How Hard is GRE Quantitative Section?

The GRE quantitative section is unique and designed to filter the students based on their analytical and critical thinking. Most schools want a candidate who is good for advanced academic work and thus use the score of GRE as a criterion for admission. So, the questions in this section can be quite challenging. Therefore, good preparation is required to get a good GRE score on the exam.

How Hard Are GRE Quantitative Questions 2025?

When preparing for GRE 2025 maths or taking any mock test for GRE 2025 maths, you must have encountered some tough challenging GRE quantitative questions 2025. Here we are going to discuss how you should tackle those problems. Also, after reading this article you will be able to understand the difficulty level of the questions asked in the GRE quantitative section.

In this article, we are going to discuss

• Common GRE Quantitative Questions 2025

• GRE Quantitative Comparison Questions 2025

• How many questions are in the GRE Quantitative 2025?

Understanding the GRE Quantitative Section

GRE is a computer-based test (CBT). There will overall time of 1 hour and 58 minutes. There are five sections on the GRE, and two of those sections are Quant.

Now let's discuss the overview of the Quantitative Reasoning Section:

Overview of GRE Quantitative Reasoning

As discussed above quantitative reasoning section of the GRE has two sections.

Section 1 consists of 12 questions and the time limit is 21 minutes Section 2 will consist of 15 questions with a time limit of 26 minutes.

GRE maths contains the major portion based on calculus and its applications, elementary algebra, linear algebra, abstract algebra and number theory. About 25% of the questions are from the other areas of mathematics currently studied by undergraduates in many institutions

Breakdown of Question Types

In the GRE quantitative section, there are four types of questions:

Factors Contributing to the Difficulty of GRE Quantitative Questions 2025

Several factors contribute to the difficulty level of GRE Quantitative Questions 2025. To understand what the GRE will ask, we are going to discuss them below:

Complexity of Question Types

As we have already discussed the types of questions asked in the GRE maths section. We are now going to discuss the complexity of question types.

• GRE Quantitative Comparison Questions 2025

GRE Quantitative comparison questions 2025 are the ones that are newer concepts for you. Its freshness makes it complex for you. So, you need to understand well the statements of GRE quantitative comparison questions 2025. In these questions, you are given two quantities, one in column A and one in column B. You are to compare the two quantities and choose from the given four options.

Types of Statements and Comparisons:

1. if the quantity in Column A is greater;

2. if the quantity in Column B is greater;

3. if the two quantities are equal;

4. if the comparison cannot be determined from the information given.

We can understand its complexity by taking an example:

Options:

1. if the quantity in Column A is greater;

2. if the quantity in Column B is greater;

3. if the two quantities are equal;

4. if the comparison cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

Although we can solve this question by using the online calculator provided, it will be better to remember the identity

(a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2ac + 2bc

If a = 100; b = 200; c = 300, we can say that quantity B is greater than quantity A.

So, the correct choice is option B.

• Problem-Solving

GRE Problem-Solving Questions 2025 are the usual questions with one answer correct or more than one answer correct. These questions are generally based on one concept. If more than one concept is incorporated into a single question, its difficulty level will be increased. The length of the question increases the difficulty level of the question.
Let us understand it with one example:

Question: Helena and James leave home to go to the same office, from the same house, taking the same 60-mile route. If Helana’s speed is 1/3 of that of James, and Helena arrives at work 30 minutes later than that taken by James, what was Helena’s rate driving from home to work (in miles per hour)?

1. 20

2. 80/3

3. 80

4. 120

5. 240

Solution:

Let the speed of James = 3x miles per hour

So, the speed of Helena = x miles per hour

According to the question:

60x-603x=3060

60x-20x=12

40x=12

⇒x=80 miles per hour

Hence, the answer is 80 miles per hour.

• Data Interpretation

Data Interpretation questions consist of different types of graphs or passages such as line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, table graphs, caselets etc. The complexity of the question increases if two or more charts are given in the same question. Sometimes data is given in such a way that you may find difficulties in interpreting the data effectively.
Let us understand it with one example:

Question: The following histograms show the sales and earnings of a company from 2005 to 2010.

