GRE Scores and Percentiles 2026: What Your Score Really Means

Your GRE score tells you how you performed on a particular GRE measure.

Your GRE percentile tells you how that score compares with other test takers.

Those are different ideas.

For example, a 160 in GRE Verbal Reasoning and a 160 in GRE Quantitative Reasoning look identical numerically.

But in ETS's current published interpretive data:

• Verbal 160 = 84th percentile
• Quant 160 = 50th percentile

That single example explains why GRE scores should never be interpreted by looking at the number alone.

The GRE General Test reports three separate scores:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

There is no official GRE Total Score reported by ETS.

To understand your result properly, read it in this order:

scaled score → percentile → section profile → program context → action

That is the purpose of this guide.

GRE Score Ranges at a Glance

ETS's current GRE scoring guidance confirms these three reported scores.

If you answer no questions at all in a measure, ETS reports NS — No Score for that measure.

There Is No Official Combined GRE Total Score

This is one of the most important GRE score concepts to understand.

ETS reports:

• one Verbal score;
• one Quant score;
• one Analytical Writing score.

It does not report one official combined GRE General Test score.

People often add Verbal + Quant and say:

• 310
• 320
• 325
• 330

That shorthand is common and can be convenient.

Because Verbal and Quant each range from 130 to 170, the informal V+Q sum ranges from:

260 to 340

But ETS does not assign an official percentile to that combined number.

Why this matters

A "325 GRE" can describe very different profiles.

For example:

• V165 + Q160 = 325
• V155 + Q170 = 325

Those two candidates have the same informal total.

But their strengths are completely different.

A program in literature, economics, engineering, psychology or business may interpret those profiles differently.

So your section scores matter more than the combined shorthand.

How GRE Verbal and Quant Scores Are Calculated

GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are section-level adaptive.

ETS explains that:

1. your first Verbal or Quant section has an average level of difficulty;
2. your performance on that first section helps determine the difficulty of the second section;
3. within each section, questions contribute equally;
4. ETS first calculates a raw score based on the number of correct answers;
5. that raw score is converted to the 130–170 scale through a process called equating.

Equating accounts for:

• small differences in difficulty among test editions;
• differences created by the adaptive second section.

This means a scaled score such as 160 is designed to represent approximately the same performance level regardless of the exact test form you received.

For more on the adaptive structure, see our GRE syllabus guide.

What Does a GRE Percentile Mean?

A percentile rank tells you the percentage of test takers who scored lower than your score.

For example:

84th percentile

If your score is at the 84th percentile, you scored higher than approximately 84% of the comparison population.

50th percentile

A 50th-percentile result sits around the middle of the comparison population.

95th percentile

You performed better than approximately 95% of the comparison population.

A percentile does not mean:

• the percentage of questions you answered correctly;
• the percentage of the total score scale you achieved;
• your probability of admission;
• your rank among applicants to one specific university.

It is a comparison with a GRE reference population.

Current GRE Percentile Data

ETS's currently published GRE General Test interpretive table is based on test takers who tested between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2024.

ETS reports the following mean scores for that reference group:

The percentile table below uses selected score anchors from ETS's current published interpretive data.

GRE Verbal and Quant Percentiles

Source: ETS GRE General Test Interpretive Data.

The Most Important Insight: Verbal and Quant Scores Are Not Directly Comparable

ETS explicitly advises that scores from different GRE measures should not be directly compared because each measure is scaled separately.

This is why:

Verbal 160 ≠ Quant 160 in relative performance terms

A Verbal 160 is currently around the 84th percentile.

A Quant 160 is around the 50th percentile.

The numerical score is the same.

The standing within the testing population is very different.

Why does this happen?

The score distributions are different.

GRE test takers collectively score higher in Quant than in Verbal.

That is reflected in the current means:

• Verbal mean: 151.21
• Quant mean: 157.58

So a 160 Quant score is much closer to the center of the Quant distribution than a 160 Verbal score is to the center of the Verbal distribution.

