How to Prepare for the GMAT Quant Section

Understanding the GMAT Quant Section:

Some call it GMAT maths, but I would rather say it is GMAT Quant. GMAT calls its quant section Quantitative Reasoning. It is a great amalgam of maths and reasoning-based questions.
Previously, there were 31 questions to be asked and done in 62 minutes, but from now there will be 21 questions in the GMAT Quant section to be done in 45 minutes. But you should plan to complete it in less than 40 minutes.

Also Read: GMAT Syllabus 2025

Overview of the GMAT Quant Section

The GMAT Quant section covers the following basic math concepts:

• Arithmetic

• Algebra

The GMAT Quant section contains two types of problems: Problem-solving and Data Sufficiency. You need to relearn the quantitative skills learned up to high school. The GMAT Quant section will contain 21 questions in 45 minutes.
It is an adaptive test. If your answer is correct, then the next question is of higher difficulty, and for an incorrect answer, the effect is the opposite.
The GMAT quant section analyses your ability to problem solve rather than your knowledge of math.

Types of Questions: Problem-Solving and Data Sufficiency

The GMAT Quantitative Section will now contain 21 questions that you must solve in 45 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT exam assesses the following skills:

• Ability to interpret graphic data

• Ability to solve quantitative problems and reason mathematically.

The Quantitative section of the GMAT test includes two types of questions:

1. Problem-Solving: Questions generally come from Elementary Algebra, Arithmetic, Ratio Proportions, etc.
It measures your ability to use logic and analytical reasoning, and you need to solve the problem and choose the correct choice among the five choices.

Sample Question:

Samuel drives for 80 miles on local roads at 20 mph and 360 miles on the highway at 60 mph. What is the average speed of the entire trip?

A. 36 mph

B. 40 mph

C. 44 mph

D. 52 mph

E. 58 mph

Solution:
Here, you should use the concept of average speed, which is calculated by dividing the total distance covered by the total time taken.
So, the Time taken to drive 80 miles at 20 mph = 4 hrs
Time taken to drive 360 miles at 60 mph = 6 hrs
Total time taken = 4 + 6 = 10 hrs
Total distance covered = 360 + 80 = 440
So, the average speed = 440/10 = 44 mph
Hence, the correct answer is ‘Choice C’.

2. Data Sufficiency: This section requires candidates to determine whether the given statements are sufficient to find the correct answer. It will measure your ability to analyse a quantitative problem and to find which data is relevant to find the answer.

Data Sufficiency questions include a problem statement and two answer statements. Using the data with your math knowledge, you need to determine whether you have sufficient information in the statement to answer the question.

Sample Question:

Is the perimeter of a given rectangle less than 15 inches?

(1) The length of the rectangle is 3 inches greater than the width.

(2) The two shorter sides of the rectangle are 2.75 inches long.

A. Statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.

B. Statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.

C. Both statements 1 and 2 together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither statement is sufficient alone.

D. Each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question.

E. Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data is needed to answer the statements.

Solution:
For the Perimeter of a rectangle, we need to know the measurements of the length as well as the width of the rectangle.
From statement (1) alone, we are not able to find the value of the perimeter since we don’t know the value of the width.
From statement (2) alone, we are not able to find the value of the perimeter since we don’t know the value of the length.
So, both statements alone are not sufficient to answer the question. But if we use both statements, we can find the value of width and length. So, we can determine the perimeter, and hence, using both statements, the answer can be determined.
Hence, the correct answer is ‘Choice C’.

Key Topics Covered:

You should not predict which topic you will see in GMAT Quant. All topics are important. Every major topic in GMAT quant has many subtopics. You need to learn all of them.

• Arithmetic: Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, and number properties.

• Algebra: Linear equations, inequalities, quadratic equations, and functions.

We can summarise the GMAT Quant major topics as given:

Essential Study Strategies:

To prepare for GMAT quant, you should follow a planned strategy.

• Begin by assessing yourself by taking an assessment test and analysing your performance to identify which topic you need to focus on more.
• Divide the syllabus into different sections according to your preparation plan.
  You should make a timetable.
• Take proper rest.

Must Read: GMAT Quantitative: Top 15 Expert Tips to Master the Math Section

1. Mastering the Fundamentals

You need to ensure a strong hold on basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and statistics. Review and practice fundamental principles regularly.
You should break up the syllabus while preparing. Here we are going to discuss the strategies to master the fundamentals.

Here are some strategies to master your fundamentals:

• Break down the syllabus into sub-sections, i.e. Algebra, Arithmetic.
• Make flashcards for formulas, important concepts, and short tricks.
• Take practice tests regularly.
• Focus more on the concepts in which you are weak.
• Practice, practice, and more practice.

2. Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses

You are the best trainer for yourself. Reflect on yourself to identify your weaknesses and rectify them.
How will you identify your weaknesses?
You can identify your weaknesses by taking practice sets; by discussing your preparation strategy with an expert, you can find your weaknesses by discussing with your friends, mentors, etc.

