GMAT Structure

The GMAT Focus Edition is a Computer Adaptive Test, or “CAT,” which means it adapts to each individual based on his or her ability. The rigor of the questions you will encounter depends on how well you answer each question as it appears. CAT selects each question (from a pool of questions) and uses your previous answers to maximize how precisely the exam gauges your skill level. The exam you take will be completely different from the exams of the people in the room with you.

There are three separately timed sections plus one optional 10-minute break on the GMAT Focus Edition as outlined in the table below. Learn more about the GMAT Focus Edition here.

Sections Types of Questions Number of Questions Times
Data Insights Integrated Reasoning
Data Sufficiency
20 45 min
Quantitative Problem Solving
(No Calculator)
21 45 min
Verbal Reading Comprehension
Critical Reasoning
23 45 min
Total  2 hr 15 min

GMAT Quantitative Question Types

There are two types of questions on the Quantitative section of the GMAT:

  • Problem Solving
  • Data Sufficiency
Problem Solving Questions

Problem Solving questions measure your ability to:

  • Understand and apply mathematical concepts to problems
  • Reason and solve quantitative problems
  • Interpret graphical data

The directions and format for Problem Solving questions are as follows:

Directions:
Solve the problem and indicate the best of the answer choices given.
Numbers: All numbers used are real numbers.
Figures: A figure accompanying a problem solving question is intended to provide information useful in solving the problem. Figures are drawn as accurately as possible. Exceptions will be clearly noted. Lines shown as straight are straight, and lines that appear jagged are also straight. The positions of points, angles, regions, etc., exist in the order shown, and the angle measures are greater than zero. All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
Data Sufficiency Questions

Data Sufficiency questions measure your ability to:

  • Analyze a quantitative problem
  • Recognize when given information is relevant
  • Determine at what point there is sufficient information to solve a problem

The directions and format for Data Sufficiency questions are as follows:

Directions:
Each Data Sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), that give data. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements plus your knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of counterclockwise), you must indicate whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the questions and then indicate one of the following answer choices:

  • (A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked;
  • (B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked;
  • (C) BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question  asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient;
  • (D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked;
  • (E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data are needed.

NOTE: In Data Sufficiency problems that ask for the value of a quantity, the data given in the statements are sufficient only when it is possible to determine exactly one numerical value for the quantity.