GMAT Quant Syllabus 2025: Full Topic Breakdown & Prep Guide

A complete breakdown of all topics, question types, and skills tested in the GMAT Quant section.

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GMAT Quant Syllabus 2025: Full Topic Breakdown & Prep Guide

6 minutes

Introduction
Introduction to GMAT Quant Section
- Understanding the Structure
Important Chapters in GMAT Quant Syllabus
Essential Topics for Practice
Data Sufficiency in GMAT Quant
Geometry for GMAT Quant
- Key Geometry Concepts:
- Example Geometry Problems:
Advanced Arithmetic for GMAT Quant

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Key Takeaways – GMAT Quant Syllabus

✅ Quant Structure: The gmat quant syllabus features 21 questions in 45 minutes, solely problem-solving with no calculator.

💼 Key Topics: Questions focus on arithmetic and elementary algebra—geometry has been removed in the current format.

📊 Scoring: Each section score ranges from 60 to 90 in the new format introduced from 2025.

⭐ Career Impact: A competitive GMAT quant score enhances chances at top business schools where salaries exceed US $170k (~₹1.4 cr).

Introduction

The quant section of the GMAT measures your skill with numbers and algebra in a business-school context. It tests how well you interpret, analyse and solve quantitative problems under time pressure.

In this post we focus on the gmat quant syllabus, explaining exactly which topics you must master, how the section is structured, and how Indian students aged 25-28 can plan a smart preparation that fits their busy schedules.

Introduction to GMAT Quant Section

The GMAT Quantitative (Quant) section is designed to assess your mathematical skills and your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. As a vital part of the GMAT exam, this section tests the mathematical prowess you will need in your graduate management education.

Understanding the Structure

The Quant section consists of 31 multiple-choice questions, which you need to complete in 62 minutes. It is divided into two types of questions:

Problem Solving (PS)

These questions test your ability to use logic and analytical reasoning to solve quantitative problems. You will need to solve mathematical problems and choose the correct answer from five options.

Data Sufficiency (DS) -

These questions require you to determine whether the information given in statements is sufficient to answer the question. This tests your ability to assess the relevancy of data and your mathematical reasoning skills, rather than just your ability to perform calculations.

Important Chapters in GMAT Quant Syllabus

The Quantitative section of the GMAT is crucial for testing your mathematical abilities and logical thinking. It covers a broad range of topics that are essential for solving complex business problems. Key areas include:

Arithmetic: Focuses on fundamental concepts such as fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic operations. Understanding these concepts is vital for tackling more complex problems throughout the test.

Algebra: This includes solving linear and quadratic equations, functions, and inequalities. These topics are foundational for many of the problem-solving questions you will encounter.

Geometry: You’ll need to understand the properties of shapes, coordinate geometry, and concepts involving angles and lines. Geometric intuition can often simplify otherwise complex problems.

Word Problems: These questions translate real-world scenarios into mathematical expressions and require you to solve them. Mastery here involves a mix of algebraic and arithmetic skills.

Data Analysis: This includes statistics, probability, sets, and permutations. These topics test your ability to interpret and analyze data effectively, a skill crucial in business management.

Integrated Reasoning: Although not part of the quant section per se, this newly emphasized area tests your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats and make data-driven decisions.

Please refer Exam content for detailed analysis of GMAT Syllabus

Essential Topics for Practice

Given the wide range of topics covered, it's important to have a strategic approach to your study:

Begin with Basic Concepts:

Ensure you have a strong understanding of fundamental arithmetic and algebra before moving on to more advanced topics. This foundation is crucial for solving complex quant problems.

Progress to Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency:

These are the two main types of questions in the Quant section. Problem Solving questions test your ability to use mathematical concepts to solve problems, while Data Sufficiency questions require you to determine if you have enough information to solve a problem, testing your analytical skills.

Incorporate Timed Practice:

Regular practice under timed conditions will help improve your speed and accuracy, which are crucial given the timed nature of the GMAT.

Review and Analyze:

After practicing, spend time reviewing both correct and incorrect answers to understand your mistakes and refine your strategies.

Balanced Preparation:

While focusing on quant, don't neglect the verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing sections. A balanced approach is key to achieving a competitive overall score.

By thoroughly preparing for these topics, you can enhance your problem-solving abilities and improve your chances of scoring well on the Quant section of the GMAT. Regular practice, along with a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts and question types, will equip you to tackle this challenging part of the GMAT efficiently.

Data Sufficiency in GMAT Quant

Data Sufficiency is a unique and challenging aspect of the GMAT that tests your ability to determine whether the information provided is sufficient to answer a question. This section requires a strong foundation in all the quant topics and an excellent strategy to assess information critically.