This is exactly why percentile ranks are useful.

What Does a 160 Verbal Score Mean?

A Verbal score of 160 is currently at approximately the 84th percentile.

That tells you:

• it is substantially above the current Verbal mean;
• relatively few test takers score higher;
• it represents strong performance compared with the overall GRE population.

It does not tell you whether 160 is enough for a particular graduate program.

A selective humanities, social-science or law-related program may interpret Verbal differently from a quantitatively focused program.

What Does a 160 Quant Score Mean?

A Quant score of 160 is currently around the 50th percentile.

That often surprises candidates because 160 sounds numerically high on a 130–170 scale.

The insight is:

A high-looking raw scale position is not the same as a high percentile.

Many GRE test takers perform strongly in Quant, especially candidates from quantitative academic backgrounds.

So for programs such as:

• engineering;
• computer science;
• mathematics;
• economics;
• data science;

a 160 may not be especially unusual among applicants even though it is 30 points above the minimum score on the scale.

What Does a 165 Quant Score Mean?

A Quant 165 is currently around the 67th percentile.

That is well above the middle of the overall Quant distribution.

But whether it is competitive for your program still depends on the field.

A highly quantitative graduate program may have an applicant pool with much stronger Quant scores than the overall GRE population.

That is why ETS also publishes score distributions by intended graduate field.

What Does a 165 Verbal Score Mean?

A Verbal 165 is currently around the 95th percentile.

That is a very high result relative to the overall Verbal testing population.

Again, the program context matters.

A 95th-percentile Verbal score can be highly valuable for a humanities-oriented application, while a quantitative program may place greater emphasis on Quant.

GRE Analytical Writing Percentiles

Analytical Writing is reported separately on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments.

ETS's current published percentile data show:

The current mean Analytical Writing score is 3.44.

For scoring criteria, ETS's Analytical Writing score descriptions explain what performance at each score level looks like.

What Does a 4.0 Analytical Writing Score Mean?

A 4.0 is currently around the 63rd percentile.

ETS describes a score at this level as demonstrating competent analysis, relevant development, adequate organization and acceptable control of language.

That means 4.0 is above the current average AWA performance.

Whether it is strong enough for your application depends on:

• the program;
• the importance of writing in the field;
• the rest of your academic evidence.

What Does a 5.0 AWA Score Mean?

A 5.0 is currently around the 93rd percentile.

That is an unusually strong Analytical Writing result.

ETS describes this level as generally thoughtful, well-developed, focused and clearly written.

For writing-intensive disciplines, that can add useful evidence to an application.

Why You Should Not Compare AWA 4.0 With Verbal 160 Directly

The three GRE measures use different scales.

So you should not say:

"My Verbal is 160 and my AWA is 4.0, so Verbal is obviously stronger because 160 is the larger number."

That comparison is meaningless.

The correct comparison is through percentile ranks:

• Verbal 160 ≈ 84th percentile
• AWA 4.0 ≈ 63rd percentile

Percentiles provide a common relative frame across differently scaled measures.

What Does Your GRE Score Profile Tell You?

Your three scores together create a profile.

Consider two hypothetical candidates.

Candidate A

• Verbal 165
• Quant 160
• AWA 5.0

Candidate B

• Verbal 155
• Quant 170
• AWA 3.5

Candidate A has much stronger relative Verbal and writing performance.

Candidate B has exceptional Quant performance.

Neither profile is universally "better."

The answer depends on the program.

Why Program Type Changes Score Interpretation

A GRE score should always be interpreted in relation to what your program values.

Quantitative fields

Programs in areas such as:

• engineering;
• mathematics;
• computer science;
• economics;
• quantitative finance;

may place more emphasis on Quant.

Verbal- or writing-intensive fields

Programs in areas such as:

• literature;
• history;
• some social sciences;
• public policy;
• law-related study;

may care more about Verbal and Analytical Writing.