In how many years, the percentage increase in earnings is greater than the percentage increase in sales?

(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 3
(E) 4

Solution:

Check percentage increase in sales and earnings:

Clearly, in 09 and 10, sales are increasing but earnings are decreasing.

So, from the table, only in 07, the percentage earning is more than the percentage increase in sales.

Hence, the answer is option B.

Depth of Mathematical Concepts

Arithmatical Problems and Algebra

If the question is the amalgam of two or more concepts, its difficulty level will get increase.

The question can be the combination of any of the following topics to increase the complexity of the question. You need to have in-depth knowledge of each concept to understand the question and to solve it.
Topics are

• Number System and basic arithmetic operations.

• Percentage and its application

• Ratio and its application to time and work

• Average and mixture

• Time, speed, and distance

• Operations with surds and indices

• Functions and relations

• Equations and inequalities

• Word problems

• Coordinate geometry: intercepts and slopes of lines

Example: A fruit seller has 150 apples. If he sells x% fruits, find the number of fruits that remain unsold. Also, x satisfies x2 + 7x - 18 = 0.
Solution:

First solve x2 + 7x - 18 = 0

⇒ x2 + 9x – 2x – 18 = 0.

So, x = -9 or x = 2.

The percentage of the number of fruits sold cannot be negative.

So, x = 2.

It means 98% of the fruits remain unsold.

So, the answer is 98% of 150 = 147.

The above question includes the concept of percentage and quadratic equations.

• Geometry:

Geometry itself has a wide range of concepts. The difficult questions are formed by using two or more concepts in a single question. Even without using two or more concepts, difficult questions are formed from this topic.

The main concepts are:

• Parallel and intersecting lines and relation between angles

• Circles: Chords and tangents

• Triangles: Congruency and Similarity

• Quadrilaterals and Polygons: Types and Properties

• Area and Perimeter of 2–D figures

• Surface Area and Volume of 3-D Figures

Example:

O is the centre of the circle above. The circumference of the circle above is 60π.

Quantity A: The length of AB.

Quantity B: 30

Which of the following is true?

1. Quantity A is larger.

2. The relationship cannot be determined.

3. The two quantities are equal.

4. Quantity B is larger.

Solution:

Let the radius be ‘r’, then 2πr = 60π
So, 2r = 60 (Diameter).

And the diameter is the longest chord. So, AB must be less than 60.

Quantity A < 60

Quantity B < 60.

Therefore, the relation between A and B cannot be established.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: This question is complex because you might try to find the length of AB which cannot be calculated from the given information.

• Data Analysis and Statistics

To understand the complex questions on data analysis and statistics, you need to learn the basics of the following topics and practice them well to understand how difficult questions can be.

The topics are:

• Understanding basic statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Range, Standard Deviation, interquartile range, quartiles, and percentiles

• Interpreting data: Interpreting data stated in the form of charts, tables, and graphs.

• Elementary probability: Permutations and Combinations, Events and types of events, Conditional probability, Venn diagram

Test Format and Timing Challenges:

In the GRE quantitative section, 27 questions are to be solved in 47 minutes. This time limit may be a challenge for you. You hardly get 1.6 minutes per question to solve. With good practice and regular Online GRE Mock Test, you can overcome this challenge.

However, the GRE's difficulty in the quantitative section can vary depending on your background. If you are from a non-mathematical background, it might be more difficult for you as compared with maths students as they have better time management in solving maths problems. Regardless of your background, the GRE is a challenging test that assesses critical thinking and problem-solving, essential skills for graduate studies.

Common Challenges Students Face

While taking the GRE, students may find some difficulties in the questions from advanced maths like complex algebraic expressions, probability, advanced geometry etc. You need to understand these topics well and practice them regularly so that you will not face any problems during the exam.

Difficulty with Advanced Topics

Some questions might be difficult because of the inclusion of advanced maths concepts in the question that require creative logic and muti-step solutions.
Reasons why you may find difficulties with advanced topics are:

• Facing problems in applying concepts

• Feeling the pressure of time

• Lengthy calculations

• Complex Algebraic Expressions

In the complex algebraic expressions of degree 3 or more, you may find difficulties in simplifying them as they require typical complex formulas to learn, and complex biquadratic equations and cubic equations are also not easy to solve.

