GRE Percentile Calculator

Understanding GRE Percentiles

GRE percentiles show how your score compares to other test takers. A percentile rank indicates the percentage of test takers who scored lower than you. Use our calculator to instantly convert your GRE scores to percentiles.

GRE Score to Percentile Calculator

Score range: 130-170

Score range: 130-170

Score range: 0-6

GRE Score Percentile Tables

Verbal Reasoning Percentiles

Score Percentile Score Percentile Score Percentile
170 99 160 86 150 48
169 99 159 83 149 43
168 98 158 80 148 39
167 98 157 76 147 35
166 97 156 73 146 31
165 96 155 69 145 27
164 94 154 65 144 24
163 93 153 61 143 20
162 90 152 56 142 17
161 88 151 52 141 15

Quantitative Reasoning Percentiles

Score Percentile Score Percentile Score Percentile
170 96 160 76 150 38
169 95 159 73 149 35
168 93 158 69 148 31
167 91 157 66 147 28
166 89 156 62 146 25
165 87 155 59 145 22
164 84 154 55 144 19
163 82 153 51 143 17
162 79 152 47 142 14
161 76 151 43 141 12

Analytical Writing Percentiles

Score Percentile
6.0 99
5.5 98
5.0 93
4.5 82
4.0 60
3.5 42
3.0 18
2.5 8
2.0 2

What Do GRE Percentiles Mean for MBA Applications?

Top MBA Programs (M7)

For elite programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, aim for:

  • Verbal: 160+ (86th percentile or higher)
  • Quantitative: 165+ (87th percentile or higher)
  • Total: 325+ for competitive positioning

Top 25 MBA Programs

For programs ranked 15-25, target scores include:

  • Verbal: 155-160 (69th-86th percentile)
  • Quantitative: 160-165 (76th-87th percentile)
  • Total: 315-325 for strong applications

Regional MBA Programs

For regional and specialized programs:

  • Verbal: 150-155 (48th-69th percentile)
  • Quantitative: 155-160 (59th-76th percentile)
  • Total: 305-315 typically sufficient

Important Considerations

  • Percentiles are updated annually by ETS based on recent test-taker performance
  • MBA programs often focus more on Quantitative scores, especially for finance/consulting tracks
  • International applicants may face higher expectations for Verbal scores
  • A balanced score profile is generally preferred over extreme disparities

How to Improve Your GRE Percentiles

Verbal Reasoning Tips

  • Build vocabulary through systematic study
  • Practice reading complex passages daily
  • Master text completion strategies
  • Focus on sentence equivalence patterns
  • Time management is crucial - practice pacing

Quantitative Reasoning Tips

  • Review fundamental math concepts thoroughly
  • Practice data interpretation questions
  • Master quantitative comparison techniques
  • Use strategic guessing when needed
  • Focus on accuracy before speed

Need Help Improving Your GRE Score?

Our expert MBA admissions consultants can help you develop a comprehensive test preparation strategy and craft a compelling application that showcases your strengths beyond test scores.