GRE Score Calculator
Calculate your GRE General Test total score and percentile ranking using official ETS methodology
GRE Total Score Calculator
What is GRE Scoring?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is scored across three sections, with your overall score ranging from 260 to 340 points. Developed and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is the most widely accepted standardized test for graduate program admissions worldwide, used by more than 5,000 graduate and professional programs.
The GRE General Test comprises three main sections: Verbal Reasoning (130-170 scale), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170 scale), and Analytical Writing (0-6 scale). Your total GRE score is calculated by adding your Verbal and Quantitative scores, producing a combined score between 260 and 340. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score is reported separately and does not contribute to the total score, though many graduate programs still consider it, particularly for programs emphasizing research and writing.
The GRE employs adaptive testing methodology, meaning the difficulty of your second section within Verbal and Quantitative depends on your performance in the first section. This ensures precise measurement of ability across the full range of skills. Your raw score (number of correct answers) is then converted to a scaled score through a process called equating, which accounts for minor variations in test difficulty to ensure scores are comparable across different test dates.
Importantly, there is no penalty for incorrect answers on the Verbal or Quantitative sections. Your raw score is simply the number of questions answered correctly. This policy encourages students to attempt all questions rather than leaving items blank due to uncertainty.
GRE Scoring Formulae
GRE score calculation follows straightforward mathematical principles, though the conversion from raw scores to scaled scores uses proprietary equating algorithms developed by ETS.
Total GRE Score Formula
Total GRE Score = Verbal Score + Quantitative Score
Range: 260 to 340 points
Raw Score to Scaled Score Conversion
Scaled Score = 130 + (Raw Score × Conversion Factor)
Conversion factor determined by equating process (not publicly disclosed)
For Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, each has 80 raw score points possible (40 questions in each section × 2 points maximum per question context). Your raw score reflects the number of questions answered correctly, converted to a scaled score between 130-170 through equating.
Percentile Calculation
Percentile = (Number of Test-Takers with Lower Score ÷ Total Test-Takers) × 100
Shows percentage of test-takers you performed better than
For example, a 90th percentile score means you performed better than 90% of all test-takers. ETS updates percentile rankings annually based on recent test-taker data, so percentiles can shift slightly year to year.
How This Calculator Works
This GRE Score Calculator performs instant score calculations based on the official ETS methodology. It combines your Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning section scores to determine your total GRE score and estimated percentile ranking.
Calculation Process
- Input Validation: The calculator verifies both section scores fall within the valid GRE range (130-170) and are whole numbers.
- Score Summation: Verbal and Quantitative scores are added together to produce your total score.
- Percentile Estimation: The calculator uses official GRE percentile data to determine your percentile ranking based on your total score.
- Result Display: All scores are displayed with color-coding and clarity, alongside your percentile ranking and interpretation.
Important: This calculator provides estimates based on typical GRE percentile distributions. Your official percentile may vary slightly based on the specific test administration date. For your actual percentile, refer to your official ETS score report.
Uses of GRE Scores
GRE scores are used by graduate and professional schools for admission decisions, scholarship awards, and program placement across thousands of institutions worldwide.
1. Graduate Program Admission
Most graduate programs require GRE scores as part of the admission evaluation. Your score demonstrates academic preparedness for graduate-level work and is used alongside GPA, work experience, and other factors in holistic admission reviews.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships
Universities and external organizations award scholarships based on GRE performance. Strong scores (160+) often qualify students for full tuition scholarships or assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends.
3. Doctoral Program Qualification
PhD and professional doctorate programs typically have specific GRE score minimums. Competitive programs in STEM fields often require Quantitative scores of 165+ and Verbal scores of 155+.
4. Program-Specific Placement
Some programs use GRE scores to place students into advanced coursework or waive prerequisites. Strong quantitative scores may exempt students from foundational math courses in MBA or engineering programs.
5. Professional Licensure Requirements
Some professional fields require strong GRE performance as part of licensure or credentialing processes. Psychology doctoral programs often use GRE scores as screening criteria for accreditation requirements.
How to Use This Calculator
Use these steps to calculate your GRE total score and understand your percentile ranking:
Step 1: Find Your Verbal Score
Locate your Verbal Reasoning score from your official GRE score report. This score ranges from 130 (lowest) to 170 (highest).
Step 2: Find Your Quantitative Score
Find your Quantitative Reasoning score from your score report (also 130-170 scale).
Step 3: Enter Both Scores
Enter your Verbal score in the first field and Quantitative score in the second field above.
Step 4: Calculate
Click the "Calculate GRE Score" button. The calculator instantly displays your total score (260-340) and percentile ranking.
Step 5: Interpret Your Results
Review your total score and percentile. Compare these against your target programs' typical scores. Remember: Analytical Writing (0-6) is reported separately and not included in this total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GRE score?
A good GRE score depends on your field and target programs. Average scores are around 151 Verbal and 158 Quantitative (total ~309). Competitive programs typically require 160+ in each section (total 320+). Some top PhD programs require 165+ in both sections.
How is the GRE scored?
The GRE has three sections: Verbal Reasoning (130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), and Analytical Writing (0-6). Your total score is Verbal + Quantitative = 260-340. Scores are based on raw scores (number correct) converted through an equating process accounting for test difficulty.
What's the average GRE score?
The average GRE Verbal score is approximately 151 (43rd-48th percentile) and Quantitative is approximately 158 (42nd-45th percentile). The average combined score is approximately 309, representing about the 60th percentile.
Is a 300 GRE score good?
A 300 score is near average but below competitive for many graduate programs. Most selective programs prefer 310+. However, GRE score requirements vary significantly—some programs accept 300+ while top-tier programs may require 325+. Check your specific programs' requirements.
Can I retake the GRE?
Yes, you can retake the GRE. You can test once every 21 days and up to 5 times within 12 months. ETS reports all scores to schools—most use your highest score, though some average all attempts. Check individual program policies.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. Most graduate programs require scores within 5 years. Some programs may have stricter requirements—check specific institutions. Your scores remain on file with ETS even after expiration.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the GRE?
No penalty exists for incorrect answers on Verbal or Quantitative sections. Your raw score is the number of correct answers. This encourages attempting every question—leaving answers blank is less beneficial than making educated guesses.
What's the difference between my percentile and my score?
Your score (e.g., 320) is your absolute performance. Your percentile (e.g., 85th) shows what percentage of test-takers scored lower. The 85th percentile means you scored better than 85% of all GRE test-takers.
Does the Analytical Writing score affect my total?
No, Analytical Writing (0-6) is scored separately and does not contribute to your total GRE score (260-340). However, many graduate programs review your AWA score, particularly programs emphasizing research and writing. Check program requirements.
Official Sources & References
This calculator uses scoring methodology from the following official ETS sources:
-
Understanding Your GRE Scores
Official ETS GRE Scoring Information -
Interpreting Your GRE Scores (PDF)
Official Score Interpretation Guide -
GRE Guide to the Use of Scores
How Institutions Use GRE Scores
About the Author
This calculator was developed by Adam, an educational technology specialist dedicated to creating accurate, accessible tools for graduate school preparation and standardized test navigation.
Visit Author Profile