You can convert your GRE scores into an estimated GMAT total using official ETS regression formulas and concordance tables. Likewise, GMAT scores can be reversed into approximate GRE values. The easiest way to do this is with our GRE to GMAT Score Calculator, which predicts your GMAT total, section scores, and percentiles based on GRE input. While conversions are not exact, they are widely used by business schools to compare applicants across exams.
Why Convert GRE to GMAT?
Business schools increasingly accept both GRE and GMAT results. However, some institutions traditionally prefer the GMAT, and applicants may want to know how their GRE scores stack up. A reliable GRE to GMAT conversion helps you:
- Compare GRE and GMAT on the same scale
- Decide which test to submit for MBA applications
- Estimate if your GRE score meets competitive GMAT benchmarks
- Plan test preparation strategies more effectively
For example, if you earned a 325 on the GRE, you may wonder whether that positions you similarly to a GMAT 700 candidate. Conversion tools and formulas provide this clarity.
How GRE and GMAT Scoring Systems Differ
Before conversion, it’s important to understand how the two exams structure scores.
GRE Scoring Basics
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing (AWA): 0–6 (half-point increments)
- Total GRE (for conversion): Verbal + Quant, range 260–340
GMAT Scoring Basics
- Verbal Section: Scaled 60–90
- Quantitative Section: Scaled 60–90
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): 1–8
- Analytical Writing (AWA): 0–6
- Total GMAT (for admissions): 205–805, based only on Verbal + Quant
The difference in scales (260–340 vs 205–805) is why statistical regression formulas are needed to map one score to the other.
The Official GRE to GMAT Conversion Formula
ETS developed a regression model that estimates GMAT scores from GRE scores. The simplified version looks like this:
GMAT_Total = –2080.75 + 6.38 × GRE_Verbal + 10.62 × GRE_Quant
GMAT_Verbal = –109.49 + 0.912 × GRE_Verbal
GMAT_Quant = –158.42 + 1.243 × GRE_Quant
Key Notes:
- Only Verbal and Quant are used in conversions.
- AWA and IR scores are not factored into the GMAT total.
- Predictions carry a ±50 point margin of error for the total and about ±6 points for sections.
This means a predicted GMAT 700 could actually be anywhere between 650–750 in reality.
GRE to GMAT Conversion Table
Here’s an example of how combined GRE scores align with GMAT predictions:
| GRE Verbal | GRE Quant | GRE Total | Predicted GMAT Total | GMAT Percentile (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 150 | 300 | ~480 | 25th percentile |
| 155 | 155 | 310 | ~540 | 40th percentile |
| 160 | 160 | 320 | ~600 | 60th percentile |
| 165 | 165 | 330 | ~730 | 90th percentile |
| 170 | 170 | 340 | ~770 | 98th percentile |
This table is illustrative. Exact results may differ depending on scaling and adaptive question difficulty.
Converting GMAT Back to GRE
If you have a GMAT score and want to estimate its GRE equivalent, you can reverse the regression formulas:
GRE_Verbal ≈ (GMAT_Verbal + 109.49) / 0.912
GRE_Quant ≈ (GMAT_Quant + 158.42) / 1.243
For example:
- A GMAT Verbal 40 and Quant 48 maps to roughly GRE Verbal 160 and Quant 163.
- That gives a total GRE of about 323, which aligns with a GMAT total around 680.
This reverse mapping helps applicants who sat the GMAT but want to compare themselves in GRE terms.
Understanding Percentiles in Conversion
Schools often compare percentiles rather than raw totals.
- A GRE 330 might place you in the 97th percentile, similar to a GMAT 730.
- GRE 310 is typically around the 55th percentile, mapping to GMAT ~550.
Percentiles give admissions committees context about how you performed compared to other test takers.
Sample Scenario Walkthrough
Case 1: Student with GRE 165V, 165Q
- GRE Total = 330
- Predicted GMAT = ~730
- Percentile = ~90th
- Interpretation: Strong candidate for most MBA programs.
Case 2: Student with GMAT 700 (Q48, V38)
- GMAT Total = 700
- Approximate GRE equivalent = 325–328
- Percentile = 85–88%
- Interpretation: Competitive, but GRE would also look solid for admissions.
Strengths & Limitations of Score Conversion
Strengths:
- Helps compare performance across exams
- Useful for school applications that prefer GMAT benchmarks
- Aids in test selection for students still deciding
Limitations:
- Conversion is only an estimate
- Adaptive nature of GMAT adds variability
- Percentiles may shift yearly as score distributions change
- Schools still view official scores separately
When to Use GRE vs GMAT
- Take GRE if: you’re applying to both business and non-business graduate programs, or feel stronger in vocabulary and reading.
- Take GMAT if: you’re focused only on MBA programs, especially top schools, and want to showcase quant skills.
- Conversion helps if you already have one test score and want to gauge where you stand on the other scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the GRE AWA matter in GMAT conversion?
No. AWA is scored separately and does not affect GMAT totals.
Q: How accurate is GRE to GMAT conversion?
It’s a statistical prediction with about ±50 points of error for totals.
Q: What GRE score equals GMAT 700?
Usually around GRE 325–330.
Q: Can I submit GRE instead of GMAT to all MBA programs?
Not all, but most business schools now accept GRE. Always confirm policies.
Q: Is GMAT harder than GRE?
GMAT quant is often considered more challenging, while GRE verbal has a heavier vocabulary focus.
Conclusion
The GRE and GMAT are different tests, but conversion formulas allow you to make meaningful comparisons. Using a GRE to GMAT score conversion gives you perspective on where you stand and whether your score is competitive for your target schools.
For quick results, try our GRE to GMAT Score Calculator, which instantly estimates GMAT totals and section scores from your GRE numbers (and vice versa).
Remember: conversions are approximations, not replacements for official scores, but they’re an excellent tool for planning, benchmarking, and admissions strategy.
Official Resources
- ETS GRE Comparison Tool for Business Schools (ETS) — https://www.ets.org/india/gre/bschool-comparison-tool.html ETS
- GMAC GMAT Percentile Concordance Tables (GMAC) — https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/gmat/2024-percentiles/gmat-total-score-concordance-table_august2024.pdf gmac.com
- ETS GRE Interpretive Data Reports (ETS) — https://www.ets.org/pdfs/gre/gre-guide-table-1a.pdf ETS
