What Is the Maximum GRE Score?
The maximum GRE score is 340: 170 in Verbal Reasoning plus 170 in Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing is reported separately on a 0–6 scale, so a perfect GRE is 340 with a 6.0. The lowest possible Verbal + Quant score is 260 (130 + 130).
A perfect 170 Verbal is the 99th percentile, but a perfect 170 Quant is only the 89th percentile, because so many test takers reach the top of the Quant scale (ETS data for July 2022–June 2025).
How Is the GRE Scored?
The GRE General Test reports three scores: Verbal Reasoning (130–170), Quantitative Reasoning (130–170) and Analytical Writing (0–6). Since September 2023 the test is shorter: about 1 hour 58 minutes, with one essay, 27 Verbal questions and 27 Quant questions.
For Verbal and Quant, the number of questions you answer correctly (your raw score) is converted to a scaled score through a statistical process called equating, so scores are comparable across test editions. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank.
GRE Score Breakdown by Section
Each measure is scored independently, and graduate programs may weigh one more heavily depending on the field of study.
Verbal Reasoning
Score range: 130–170, in one-point steps
Two sections (12 and 15 questions) of reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence. Measures how well you analyze written material and the relationships among words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning
Score range: 130–170, in one-point steps
Two sections (12 and 15 questions) covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. An on-screen calculator is provided.
Analytical Writing
Score range: 0–6, in half-point steps
One 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” essay, scored on a 6-point holistic scale by a trained rater together with ETS’s e-rater scoring engine. A single score is reported.
GRE Score Summary Table
| Section | Questions | Time | Score range | Average score* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 Issue essay | 30 minutes | 0–6 (half points) | 3.5 (3.46) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 (12 + 15) | 41 minutes (18 + 23) | 130–170 | 151.4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 (12 + 15) | 47 minutes (21 + 26) | 130–170 | 157.6 |
*Mean scores of all test takers from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025 (ETS, GRE General Test Interpretive Data). Total testing time is 1 hour 58 minutes, with no scheduled break.
What Is a Good GRE Score?
A “good” GRE score is the one your target programs expect, so the best benchmark is the median score of admitted students at those schools. As a general guide, using ETS’s current percentiles:
- Average: about 151 Verbal (43rd percentile) and 158 Quant (45th percentile), or about 309 combined
- Competitive: about 160 Verbal (82nd percentile) and 165 Quant (67th percentile), or about 325 combined
- Top programs: 163+ Verbal (90th percentile) and 167+ Quant (75th percentile), or roughly 330+ combined
- Analytical Writing: 4.0 is above the median (63rd percentile); 4.5 (85th) or higher is strong
Because the average Quant score (157.6) is much higher than the average Verbal score (151.4), the same number means different things on the two measures. A 160 is the 82nd percentile in Verbal but only the 50th percentile in Quant. STEM, economics and business programs focus on Quant; humanities and social science programs look harder at Verbal and Analytical Writing.
Average GRE Scores
ETS’s latest interpretive data covers about 790,000 people who tested between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2025.
Verbal Reasoning
Standard deviation 8.4
Quantitative Reasoning
Standard deviation 9.9
Analytical Writing
Standard deviation 0.85
That puts the average combined Verbal + Quant score at about 309. A score near the average can still get you admitted: most programs weigh your GPA, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and experience alongside your GRE scores.
GRE Score Percentiles
A percentile rank is the percentage of test takers who scored lower than you. These are ETS’s current figures, based on everyone who tested from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025.
| Scaled score | Verbal percentile | Quant percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99 | 89 |
| 169 | 99 | 85 |
| 168 | 98 | 80 |
| 167 | 97 | 75 |
| 166 | 96 | 72 |
| 165 | 95 | 67 |
| 164 | 93 | 63 |
| 163 | 90 | 60 |
| 162 | 88 | 57 |
| 160 | 82 | 50 |
| 158 | 76 | 45 |
| 155 | 64 | 37 |
| 153 | 54 | 31 |
| 150 | 39 | 23 |
| 147 | 27 | 16 |
| 145 | 21 | 12 |
| 140 | 10 | 5 |
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 98 |
| 5.0 | 93 |
| 4.5 | 85 |
| 4.0 | 63 |
| 3.5 | 40 |
| 3.0 | 16 |
| 2.5 | 7 |
| 2.0 | 3 |
Source: ETS, GRE General Test Interpretive Data (tables 1B and 1C). ETS bases percentiles on a rolling three-year group of test takers, so they shift slightly when the data is updated.