To solve the complex algebraic expressions, you need to

• Understand the basics

• Learn the structure of the expressions

• Learn the simplification formulas

• Work with equations

• Practice more and more

• Advanced Geometry Problems

You may find difficulties in solving advanced geometry problems due to poor mathematical foundation and lack of clarity while solving basic questions.
The topics of geometry that may bother you are:

• Similarity and congruency of triangles

• Area of polygon

• 3-D coordinate geometry

• Theorems related to Circles

• Properties of quadrilateral

• 3-D figures etc

Interpreting Data and Graphs

Here are some common graphs used to interpret data and asked in GRE maths.

Bar charts: Long vertical bars that are used to show different elements to compare or track changes over time.

Line graphs: Data points are joined by straight lines in such graphs.

Pie charts: A circular graph that divides the data into sectors and can be solved by taking the whole area as 100% or 360o.

Scatter plots: A graphical representation of data points that will help you to form a relationship between two or more variables.

Histograms: A graph similar to the bar graph.

You may find difficulties in extracting relevant information and in visualizing data.

• Extracting Relevant Information

You may find difficulties in extracting relevant information because of any of the given reasons that make the data analysis section tougher.

Here is the list of challenges you may face:

1. Understanding what information is needed

2. Selecting the proper data set

3. The problem in formulation of the problem

4. Evaluation of the information

5. Extracting and assessing the information

• Understanding and Analyzing Visual Data

Extracting data from the charts is very crucial. Some charts become easier for their data clarity but in many charts to visualize the data is not so easy.

What makes the data analysis section difficult?

1. Chart junk: Any element of a chart that does not add value to the data, such as unnecessary decoration, gridlines, or text. It creates confusion in interpreting and analyzing the data.

2. Missing data: It will affect the accuracy and reliability of visualized information if not treated properly.

3. Too much description about any data set also makes it difficult for you to understand.

4. Different coloured pallets or symbols can lead viewers to perceive value differences as being larger than they are.

Strategies for Overcoming GRE Quantitative Challenges

We have discussed the challenges that you may face during the exam. It is better to prepare to overcome those challenges. We are going to discuss 3-steps strategies to overcome these challenges. These are:

Mastering Core Mathematical Concepts

What you should do:

• Learn the basics

• Understand the question properly

• Do not skip any point

• Learn all the formulas and revise them regularly

• Draw diagrams while solving problems related to geometry

• Learn the types of graphs and related difficulties. Practice all types of graphs and practice to interpret the data accurately.

• Solve different types of problems to understand the language variation.

• Read the question twice if it is complex.

Effective Practice Techniques

First, you need to master your basics and understand the exam structure and types of questions asked in the GRE quantitative section. Here are some tips that you can incorporate into your practice:

• Read the question carefully and then use the logic.

• Also, think about the alternate solution to each question during practice.

• Prepare a list of formulas and revise them regularly.

• Incorporate the practice tests in your practice on each topic.

• Practice the questions of higher difficulty than that are asked in the GRE.

• Try to get accuracy first then work to improve your speed.

• Practice mental maths.

Developing Test-Taking Strategies

Here are some suggestions that may help you understand how the test should be taken so that you can score well in the GRE maths section.

• The first step is to understand the test pattern and the topics that are covered.

• Take a diagnostic test initially to understand the current level of your preparation. It will also help you to manage your time.

• During practice tests, break down the larger problem into smaller problems.

• Estimate the answer and eliminate the incorrect choices. It will save you time.

• Maintain an error log and check it regularly to monitor your improvement.

• Eat healthy and take proper rest.

How Preparation Affects Perceived Difficulty

Preparation makes the known difficulties less difficult. Without preparation, the chances of failure are 99% while if you prepare well for the exam, you may increase your chances to get success. For better preparation you need

• Planning

• Resources to study

• A good environment for study

• Expert advice

The Role of Familiarity with the GRE Format

Knowing the GRE exam pattern will lead your preparation in the right direction. If you know the test format then you will be aware of

• The number of questions asked in the GRE quant section

• Topics covered in the tests

• Average time required to solve each question

The same you may incorporate in your practice tests.