Strategy for Data Sufficiency:

Understand the Question: Clearly define what the question is asking.
Analyze Each Statement: Consider each statement independently to determine if it provides enough data.
Combine Statements if Necessary: If neither statement suffices alone, check if together they provide a complete answer.

Common Data Sufficiency Topics:

Algebra: Including equations and functions.
Geometry: Involving shapes and their properties.
Number Properties: Concerning integers, primes, and their attributes.

Example Data Sufficiency Questions:

Problem	Statement 1	Statement 2	Sufficient?
Is x > y?	x + 2 = 10	y = 5	Yes, combining both
What is the value of x?	x^2 = 16	x is positive	Yes, with both statements

Geometry for GMAT Quant

Geometry on the GMAT involves understanding and solving problems related to shapes, lines, angles, and their properties. Mastery of geometry can greatly enhance your problem-solving capabilities in the Quant section.

Key Geometry Concepts:

Lines and Angles: Understanding parallel, perpendicular lines, and various types of angles.
Triangles: Knowledge of different kinds of triangles and their properties like the Pythagorean theorem.
Circles: Concepts involving radius, diameter, circumference, and area.

Example Geometry Problems:

Shape	Property	Formula	Example Problem
Triangle	Area	0.5 * base * height	Find area if base=10, height=5
Circle	Circumference	π * diameter	Find circumference if diameter=4

These sections not only detail how to approach and solve specific quant problems but also how to effectively use tables to present and solve geometry and data sufficiency problems, a crucial skill for the GMAT.

You can also refer GMAT™ Official Guide Quantitative Review 2024-2025 for detailed analysis of Quant

Advanced Arithmetic for GMAT Quant

Arithmetic forms the backbone of many GMAT Quant questions, involving more than just basic operations. This section challenges your understanding of number properties, complex fractions, and diverse mathematical operations integral to business analysis.

Advanced Arithmetic Topics:

Complex Fractions and Decimals: Operations involving intricate combinations and conversions between fractions and decimals.
Ratios and Proportions: Essential for solving problems related to mixtures or comparing different quantities.
Percents and Interest Calculations: Critical for financial calculations, understanding growth rates, and data analysis.

Concept	Problem	Formula/Approach	Example
Compound Interest	Calculate interest	A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)	Find compound interest for P=$1000, r=5%, n=2, t=3 years
Mixture Problems	Solving Mixtures	Weighted average calculation	Determine final concentration when mixing two solutions

Statistics and Data Analysis

Statistics and data analysis on the GMAT test your ability to interpret and analyze datasets, a skill crucial for decision-making in a business context. This section includes understanding distributions, central tendency measures, and variability.

Key Statistical Concepts:

Mean, Median, and Mode: Understanding these measures of central tendency and when to use them.
Standard Deviation and Variance: Measures of data spread; crucial for analyzing the risk and variability in business scenarios.
Data Interpretation: Reading and interpreting graphs, charts, and tables effectively.

`Example Statistics Problems:

Data Type	Concept	Calculation	Example
Company Revenue Data	Calculate Average Growth	Mean of yearly growth percentages	Calculate average growth from yearly data over 5 years
Employee Performance Scores	Variance	Sum of squared deviations from mean / N	Analyze variability in employee performance

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Conclusion

The GMAT Quantitative section is a cornerstone of the exam, designed to test your mathematical prowess and analytical skills, which are imperative for succeeding in a graduate management program. Each chapter within the Quant syllabus—from basic arithmetic to complex data analysis—plays a vital role in assessing your ability to solve problems efficiently and accurately.

What topics are included in the GMAT Quant syllabus?

The Quant syllabus includes arithmetic, algebra, word problems, number properties and logic-based questions.

How many questions are there in the GMAT Quant section?

There are 21 questions that you need to solve in 45 minutes.

Is geometry part of the GMAT Quant syllabus?

No, geometry is not included in the updated GMAT Focus Edition.

Is a calculator allowed in the GMAT Quant section?

No, you cannot use a calculator on the Quant section.

What difficulty level is GMAT Quant?

It tests high-school level math, but the logic and wording make it tricky.

What skills does the GMAT Quant section measure?

It checks your problem-solving, numerical reasoning, algebra skills and how fast you handle data.

How is the GMAT Quant section scored?

Your score ranges from 60 to 90, depending on accuracy and difficulty of questions answered.

What is a good GMAT Quant score?

A score above 80 is considered strong for most top business schools.

Has the GMAT Quant syllabus changed in the Focus Edition?

Yes, the new version is shorter, removes geometry and focuses more on logic-based math.

How can I prepare for the GMAT Quant syllabus effectively?

Practice official questions, revise arithmetic and algebra basics and work on speed and accuracy.

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.