If you’re preparing for the GRE, one of the biggest questions you’ll have is: How exactly is my score calculated? It’s not always obvious, especially with scaled scores, percentiles, and different sections to keep track of.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Short Answer: Your GRE score is based on three sections — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing — each scored separately, then reported together.

But behind those numbers is a scoring system that balances raw performance with statistical scaling.

GRE Score Breakdown

1. Verbal Reasoning (VR)

• Score range: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
• Based on: reading comprehension, text completion, and critical reasoning questions.

2. Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

• Score range: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
• Based on: problem-solving, algebra, geometry, data analysis.

3. Analytical Writing (AW)

• Score range: 0–6 (in half-point increments)
• Based on: two essays (Analyze an Issue + Analyze an Argument).
• Each essay is graded by a human rater and by AI, then averaged.
  

How the Scoring Works

Raw Score → Scaled Score

• Your raw score = number of correct answers.
• Since not every GRE test form has the same difficulty, ETS converts raw scores into scaled scores (130–170) using a process called equating.
• This ensures fairness: two students with the same ability get the same scaled score, even if one test form was slightly harder.

Analytical Writing Scoring

• Human raters score each essay from 0–6.
• AI scoring system also evaluates your writing.
• If the two scores are close, they’re averaged. If not, a second human rater reviews.

Total GRE Score

• Verbal + Quant combined = 260–340.
• Analytical Writing is reported separately (not included in the combined score).

Percentiles Matter Too

A scaled score tells you your raw performance, but schools also look at percentile ranks, which show how your score compares to other test takers.

• Example: A 160 in Quant is typically around the 70–75th percentile (meaning you scored higher than ~70–75% of test-takers).

Final Takeaway

So, how is the GRE score calculated?

✅ Verbal and Quant are scored on a 130–170 scale, Analytical Writing on a 0–6 scale.

✅ Scores are scaled to account for test difficulty.

✅ Percentiles provide context for admissions committees.

In short, your GRE score isn’t just a number — it’s a standardized way for universities to compare applicants across different backgrounds and testing conditions.

If you’re aiming high, focus not only on raw accuracy but also on pacing, strategy, and consistency — since every point can make a difference in percentiles.

Enrolling in the Brujo Method's GRE prep course empowers you to reach your highest score potential while staying calm and confident on test day.