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Everything you need to know about how many and what types of questions are on the GMAT
Formally, the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam that is used for admission purposes to graduate level management and business programs across the United States and abroad. More informally, it’s the exam standing between you and business school. In this article, we cover what to expect in terms of GMAT exam length, question quantity, and format for 2026.
How Many Questions Are On The GMAT?
This is a question I see in comment sections all the time: “how many questions is the GMAT?”. It’s a common question because the exam format changed significantly in 2024. Let’s dive in.
As we head into the 2026 testing year, the GMAT format remains streamlined and efficient. The exam consists of exactly 64 questions across three sections, with no experimental questions expected to count toward your score. The total exam time is around two hours and fifteen minutes not including breaks and instructions.
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the test is now 21 questions, which need to be answered in 45 minutes.
The Verbal Reasoning section has 23 questions that need to be answered in 45 minutes.
Example GMAT question
The Data Insights section has 20 questions that will need to be completed in 45 minutes.
This means there are 64 total questions on the GMAT.
That said, students often find the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT to be the most difficult. As such, it may be a good idea to purchase a course to help you prepare for this section. A comprehensive course like Target Test Prep will provide tips and strategies to help you attack the math-related questions on the exam.
What Types Of Questions Are On The GMAT?
While the GMAT consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, the specific formats vary significantly by section. Here is the full breakdown:
Quantitative Reasoning: Problem Solving (basic math and algebra).
Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
Data Insights: Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.
Other than GMAT tutors, taking GMAT practice tests are often the best way to get ready for the Quant and Verbal sections of the exam. Many of the companies on our best prep course list offer GMAT practice questions that are highly realistic of the real exam.
Sample GMAT problem
The Data Insights section tests a candidate’s ability to read and interpret data in multiple formats.
How Many Math Questions Are On The GMAT?
The math questions are found in the Quantitative section of the test. This section has 21 multiple-choice questions, and you are not allowed to use a calculator on this part of the test.
The Data Insights section allows an on-screen calculator, unlike the Quantitative section which does not (see our guide on GMAT calculator rules).
GMAT Math Practice Questions
Below are two sample math questions similar to what exam takers may see on the GMAT.
Question 1: Company X sold 1,500 units of its product for $9 each and 750 units for $6 each. If the company’s cost of producing each unit of the product was $7, what was the company’s profit or loss on the sale of 2,250 units?
(A) $2,250 loss
(B) $750 loss
(C) No profit or loss
(D) $2,250 profit
(E) $18,000 profit
Question 2: The population of City X increased from 2 million in the year 2000 to 2.5 million in 2015 and the gross domestic product of the city in 2000 was 3/8 less than that in 2015. What was the approximate percent change, rounded to the nearest integer if required, in the per capita gross domestic product of the city from 2000 to 2015?
The problems can range from easy to very difficult, so having a good grasp of arithmetic is essential.
For a comprehensive GMAT test prep comparison, explore our detailed guide to identify the course that best suits your study style and goals.
How Many Verbal Questions Are On The GMAT?
The GMAT has 23 of these types of questions. They will rely on logic, and reading skills. For certain students, this may actually be the most difficult section of the exam, especially for ESL students and students who struggle with English. If that is the case, you may want to consider using a GMAT prep course to help you prepare for this section.
GMAT Verbal Practice Questions
Since the removal of Sentence Correction from the exam, the Verbal section now focuses exclusively on your ability to read critically and analyze arguments. In the first question, you will read the short passage and answer the question.
Question 1:Although electric vehicles (EVs) have fewer moving parts than gas vehicles, their repair costs remain higher. This discrepancy is largely due to the specialized labor required to service high-voltage battery systems, which is currently in short supply.
The passage implies that a decrease in EV repair costs would likely require which of the following?
(A) A reduction in the number of moving parts in gas vehicles.
(B) An increase in the number of technicians trained in high-voltage systems.
(C) A complete ban on internal combustion engines. (D) Higher insurance premiums for all vehicle owners.
(E) The development of cheaper gasoline engines.
In the second question, you will use critical reasoning to determine the correct answer.
Question 2: One food writer wrote that reducing the number of animal products in one’s diet can contribute to better health and well-being. Based on this claim, some people are eliminating meat from their diets to be healthier.
The argument above relies on which of the following assumptions?
(A) Increasing the amount of vegetables and grains in one’s diet can contribute to better health.
(B) There will be no corresponding increase in the amount of dairy products in the diets of those who are eliminating meat.
(C) Most food writers believe that some amount of animal products is necessary for a healthy diet.
(D) Not all healthy lifestyles require a vegetarian diet.
(E) Many people who do not eat animal products make decisions for health reasons.
FAQ
What kind of questions are on the GMAT?
The GMAT Focus Edition consists of three sections. Quantitative features Problem Solving. Verbal features Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. The Data Insights section features Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.
How many data sufficiency questions are on the GMAT?
There are usually 5-7 data sufficiency questions on the GMAT.
How many reading comprehension questions are on the GMAT?
There are usually 13-14 reading comprehension questions on the GMAT.
How many questions on the GMAT are experimental?
Unlike the previous version of the exam, the current GMAT is designed to be concise. While GMAC does not disclose the exact algorithm, you should assume every question counts toward your score.
