480 | 11 | 7 | 11 |
| 460 | 8 | 4 | 9 |
| 440 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| 420 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 400 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 380 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 360 | 1 | - | 1 |
| 340 | - | - | 1 |
| 200-320 | - | - | - |
Data updated as of May 2024
KEY FACT:
Some programs require GRE Subject Tests, to evaluate your knowledge in specific fields. The scoring system for Subject Tests differs from the General Test.
What's considered a good GRE score?
Any score above 310 is considered good and is widely accepted by various educational institutions abroad. Top universities accept GRE scores above 320. A "good" GRE score depends on the universities you want to apply to.
What GRE percentile do I need for engineering programs and STEM programs?
A GRE score of 320 or above, with 160+ in Quantitative Reasoning is considered a good GRE score for engineering schools and STEM programs. Higher scores in Quantitative Reasoning are required to stand out from other applicants.
What is the passing score for GRE?
The GRE does not have any passing scores for its candidates. The lowest score a candidate can obtain is 260 (excluding the Analytical Writing section).
What is GRE max score?
The maximum score on the GRE is 340 (excluding the Analytical Writing section).
GRE percentiles for most common scores
Students often find it difficult to determine their GRE percentiles from the scores received.
The conversion of scaled scores to percentiles may seem confusing, but it is easy to understand and obtain this information.
Here are the most common scaled scores to percentiles for your better understanding.
Scaled scores of commonly obtained percentiles
| GRE Percentiles | Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Analytical Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE 50th percentile | ~151 | ~154 | ~4.0 |
| GRE 60th percentile | ~154 | ~158 | ~4.0 |
| GRE 70th percentile | ~156 | 161 | ~4.0 |
| GRE 80th percentile | ~159 | ~165 | ~5.0 |
| GRE 90th percentile | 162 | 168 | ~5.0 |
| GRE 99th percentile | 170 | - | 6.0 |
Data updated as of May 2024
KEY FACT:
Many schools focus more on absolute GRE scores than on percentiles.
How to improve your GRE percentile score?
Here are some useful tips to follow and improve your GRE percentile score.
- Start preparing for the exam at the earliest.
- Understand the test format.
- Set a study goal for yourself and create a study plan.
- Analyse your mistakes and work on them.
- To improve your Quantitative scores, practice basic math concepts.
- To improve your Verbal scores, practice vocabulary and read complex texts.
- For Analytical Writing, practice Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) prompts.
- Make use of online resources, books, and practice tests.
Books and resources for GRE prep
Here are the 10 best resources for GRE prep: 📕
- The Official Guide to the GRE® General Test, Third Edition
- Official GRE® Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition
- Official GRE® Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions Volume 1, Second Edition
- Official GRE® Super Power Pack
- Kaplan's GRE Prep Plus 2025
- Manhattan Prep- 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems
- The Princeton Review's GRE Premium Prep
- GRE Prep by Magoosh
- Test Prep Books - GRE, 12th Edition
- Barron's GRE Essential Words, 5th Edition
How to send GRE scores to universities?
After completing the GRE, you will get the unofficial verbal and quantitative reasoning scores (if you take the computer-delivered test).
Your official GRE score (including your analytical writing score) will be available after 10 to 15 days on your ETS Account.
You can select the universities you want to share your scores with. If your preferred university is missing from the list, you can send the score report by paying an additional report fee of USD 27.
You can send your GRE scores to up to 4 universities free of cost.
ETS provides the below options to send your GRE scores.
- Most Recent Scores: Send your GRE score from your most recent test.
- Any: Send your GRE score from one, or as many tests as you like from the last 5 years.
- All GRE Scores: Sending your GRE scores from all test management in the last 5 years.
For the paper-delivered test, your official score report will be available on your ETS account 5 weeks after you take the test. The paper-delivered test does not offer unofficial scores immediately after the test.
Step-by-step process of sending GRE scores to universities
- Login to your ETS account.
- Go to “My GRE Home Page” and select “Send Additional Score Reports” under the scores tab.
- The “On-screen test registration” option appears.
- You can also use the “Send Additional Score Reports” option.
How long does it take to send GRE scores to universities?
After completing the GRE, your official score report will automatically be sent by ETS if you've pre-selected the four universities of your choice. If you have applied for additional score reports online to be sent to other universities, it may take around 5 days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest GRE score?
The maximum score a candidate can obtain on the GRE is 340.
What is a good GRE score out of 340?
Any score above 310 is considered widely acceptable by various educational institutions abroad. Top universities accept GRE scores above 320.
How long is GRE score valid?
The GRE score is valid for 5 years.
What's the average GRE score?
The average GRE score varies for different sections as follows:
| GRE section | Student average score |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 150.37 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 153.66 |
| Analytical Writing | 3.6 |
What is the GRE score range?
The GRE score range for the various sections is as follows.
- Verbal reasoning: 130-170
- Quantitative reasoning: 130-170
- Analytical writing: 0-6
What percentile is my GRE score?
You can check your GRE percentiles from the score range given below. You can also use the GRE score calculator available online to find your percentile or scores.
| GRE score range | Verbal Reasoning percentile | Quantitative Reasoning percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 130-135 | 1-3 | 1-2 |
| 135-140 | 3-11 | 2-7 |
| 140-145 | 11-26 | 7-19 |
| 145-150 | 26-46 | 19-37 |
| 150-155 | 46-68 | 37-56 |
| 155-160 | 68-86 | 56-73 |
| 160-165 | 86-96 | 73-86 |
| 165-170 | 96-99 | 86-96 |
What is a competitive GRE score?
A GRE score range above 328 is considered competitive by top educational institutions abroad.
What is the 50th percentile for GRE?
| GRE Percentiles | Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Analytical Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE 50th percentile | ~151 | ~154 | ~4.0 |
What is 159 verbal GRE percentile?
The GRE percentiles for 159 in the verbal reasoning section is 83%.
Is 298 a good GRE score?
A GRE score of 298 is considered an average score by educational institutions abroad. Many universities accept these scores for admission.
Is 306 a good GRE score?
A GRE score of 306 is a good score and is considered by several universities and colleges for admission in the program you apply for.
How to prepare for GRE if I’m from a non-STEM background?
Students with a non-STEM background can practice with resources like the Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning book and GRE's math-heavy resources. This will give a better understanding of the Quant section.
About the Author
Guru is a study-abroad author at Edvoy. He provides factual data and information and enjoys writing about studying abroad, serving as a trusted companion to students.
With firsthand experience clearing the GRE and studying abroad, Guru is your go-to person for anything related to higher education - navigating GRE scores, going through language proficiency exams, entry requirements, and more.
He has written several articles and essays on various exams that serve as helpful resources for aspiring students. Guru's content offers insights from expert counsellors to match each student's aspirations and help them find answers about studying abroad.
