Gre Score Percentile Calculator
Convert GRE verbal and quantitative scores to percentile rankings. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed for accuracy by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist
Gre Score Percentile Calculator
Calculator
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Formula: Percentile = % of test takers scoring below your score
Worked example — Combined: 57th percentile | Quant needs significant improvement (+7 pts)
Formula
Percentile = % of test takers scoring below your score
Percentile rankings are derived from ETS published data representing the cumulative performance of all GRE test takers over a rolling three-year period. Higher percentiles indicate stronger relative performance compared to the global test-taking population.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Mid-Range Scores for Social Science Program
Problem:A student scores Verbal 155, Quantitative 150, and Analytical Writing 4.0. They are targeting programs requiring 70th percentile scores.
Solution:Verbal 155: 67th percentile Quantitative 150: 46th percentile Writing 4.0: 56th percentile Combined score: 305/340 Average percentile: (67 + 46) / 2 = 57th Target 70th percentile requires: V 156+, Q 157+ Verbal gap: +1 point needed Quantitative gap: +7 points needed
Result:Combined: 57th percentile | Quant needs significant improvement (+7 pts)
Example 2: High Scores for Top Engineering Program
Problem:A student scores Verbal 158, Quantitative 167, and Analytical Writing 4.5. They are targeting top-10 programs (90th percentile).
Solution:Verbal 158: 78th percentile Quantitative 167: 95th percentile Writing 4.5: 73rd percentile Combined score: 325/340 Average percentile: (78 + 95) / 2 = 87th Target 90th percentile requires: V 163+, Q 165+ Verbal gap: +5 points needed Quantitative: already exceeds target
Result:Combined: 87th percentile | Strong quant, verbal needs improvement for top-10
Frequently Asked Questions
How are GRE scores converted to percentile rankings?
GRE percentile rankings indicate the percentage of test takers who scored below your score. ETS (Educational Testing Service) publishes percentile data annually based on the performance of all GRE test takers over the previous three-year period. For example, if your Verbal score is at the 67th percentile, it means you scored higher than 67 percent of all test takers. The Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale from 130 to 170 in one-point increments, while Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Percentiles are not evenly distributed across score ranges because test score distributions are not perfectly uniform, and the Quantitative section tends to have higher average scores.
What is a good GRE score for graduate school admissions?
A good GRE score depends heavily on your target program and field of study. Generally, scores above the 60th percentile (approximately 153 Verbal and 155 Quantitative) are considered above average. Competitive programs at top-50 universities typically expect scores above the 70th percentile (155+ Verbal, 158+ Quantitative). Elite programs at top-20 schools often look for scores above the 80th-90th percentile (160+ Verbal, 163+ Quantitative). STEM programs tend to weight Quantitative scores more heavily, while humanities and social science programs emphasize Verbal scores. However, GRE scores are just one factor in admissions alongside GPA, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Why are Verbal and Quantitative percentiles different for the same score?
The same numeric score yields different percentiles on the Verbal and Quantitative sections because the test-taking populations perform differently on each section. The Quantitative section tends to have a higher average score (approximately 153-154) compared to the Verbal section (approximately 150-151). This is partly because many international students who take the GRE are stronger in mathematics than in English verbal reasoning, pushing the Quantitative average higher. As a result, a score of 160 on the Verbal section might place you at the 84th percentile, while the same 160 on the Quantitative section might only reach the 80th percentile. Always check percentiles rather than raw scores when comparing across sections.
How important is the Analytical Writing score compared to Verbal and Quantitative?
The Analytical Writing (AW) score is generally considered less important than Verbal and Quantitative scores by most graduate programs, but it should not be neglected. Most programs look for a minimum AW score of 3.5-4.0 to ensure adequate writing competency. Scores below 3.0 may raise red flags, particularly for programs that require significant academic writing. Humanities, social sciences, and law-related programs tend to value the AW score more highly, sometimes expecting 4.5 or above for competitive applicants. STEM programs are generally more lenient on AW scores as long as they meet a minimum threshold. The AW score is reported separately from the 130-170 scale sections and uses a 0-6 half-point scale with two trained readers evaluating each essay.
Should I retake the GRE if my scores are below my target percentile?
Retaking the GRE can be worthwhile if your scores fall significantly below your target programs requirements. ETS allows you to take the GRE up to five times within any continuous 12-month period, with at least 21 days between attempts. Research shows that repeat test takers typically improve their scores by 2-3 points on each section, with focused preparation potentially yielding larger gains. However, some programs consider your highest scores (ScoreSelect option), while others may average all attempts. Before retaking, honestly assess whether additional study time can close the gap. If you need a 5-point improvement, dedicated preparation for 4-8 weeks focusing on weak areas can often achieve this. For improvements beyond 8-10 points, more extensive preparation over 2-3 months is usually necessary.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist · Editorial policy
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