How Long Is The GMAT?

Introduction to the GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test, otherwise known as the GMAT, is a key piece to your business school application for the 2026 admissions cycle. This computer-adaptive exam is almost certainly a requirement for that MBA program you’re applying to, and may very well make or break your application.

This test is an indicator to business schools that you are committed to grad school, and exemplifies your ability to succeed in business school. There is a strong correlation between GMAT scores and success in b-school.

The GMAT is composed of three sections relating to critical thinking and analysis. This will directly relate to the skills you’ll use for your MBA coursework.

This assessment scores the abilities of arithmetic, algebra, multi-source data analysis, and critical thinking. It also measures your analysis ability and evaluation of written material. Thinking critically and solving problems through reasoning is the crux of this assessment.

How Long is the GMAT Exam?

The three sections of this exam are Data Insights, Quantitative, and Verbal, taken in the order of your choosing.

The official GMAT time length is 2 hours and 15 minutes of testing time across three 45-minute sections, and you have one optional 10-minute break during the session, Prior to your examination time slot, you’ll want to arrive 30 minutes ahead of time for check-in purposes (if you are testing at a test center). If testing online from home, you’ll need to complete a system check and ID verification process before your scheduled start time.

GMAT Sections & Times

Because the test is split up into three sections, each section has their own time allowance. It is important to take these times into consideration when preparing for this exam. You can take the three sections in any order you choose (six possible combinations). Practicing the assessment in different section orders might help you decide which order works best for your strengths and energy levels.

Data Insights

The Data Insights section consists of 20 total questions. For this section, you’ll be granted 45 minutes time. Again, depending on which format you choose, you’ll have an option as to when this section occurs during your test session.

You’ll be tasked with answering questions around data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis. According to GMAC (the official test maker), the main purpose of this section is to conceptually interpret and synthesize information that is presented to you in differing formats.

• Two-part analysis questions tend to be wordy, and they ask you to choose multiple correct answers out of a group. This hyper-focuses on your ability to carefully analyze whatever situation you’re given.
• Multi-source reasoning questions give you three different tabs to navigate, all while tasking you with using critical reasoning skills to answer questions.
• Graphic interpretation questions are exactly as they sound. You’ll be given a graphic, such as a chart, and you’ll be asked to interpret the meaning. In this question type, you’ll be given three choices and must choose the best response for two questions surrounding the one graphic.
• Table analysis questions provide you with an opportunity to sort through necessary and unnecessary data to answer three questions. The essential aspect of this section is getting used to the different ways that these questions are represented visually. Although they are all multiple choice, carefully reading directions and keeping track of time is essential for success here.
• Data Sufficiency questions present you with a question and two different data statements. Your task is to figure out if the statements give you enough evidence to answer the question. These questions, previously part of the Quantitative section, now appear in Data Insights with more emphasis on data interpretation and real-world scenarios, rather than pure mathematics.

An important note: you’ll have access to an on-screen calculator for all questions in the Data Insights section, which can help with complex calculations involving tables and graphics.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative section of the GMAT is one of the most difficult portions, alongside the verbal section. The GMAT quant time runs 45 minutes, with approximately 21 questions total, giving test takers approximately 2 minutes per question.

Like the others, the format of the test allows takers to choose whether to tackle this portion first, second or third. Because of the rigor of this section, it is important to focus your practice on your ability to complete these questions in the appropriate time window.

As suggested in the last section, practice taking the assessment in each order to see what fits your needs better. Because of the time limit, these question types task takers with identifying essential information quickly.

In this section, problem solving questions mimic classic standardized test questions. These questions give you five multiple choices, and you must use your knowledge of algebra, arithmetic, and number properties to demonstrate your quantitative and critical thinking. Note that geometry questions and data sufficiency questions are no longer part of the Quantitative Reasoning section in the 2026 GMAT Exam.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal section of this assessment is also 45 minutes long and contains 23 questions. These questions consist of reading comprehension and critical reasoning. Note that Sentence Correction questions were removed from the 2026 GMAT Exam..

In this section, your goal is to show your strengths of written English, critical reading and argument analysis.

For critical reasoning questions, your job is to read a set of statements and respond to a related question. For reading comprehension questions, you’ll be tested on your understanding of the information, structure, and author’s attitude in passages. Each reading passage typically includes 3-4 questions about the reading.

Final Answer: How Long Does the GMAT Take?

When scheduling the GMAT, expect to sit for just under 2.5 hours. When testing, you have one optional 10-minute break, while the actual testing time across all three sections totals 135 minutes (2 hours and 15 minutes). Although this is a substantial amount of time, it will seem like it goes by fast with the amount of work required.

Fortunately, there’s a variety of study options and practice tests available online. This will allow you to time yourself while answering the variety of different types of questions. Also consider a comprehensive prep course, such as Target Test Prep. 

The GMAT allows business schools to examine your analytical reasoning, critical thinking and basic readiness for an MBA program. Despite the length, a good score on it will definitely take your grad school app to the next level.