• Importance of Practice Tests

GRE sample paper or Practice tests will make you aware of

• Your weak areas

• Silly mistakes that you are making repeatedly

• The important topics to focus on

• Your accuracy

• Your test taking

You can include the outcomes of these tests in your practice so that you can strengthen your weaker sections, cover the topics with more weightage first, improve your accuracy, avoid silly mistakes, and improve your speed.

• Understanding Question Formats

Each exam has its own format of questions. Few of them asked similar types of questions. But the GRE has its own set of question types as discussed in the earlier section. So, this needs special attention.

To understand the question format, you should

• Read the question properly

• Identify the key concepts

• Understand the instruction sets to distinguish between types of questions.

After understanding the question format, you can enhance your preparation.

The Impact of a Solid Study Plan

A good study plan is required for better preparation. Include the practice of difficult and complex problems in your study plan to overcome the perceived difficulty. Structure your study schedule to identify and address your weak areas.

• Structuring Your Study Schedule

Make three study Goals: Monthly, Weekly, and Daily. Your study plan should be balanced with the other sections of the GRE.

1. First make a monthly goal: Divide your preparation depending upon when you start your preparation: Let us say you have started three months before the exam, divide the complete GRE test syllabus into two months, and keep one month for practice and revision.

2. Weakly goals: Make weakly target of your syllabus, practice tests, and revision of previous topics.

3. Daily goals: Divide one week’s syllabus into 6 days. (Keep 1 day for rest and to revise your basics.

4. Target a limited syllabus to be completed in a day and incorporate quantitative comparison practice sessions at each step.

5. Incorporate challenging problems in your study.

• Identifying and Addressing Weak Areas

To identify your weaker section, include practice tests in your study plan. Give separate time to learn and practice your weaker section. Ask yourself difficult questions to identify your weaknesses.

Additionally, to improve your weaker sections, you can do

• Take more practice tests on those topics

• Organize your keynotes

• Emphasize conceptual learning

Conclusion: Assessing Your Preparedness

After regular intervals of time, you need to access your preparation. You should access your preparation on the following 3-4 parameters:

• How much syllabus is covered?

• How much time do you take to solve a question?

• What is your accuracy?

• Have you improved your weaker sections?

For this, you should evaluate your performance and rate your performance.

Evaluating Your Performance

Making study plans and preparing without any strategies will not give you any appropriate results. You should evaluate and monitor your performance by taking regular practice tests and diagnostic tests.

• Tracking Progress with Practice Tests

You should track your performance by taking practice tests regularly. To measure your improvement, you should make two logs: One for your scores obtained in your regular tests.

Another is an error log to monitor your mistakes and how your mistakes are improving. Also, maintain a record of the time taken by you to complete a test and the types of questions that are taking more time.

Regularly read your score log and error log to improve your mistakes and time.

• Adapting Strategies Based on Performance

Based on your test results, change your strategies and adapt new strategies to improve your score.

You Should:

• Review your performance and revise the concepts regularly.

• Make changes in your study plans as per requirement.

• Emphasize your weaker sections.

Final Thoughts on GRE Quantitative Difficulty

As we have discussed, the GRE quantitative section has different types of questions i.e. quantitative comparison, problem-solving, and data analysis. Now, you have an idea about the difficulty level of the questions that can be asked in the GRE quantitative section.

• Confidence Through Preparation

Good GRE preparation tips make you confident and you will enter the exam hall with a positive mindset. To attain confidence, you should do:

1. Include GRE problem-solving questions in your preparation and master your basics in the areas related to arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, etc.

2. Revise the key concepts again and again.

3. To manage your time, practice more.

4. Manage stress.

• Embracing the Challenge: Accept the challenges and prepare to overcome those challenges. Embracing the challenges will lead you to personal growth and success. It will help you to develop

• Resilience to complex problems

• Adaptability to different scenarios

• Become more creative

Read More: You can download the below e-books for your reference: