📘 Most trusted resource: The “GMAT Official Guide 2025–26” uses real past questions for accurate practice.
🎯 Choose by level: Beginner books for basics; advanced books for targeting 650–700+ scores.
📚 Section-wise books: Separate Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights books help fix specific weaknesses.
💼 Best value bundle: OG + Quant Review + Verbal Review gives more questions and better overall value.
🔍 Keep it simple: Don’t buy too many books — 2–3 good ones plus official mocks are enough for strong progress.
🗓️ Follow a schedule: Use a simple 30-day or 60-day plan to complete the books in the right order.
Finding the right GMAT preparation books can be confusing because there are so many options. But the truth is simple, you only need a few good books to study well and score high. The right books can help you understand concepts faster, practice real exam-style questions, and feel more confident on test day. In this guide, you’ll see the best gmat preparation books for every level, so you can choose what actually works instead of wasting time and money on the wrong resources.
List of Best GMAT Preparation Books
Choosing the right GMAT preparation books can completely change how you study. The GMAT 2025 format focuses more on logic, data skills, and critical thinking, so you need books that match the latest style of questions. The best place to start is always the official books made by GMAC, because they use real questions from past exams and follow the exact difficulty level of the test. Once you understand the basics, you can add stronger Quant or Verbal books, and later use advanced books and practice tests to reach higher scores.
Below are the best GMAT books for 2025, along with simple definitions so you understand exactly what each book offers and who it is meant for.
A Verbal-only book focused on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Breaks down questions into simple steps.
Very helpful for students wanting clearer explanations and extra drills to improve reading and reasoning skills.
Advanced
Manhattan Prep – GMAT Advanced Quant
A high-level Quant book for students who already know the basics and want to target 650–700+ scores.
Excellent for boosting Quant to a top level with tough questions and advanced strategies.
Practice Tests
GMAT Official Guide Bundle 2025–2026
A combined set of all official GMAT books plus online tools and mock test features.
Best value. Gives full coverage of the exam with more questions and mock tests to simulate the real exam.
Best Books for GMAT Quant Preparation
Choosing the right GMAT preparation books for Quant can make a big difference in how fast you learn and how confident you feel on test day. The GMAT Quant section checks your basics, your problem-solving skills, and how well you can think under time pressure. To help you improve step-by-step, here are the best books for beginners, intermediate learners, and students aiming for 700-level scores.
Best for Basics (Q20–Q35)
If you are new to GMAT Quant or struggle with basic math, these books are the easiest place to start.
1. GMAT Official Guide 2025–2026 (GMAC)
This is the main official book created by the makers of the GMAT. It explains every topic in simple language and gives you real past questions. It is perfect for learning arithmetic, algebra, word problems, and basic logic.
2. GMAT Quantitative Review 2025–2026 (GMAC)
This book gives you extra beginner-friendly practice only for the Quant section. It starts with easy questions and builds your confidence slowly. It is very helpful if you want more practice without feeling overwhelmed.
Why these help: They teach the basics clearly and use the same style of questions you will see on the real exam.
Best for Intermediate (Q35–Q45)
If you already know the basics and want to raise your score to the next level, these books give the right mix of practice and challenge.
1. Manhattan Prep 5-lb Book of GMAT Quant
This book includes a huge collection of medium-difficulty questions. It helps you improve speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills. It is very useful for pushing your score past Q40.
2. GMAT Official Guide + Quant Review (GMAC)
Using both books together gives you real GMAT questions plus a large variety of extra practice. This combination is great for students who want solid improvement without jumping to very tough problems too quickly.
Why these help: They strengthen your foundation and expose you to the types of questions where most students usually make mistakes.
Best for 700-Level & DS Mastery
For students aiming for top scores, these books focus on tough Quant and tricky Data Sufficiency problems.
1. Manhattan Prep – GMAT Advanced Quant
This book is made for high scorers. It includes difficult problems that train you to think faster, use shortcuts, and handle complex logic. It is perfect for 650–700+ score goals.
2. GMAT Official Advanced Questions (GMAC)
This is an official collection of high-level GMAT Quant questions. It helps you get comfortable with the hardest Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency problems used in real tests.
Why these help: They push you into top-difficulty levels and prepare you for the exact kind of questions that decide 700-level scores.
30-Day, 60-Day & 90-Day Study Plan Using These Books
Using your GMAT preparation books becomes much easier when you follow a clear plan. How you study depends on how much time you have before your exam. A good GMAT study plan always includes four parts: finding your starting level, learning concepts, practicing mixed questions, and taking mock tests. Below is a simple guide showing exactly how to use the Official Guide, Quant and Verbal books, and Advanced books in 30, 60, and 90 days.
30-Day GMAT Study Plan (Fast Track)
This plan is best if you are short on time and want a strong push.
What to do:
Day 1: Take a diagnostic test from the GMAT Official Guide to understand your weak areas.
Days 2–10: Focus on basics using the Quantitative Review or Kaplan Verbal Workbook (whichever is weaker).
Days 11–25: Study every day for 1–2 hours using the Official Guide. Mix Quant and Verbal instead of doing only one section at a time.
Days 26–30: Take one full mock test and spend the next few days reviewing mistakes and re-practicing those topics.
Why this works: You spend most of your time fixing weak areas and practicing real GMAT-style questions, which gives the fastest improvement in a short period.
60-Day GMAT Study Plan (Balanced & Effective)
This is the most popular and comfortable study duration.
What to do:
Weeks 1–2: Build strong basics using the Official Guide + either Quant Review or Verbal Workbook.
Weeks 3–4: Start mixing medium-level practice. If you aim for 650+, begin using the Manhattan Advanced Quant for tough problems.
Weeks 5–7: Start timed practice sets from the Official Guide and your practice test book.
Week 8: Take a full mock test, review mistakes, and focus on topics where you still struggle.
Why this works: You get enough time to learn slowly, improve accuracy, and build a strong base before moving to tougher questions.
90-Day GMAT Study Plan (Deep & Complete)
This plan gives you the best chance to reach a high score.
What to do:
Month 1: Learn all basics slowly using the Official Guide + Quant Review + Verbal Workbook.
Month 2: Start advanced training with Manhattan Advanced Quant. Add mixed practice sets to improve thinking speed.
Month 3: Focus mainly on mock tests and timed practice. Take at least two full-length tests and review every mistake in detail.
Why this works: You learn step-by-step, get enough exposure to all difficulty levels, and build strong exam stamina through repeated practice.
All books: Official Guide, Quant Review, Verbal Workbook, Advanced Quant, Practice Tests
Full preparation, advanced questions, multiple mock tests
How to Choose the Right Books
Finding suitable materials is the first step in the GMAT preparation kit. However, this initial step might be intimidating for many due to the plethora of test preparation firms promoting their books.
Here are some factors you must consider when choosing "your ideal" GMAT preparation books or resources:
Your current level - You may need focused resources for your weak areas.
Content coverage - Whatever book or bundle you choose, it must cover all the current GMAT sections.
Practice Questions - Look for the prep material that mirrors the difficulty level of the actual GMAT and also includes the questions directly from previous exams.
Your chosen prep book must include in-depth explanations and strategies from experienced instructors
Additional Resources - Almost every GMAT preparation book comes with bonus online resources, such as question banks, flashcards, video tutorials, and study plans. If yours don't, you should consider a better option.
User Reviews and Recommendations - Read reviews from other test-takers and educators. Books that consistently receive high ratings, like those from Manhattan Prep or the Princeton Review, are often reliable choices.
Finally, consider your personal learning style. Do you prefer detailed topic-wise explanations or targeted practice sets? Choose wisely!
Selecting the right study materials is crucial for GMAT success, and these top GMAT books offer a wealth of knowledge, practice, and strategies. The Official Guide for GMAT Review, All the GMAT Manhattan Prep, Kaplan GMAT 800, The PowerScore GMAT Verbal Trilogy Bible, and the Princeton Review GMAT Premium Prep are among the best resources available for 2024-25 GMAT preparation.
By incorporating these books into your study plan, you'll gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the GMAT and pave the way for a successful business school journey.
What is the best book to start my GMAT preparation?
The best book to begin with is the GMAT Official Guide 2025–2026. It is made by GMAC, the creators of the exam, and gives you real past questions. This helps you understand the exact style and difficulty of the GMAT from day one.
Are GMAT Official Guides enough to get a good score?
They are enough to build strong basics because the questions are 100% official. But if you want to aim for a higher score like 650 or 700+, you’ll need extra practice from a Quant or Verbal book to improve speed and accuracy.
Which book should I use to improve GMAT Quant?
The GMAT Quantitative Review 2025–2026 is the best book for learning Quant from the source. For harder practice, Manhattan Advanced Quant is great because it teaches shortcuts and tougher problem types.
What is the best GMAT book for Verbal practice?
The official Verbal questions in the GMAC books are the most accurate. But if you want clearer explanations, the Kaplan GMAT Verbal Workbook is helpful, especially for Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
Which GMAT book should I use for a 700+ score?
For 700+, use a mix of three books:
GMAT Official Guide
GMAT Official Advanced Questions
Manhattan Advanced Quant
This gives you tough practice and teaches how to think fast under pressure.
What is the best GMAT book for beginners?
Beginners should start with the GMAT Official Guide 2025–2026 because it explains topics in simple steps and gives you a clear idea of how the GMAT works.
Is there an official book for advanced GMAT questions?
Yes. GMAC publishes the GMAT Official Advanced Questions book. It includes only high-difficulty questions taken from real exams, which is perfect for improving tough Quant and Data Sufficiency skills.
Do GMAT books come with online practice tools?
Yes. All GMAC books include an online question bank. This lets you practice questions on your laptop or phone, create custom quizzes, and track your progress easily.
Which books match the updated GMAT exam format?
Only GMAC’s books match the latest format completely. The 2025–2026 Official Guides are fully aligned with the current GMAT structure and include the newest question styles used on the test.
Know Your Author
Abhyank Srinet
|
Study Abroad Expert
Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting. His passion is helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Abhyank earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, where he developed his skills in data-driven marketing strategies, driving growth in some of the most competitive industries.
Abhyank has helped over 10,000+ students get into top business schools with a 98% success rate over the last seven years. He and his team offer thorough research, careful shortlisting, and efficient application management from a single platform.
His dedication to education also led him to create MentR-Me, an AI-powered platform that offers personalized guidance and resources, including profile evaluation, application assistance, and mentoring from alumni of top global institutions.
Continuously adopting the latest strategies, Abhyank is committed to ensuring that his clients receive the most effective guidance. His profound insights, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication have helped his clients securing of over 100 crores in scholarships, making him an invaluable asset for individuals aiming to advance their education and careers and leading both his ventures to seven-figure revenues.
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