GRE Percentile Calculator
Find out exactly how your GRE scores compare to other test-takers. Input your Verbal, Quant, and Analytical Writing scores to see your official ETS percentile ranks.
About this tool
Check your GRE score percentiles for Verbal, Quant, and AWA to determine your competitiveness for graduate programs.
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Your Estimated Score
Scale: 260 - 340
Admission Readiness
Average / Acceptable for many programs
*This is a general benchmark. Always verify exact cutoffs with your target university, as many programs prioritize one section (Verbal or Quant) over the other.
GRE Score to Percentile Conversion Tables
The following tables show the exact percentile ranks for GRE Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Data is sourced directly from the official ETS GRE Guide to the Use of Scores (based on test-takers between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2024).
| Scaled Score | Verbal Percentile | Quant Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99 | 91 |
| 169 | 99 | 86 |
| 168 | 99 | 81 |
| 167 | 98 | 76 |
| 166 | 96 | 71 |
| 165 | 95 | 67 |
| 164 | 93 | 63 |
| 163 | 91 | 60 |
| 162 | 89 | 57 |
| 161 | 86 | 53 |
| 160 | 84 | 50 |
| 159 | 80 | 47 |
| 158 | 77 | 45 |
| 157 | 73 | 42 |
| 156 | 70 | 39 |
| 155 | 65 | 37 |
| 154 | 60 | 34 |
| 153 | 55 | 31 |
| 152 | 48 | 29 |
| 151 | 43 | 26 |
| 150 | 39 | 24 |
| 149 | 34 | 21 |
| 148 | 30 | 19 |
| 147 | 27 | 17 |
| 146 | 24 | 14 |
| 145 | 21 | 12 |
| 144 | 18 | 10 |
| 143 | 16 | 9 |
| 142 | 14 | 7 |
| 141 | 12 | 6 |
| 140 | 10 | 5 |
| 139 | 8 | 4 |
| 138 | 6 | 3 |
| 137 | 5 | 2 |
| 136 | 4 | 2 |
| 135 | 3 | 1 |
| 134 | 2 | 1 |
| 133 | 2 | 1 |
| 132 | 1 | 0 |
| 131 | 1 | 0 |
| 130 | 0 | 0 |
| AW Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 98 |
| 5.0 | 93 |
| 4.5 | 85 |
| 4.0 | 63 |
| 3.5 | 43 |
| 3.0 | 17 |
| 2.5 | 8 |
| 2.0 | 3 |
| 1.5 | 1 |
| 1.0 | 0 |
| 0.5 | 0 |
| 0.0 | 0 |
GRE Scores Typically Expected at Competitive Programs
| Admission Readiness | Target Total Score (V+Q) |
|---|---|
| Top-Tier / Highly Competitive (e.g. Ivy League) | 328 - 340 |
| Competitive / Strong | 318 - 327 |
| Above Average / Solid | 310 - 317 |
| Average / Acceptable for many programs | 300 - 309 |
| Below Average / Needs Improvement | 260 - 299 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good GRE score?
A 'good' GRE score depends heavily on the program you are applying to. For STEM programs, Quantitative scores above 160 are generally expected, and top-tier engineering programs often look for 165+. For Humanities programs, a high Verbal score (160+) is much more important. A combined score of 318-327 is generally considered competitive for strong programs.
Why are GRE Verbal vs Quant percentiles so different?
The test-taking population performs differently on the two sections. Many test-takers score highly on the Quantitative section, meaning a score of 165 on Quant places you in the 67th percentile. However, fewer test-takers score highly on Verbal, so a 165 on Verbal places you in the 95th percentile.
What GRE score do top universities want?
Top-tier universities (like the Ivy League or top engineering/business schools) often look for GRE totals of 328 or higher. However, they usually prioritize the section most relevant to their field. A top math program might demand a 168-170 in Quant but care less about the Verbal score.
Is the GRE still required?
Since 2020, many universities have moved to test-optional or test-blind policies for graduate admissions. However, highly competitive programs, specific fellowships, and many MBA programs still require or strongly recommend the GRE or GMAT. Always check the official admissions page for your specific target program.