Business programs

MBA and business master's programs may care about both Verbal and Quant, but the exact profile differs by school.

ETS publishes separate GRE interpretive data for MBA aspirants and for candidates by intended graduate major.

This makes an important point:

The overall GRE percentile is useful, but field-specific context can be more relevant.

Global Percentile vs. Program Competitiveness

Suppose your Quant score is 165.

Globally, that is around the 67th percentile.

That does not mean:

"I am stronger than 67% of applicants to this engineering program."

The engineering applicant pool may be much more Quant-heavy than the general GRE population.

The correct comparison is:

1. your global percentile;
2. the score distribution in your intended field;
3. the actual published data from your target programs.

What Is a Good GRE Score?

There is no universal answer.

A "good" GRE score is one that:

• meets or strengthens your target program's expectations;
• supports the academic skills your field values;
• fits the rest of your application.

For one applicant:

• V165 / Q160 may be ideal.

For another:

• V155 / Q168 may be much stronger strategically.

That is why a generic "320 is good" rule can be misleading.

Why Informal Combined Scores Can Hide Important Information

Consider these two results:

• V160 + Q165 = 325
• V165 + Q160 = 325

Both are informally called "325."

But the percentile profile is very different.

Using current ETS data:

Profile 1

• Verbal 160 ≈ 84th percentile
• Quant 165 ≈ 67th percentile

Profile 2

• Verbal 165 ≈ 95th percentile
• Quant 160 ≈ 50th percentile

For different programs, those profiles can carry very different implications.

The combined number hides that information.

Mean Score vs. Percentile

A mean score is an arithmetic average.

A percentile shows relative standing.

These are not the same thing.

For example:

• current mean Quant = 157.58
• Quant 160 = 50th percentile

The 50th percentile is the median position in the distribution, not the mean.

So do not expect the average score and 50th percentile to match exactly.

Why GRE Percentiles Can Change Over Time

ETS updates its interpretive data periodically.

The comparison population changes as new test takers enter the dataset.

Your scaled score remains the same.

But its percentile can change when the reference group changes.

For example:

You earn Verbal 160.

Your reported scaled score remains 160.

A future percentile table may attach a slightly different percentile to that 160 if the testing population changes.

This is normal.

Why Small Score Differences Need Context

A difference between:

• 159 and 160;
• 160 and 161;
• 164 and 165

is real.

But one point should not automatically be treated as a dramatic difference in academic ability.

ETS publishes reliability and standard-error information specifically because standardized-test scores are measurements, not perfectly precise descriptions of a person's underlying ability.

For admissions planning, one point matters most when it changes:

• your standing relative to a program benchmark;
• your percentile meaningfully;
• your ability to meet a published threshold.

What Does the GRE Score Report Show?

Your official GRE score report includes:

• Verbal score;
• Verbal percentile;
• Quant score;
• Quant percentile;
• Analytical Writing score;
• Analytical Writing percentile;
• test date;
• score recipients;
• reportable test history selected under ETS rules.

Official scores are normally available 8–10 days after the test.

GRE scores remain reportable for five years.

Use the Free GRE Diagnostic Service

ETS provides a free GRE Diagnostic Service for Verbal and Quant.

It helps you understand your performance by:

• question type;
• skill area;
• difficulty;
• time spent.

This is especially useful after a disappointing score.

Instead of asking:

"Why did I get 157 Quant?"

ask:

"Was the score limited by algebra, data analysis, Quantitative Comparison, timing or something else?"

That question can lead to a better retake plan.

What Can You Learn From Timing Data?

Suppose your Quant score is below target.

If the diagnostic shows:

• strong early accuracy;
• slow middle-section decisions;
• rushed final questions;

the main problem may be pacing.

If timing is stable but a particular content category is consistently weak, the problem is more likely a skill gap.

Those require different preparation.

For a full study framework, see our GRE preparation guide.

When Should You Retake the GRE?