GRE Max Score and Score Range by Section
- Verbal Reasoning: 130 minimum, 170 maximum (99th percentile)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130 minimum, 170 maximum (89th percentile)
- Analytical Writing: 0 minimum, 6.0 maximum (99th percentile)
- Verbal + Quant combined: 260 minimum, 340 maximum
If you answer no questions in a measure, ETS reports a No Score (NS) for it rather than a 130. Very few people score 340, and there is no extra credit beyond 170 in either measure.
For context, here is roughly what different combined Verbal + Quant scores mean today:
- 330–340: exceptional, and competitive for the most selective programs
- 320–329: excellent, and strong for top-tier programs
- 310–319: above average and competitive for many programs
- 300–309: around the average (about 309), which is fine for many programs
- Below 300: below average; a retake or a stronger application elsewhere may help
How Are GRE Scores Distributed?
Verbal Reasoning scores center on 151.4 with a standard deviation of 8.4, so roughly two-thirds of test takers score between about 143 and 160. A 163 puts you in the top 10%; a score below 140 is in the bottom 10%.
Quantitative Reasoning scores are higher and bunched toward the top: the mean is 157.6 with a standard deviation of 9.9, and about one in nine test takers scores a perfect 170. That is why it is harder to stand out in Quant. A 165 is only the 67th percentile.
Analytical Writing scores cluster tightly: about 69% of test takers score 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0, and only 7% score 5.0 or higher.
For your preparation, this means a STEM applicant usually needs a Quant score well above the mean to stand out, while a strong Verbal score separates you from the field more quickly.
How Is the GRE Test Graded?
Verbal and Quantitative grading
Both measures are scored by computer. Each correct answer adds to your raw score and there is no penalty for wrong answers. The GRE is adaptive by section: the first Verbal and first Quant sections are of average difficulty, and your performance on each sets the difficulty of the second section in that measure. Within a section you can skip questions, mark them for review and change answers.
Analytical Writing grading
Your Issue essay is scored on a 6-point holistic scale by a trained rater, together with ETS’s e-rater automated scoring engine, and one score is reported. Raters look at the quality of your reasoning, your support and examples, organization and control of written English, not at whether they agree with your position.
When do you get your GRE scores?
Your unofficial Verbal and Quant scores appear on screen as soon as you finish. Your Analytical Writing score is not shown on test day. Official scores appear in your ETS account and are sent to your chosen schools about 8–10 days after the test. You can send four free score reports, chosen on test day after you see your scores; each additional score report costs $40.
Can you retake the GRE?
Yes. You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month (365-day) period. This applies even if you canceled your scores from an earlier attempt. With ScoreSelect you choose which scores schools see: your Most Recent or All scores on test day, or Most Recent, All or Any scores afterward. Schools see only the scores you send.
How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?
GRE scores are reportable for five years after your test date. For example, scores from a test taken on July 3, 2022 can be sent until July 2, 2027. After that, ETS can no longer report them, so if you tested several years ago, check the dates before you apply.
The five-year window also means you can test well before you apply. A strong score now stays on file for several application cycles.
GRE Score FAQs
What is the maximum GRE score?
The maximum GRE score is 340: 170 in Verbal Reasoning plus 170 in Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing is scored separately from 0 to 6, so a perfect GRE is 340 with a 6.0.
What is a good GRE score?
It depends on your programs. Using ETS's current percentiles, about 160 Verbal (82nd percentile) and 165 Quant (67th percentile), or about 325 combined, is competitive for many programs; top programs often expect 330 or more. Check the median scores of admitted students at your target schools.
What is the average GRE score?
For test takers from July 2022 to June 2025, ETS reports average scores of 151.4 Verbal, 157.6 Quant and 3.46 Analytical Writing, so the average combined score is about 309.
Is a 170 in GRE Quant the 99th percentile?
No. Under ETS's current data, a 170 in Quant is the 89th percentile because about one in nine test takers scores 170. A 170 in Verbal is the 99th percentile.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are reportable for five years after your test date. For example, scores from a test taken on July 3, 2022 can be sent until July 2, 2027.
When do I get my GRE scores?
You see unofficial Verbal and Quant scores on screen when you finish the test. Official scores, including Analytical Writing, are in your ETS account and sent to your chosen schools about 8 to 10 days after the test.
How many times can I take the GRE?
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period, even if you canceled earlier scores. ScoreSelect lets you choose which scores schools see.
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