• If your weakness is maths concept-related, you can identify this weakness while practising. Let us say you find the problems on percentages difficult for you, then you can go through any of the YouTube channels on the basics of percentages, you can follow any good book, and practice until percentages become easier for you.
• If your weakness is pressure handling, to get rid of pressure, focus on one thing at a time. Don’t think about the result, or you can discuss with mentors who can suggest some better ways to handle your pressure.
• If your weakness is time management during exams, do more and more practice. Learn short tricks, learn speed maths. Several YouTube channels can help you learn speed maths.

Similarly, you can find your other weaknesses and work to overcome these weaknesses.

3. Developing Speed and Accuracy

You need to solve 21 questions in 45 minutes, which means you will get hardly 2 minutes for 1 question. To score above 90 percentile, you need to correct at least 17-18 questions. So, you need to be quick and accurate while solving the questions. You need to work on your speed while preparing for the GMAT. Some techniques can enhance your speed.

• Learn tables up to 30.
• Learn squares and cubes up to 30.
• Solve questions of percentages with the help of fractions.
• Allocate time to each question.
• Do not waste much time on one question.
• Skip and Move: If you find any question which requires more time to understand, then skip that question and move to the next question.
• Follow the clock: regularly check the time on your screen.
• Practice Time-Bound Exercises.
• Strengthen mental maths.

4. Effective Practice Techniques

While preparing for the GMAT, you need to work on the following parameters:

• Understanding test format
• Focus on fundamentals
• Develop problem-solving strategies
• Work on time management
• Review mistakes
• Use quality study material
• Seek help from experts
• Maintain a positive mindset

Also, you need to understand how you can utilise practice sets, how you can use flashcards, and how you should work on errors.

5. Utilising Practice Tests

Practice sets play an important role in preparation for the GMAT. Utilise official GMAT practice tests and resources like Target Test Prep to familiarise yourself with the exam format and question types
What you should do:

• Attempt at least one practice set in a day.
• Assess your result
• Identify which areas you are lagging in and work on those areas
• Make a record of the time taken by you in every test
• Identify which portion of the test you are taking more time on and try to reduce the time in the next test
• Take a diagnostic test after every 3-4 practice sets
• Subscribe to an online test series from a trusted source

These practices will certainly help you to improve.

The Role of Flashcards in Memorisation:

Flash cards are created to memorise the important formulas and concepts that you can keep with you every time and revise the concepts whenever you get the time.
Flash cards help you in the following ways:

• Flashcards contain the formulas that you need to revise again and again.
• You can keep flashcards with you always so that you can use them whenever you want. In this way, you can utilise your time effectively.
• You don’t need a book every time for the formulas and important concepts.

Importance of an Error Log:

An error log is the record that you maintain after every practice and diagnostic test. This will help you in certain ways:

• Help you to understand your weak areas so that you can work on them.
• Help you to understand where you are taking more time, so that you can work to improve how quickly and accurately you can answer the questions.
• Also, helps to be aware of the silly mistakes you are making.
• Help you to understand where you are making mistakes in understanding the questions.

Must Read:

GMAT Quant Test Day Tips:

You must know what you should do during the exam and what you should avoid during the exam. There are some important points that I am going to discuss, which can help you during the exam.
Time, accuracy, and speed are the three important parameters, along with staying calm during the exam.

1. Time Management Strategies

During the exam, you should do:

• Allocate time to each question separately.
• Do not waste much time on one question.
• If you don’t understand the problem or you are not able to solve a question, then skip and move to the next question.
• Don’t do lengthy calculations.
• Try to do calculations mentally.
• Avoid the use of a pen when the calculations can be done mentally.
• Be alert to the time shown on your screen.

2. Staying Calm and Focused

Generally, candidates lose their calmness and control if they are stuck on one or more questions at the start of tests, make silly mistakes, and sometimes interpret the question wrongly. So you should stay calm and focused during the exam.

You should do:

• Don’t think about the result.
• Don’t study an hour before the exam.
• Drink water.
• Leave the ego at home.
• Assume that there is no one around you.
• If you find yourself rushing through questions, slow down.
• Avoid skim reading.
• Hold your breath when feeling nervous.
• Think positively.
• Set yourself comfortably in your position.

3. Last-Minute Review Techniques

There are 7 last-hour review techniques which are listed here:

• Starting your day early before exams will provide you with enough time to finish your revision.
• Make a list of all the topics you need to revise on test day.
• Use smart revision techniques.
• Avoid any kind of distraction.
• Review all topics that bothered you the most.
• Get enough sleep.
• Plan your exam strategy.

4. Additional Resources

Here are some suggestions for books, online courses, and online forums to boost your preparation.

Recommended GMAT Prep Courses:

• Magoosh GMAT Prep
• GMAT Official Prep by GMAC

Online Forums and Study Groups:

• GMAT Club
• Manhattan Prep
• e-GMAT - Free Adaptive Mock Test

Books and Guides for GMAT Quant:

• GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024
• GMAT Unofficial Quantitative Review 2023 by Career Launcher.
• Kaplan GMAT 800.
• GMAT 2024: Graduate Management Admission Test| 10 Full-Length Practice Mock Tests with Free Access to Online Tests by EduGorilla Prep Experts.

About the Author:

Pooja Aggarwal is an experienced trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their educational goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalised instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of various exams in a supportive and engaging environment.