A retake is most useful when it solves a specific problem.

Ask:

Is one section below the level my target programs expect?

If yes, can you realistically improve it?

Were official practice scores higher?

If your POWERPREP results were consistently stronger, the real test may not have reflected your normal level.

Is the weakness concentrated?

One weak question type can be easier to repair than a broad section-wide gap.

Does the score already do its job?

If your score is already comfortably within your target program's range, another attempt may have limited value.

What is the opportunity cost?

Time spent retaking the GRE is time not spent on:

• statements of purpose;
• essays;
• recommendations;
• research;
• applications;
• interviews.

GRE Retake Rules

ETS currently allows you to take the GRE General Test:

• once every 21 days;
• up to five times in a rolling 12-month period.

Your scores remain reportable for five years.

With ScoreSelect, you can decide which reportable GRE test administrations to send, subject to any specific reporting rules imposed by your target programs.

How Should You Use Percentiles in Admissions Planning?

Use percentiles for three jobs.

1. Compare across GRE measures

Percentiles let you compare Verbal, Quant and AWA even though they use different scales.

2. Understand rarity

A 95th-percentile result is statistically much less common than a 50th-percentile result.

3. Compare across populations carefully

ETS publishes:

• overall percentiles;
• MBA-aspirant interpretive data;
• intended-field distributions.

That lets you move from:

"How do I compare globally?"

toward:

"How do I compare with candidates pursuing something similar?"

But your target program's own class data remains the most directly relevant admissions benchmark.

Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Scores and Percentiles

What is the GRE score range?

Verbal and Quant are each scored from 130 to 170. Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6.

Is there an official total GRE score?

No. ETS reports Verbal, Quant and Analytical Writing separately.

Why do people say "320 GRE" or "325 GRE"?

They are informally adding Verbal and Quant. ETS does not report that sum as an official GRE Total Score.

What percentile is GRE Verbal 160?

Approximately the 84th percentile in ETS's current published interpretive table.

What percentile is GRE Quant 160?

Approximately the 50th percentile.

Why is 160 Verbal a higher percentile than 160 Quant?

Because the Verbal and Quant score distributions are different. GRE test takers score higher in Quant on average.

What percentile is Verbal 165?

Approximately the 95th percentile.

What percentile is Quant 165?

Approximately the 67th percentile.

What percentile is Quant 170?

Approximately the 91st percentile.

What percentile is Verbal 170?

Approximately the 99th percentile.

What is the average GRE Verbal score?

ETS's current published interpretive reference group has a Verbal mean of 151.21.

What is the average GRE Quant score?

The current published Quant mean is 157.58.

What is the average Analytical Writing score?

The current published AWA mean is 3.44.

What percentile is a 4.0 AWA?

Approximately the 63rd percentile.

What percentile is a 5.0 AWA?

Approximately the 93rd percentile.

Is 325 a good GRE score?

325 is an informal Verbal+Quant sum. Its meaning depends on the section split and your target programs.

Can two 325 GRE scores mean different things?

Yes. V165/Q160 and V155/Q170 both sum to 325 but represent very different score profiles.

Do GRE percentiles change?

Yes. ETS updates interpretive data as the reference population changes.

Does my scaled score change when the percentile changes?

No. Your reported scaled score stays the same.

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores are reportable for five years.

When are GRE scores released?

Official GRE General Test scores are normally available 8–10 days after the test.

Final Takeaway

The most useful way to read a GRE score is not:

"What is my total?"

It is:

"What does each measure say about my academic profile?"

Your scaled score tells you your measured performance.

Your percentile tells you how that performance compares with other test takers.

Your section profile tells you where your strengths and weaknesses are.

Your program context tells you whether those strengths and weaknesses matter for the degree you want.

And your diagnostic data tells you what to improve if you retake.

The clearest interpretation sequence is:

score → percentile → section profile → intended field → target program → action

That turns GRE scoring from a set of numbers into useful admissions information.