GRE Quantitative Syllabus 2025: Pattern, Sample Paper & Questions

Acing the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section requires a strategic approach that goes beyond simply memorising GRE math formulas and equations. The GRE Quant syllabus outlines all the math concepts tested in the exam, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. 

To truly score well in math and help you prepare effectively, this blog covers the updated GRE Quant syllabus for 2025, along with practical tips to approach each question type with confidence.

Key Highlights:

• The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section includes 2 scored sections with 12-15 questions each.
• The total duration of the scored Quant sections of the GRE is 47 minutes, with 21–26 minutes per section.
• Quantitative Reasoning contributes 130-170 points per section, forming half of your total GRE score alongside Verbal Reasoning.
• The section tests your ability to solve problems using arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

GRE Quantitative Section 2025: Exam Syllabus and Topics

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning syllabus focuses on key math concepts that appear frequently in recent exams, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Most questions are word problems that require mathematical modelling and logical thinking.

Here’s a breakdown of the main topics covered in the GRE Quant section 2025:

GRE Quant Exam Pattern 2025

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section tests your problem-solving, reasoning, and basic math skills. It consists of two sections, each containing a mix of multiple-choice and numeric entry questions. Questions progress from easy to more challenging, helping you showcase your analytical and quantitative skills.

Total Questions: 27 (Section 1: 12, Section 2: 15)

Total Sections: 2

Total Time Allocated: 47 minutes (Section 1: 21 min, Section 2: 26 min)

Scoring: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)

GRE Quantitative Section 2025: Types of Questions

In the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE, you’ll face a mix of question formats: quantitative comparison, multiple-choice (single and multiple answers), numeric entry, and data-interpretation sets covering all the topics, like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. 

GRE Quantitative Section 2025: Sample Questions with Solutions

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. To give you an idea of what to expect, we’ve included a sample question from each topic along with a solved solution. Use these Sample Questions from the GRE Quantitative Section to learn how to break problems into manageable steps, simplify calculations, and reason logically to solve questions efficiently on test day.

GRE Arithmetic

The Arithmetic section of the GRE Quantitative Reasoning test checks your understanding of basic number properties, operations, ratios, percentages, and unit conversions. Let’s have a look at a sample question that will help you ascertain what to expect:

Sample Question on GRE Arithmetic:

A car travels at 36 kilometres per hour and 36 miles per gallon of diesel. If the car makes a journey of 4 hours, how much diesel, in litres, does it use?
Assume that 1 mile = 1.6 kilometres and 1 gallon = 4 litres.

Solution:

1. Distance covered in 4 hours = 36 × 4 = 144 km

2. Convert km to miles: 144 ÷ 1.6 = 90 miles

3. The car runs 36 miles per gallon, so fuel used = 90 ÷ 36 = 2.5 gallons

4. Convert gallons to litres: 2.5 × 4 = 10 litres

Final Answer: The car uses 10 litres of diesel.

GRE Algebra

The Algebra section of the GRE Quantitative Reasoning test evaluates your ability to solve equations and interpret relationships between variables. You’ll often work with exponents, functions, quadratic equations, and algebraic fractions. 

Sample Question on GRE Algebra:

If x + y = 9 and x² + y² = 53, where x > y, what is the value of (x − y)?

Solution:

We know that:
(x + y)² = x² + y² + 2xy

Substitute the given values:
9² = 53 + 2xy
81 = 53 + 2xy
2xy = 28 → xy = 14

Now,
(x − y)² = x² + y² − 2xy = 53 − 28 = 25
x − y = √25 = 5

Final Answer: x − y = 5

GRE Geometry

Geometry questions on the GRE Quant Section focus more on visual and spatial reasoning than on other Quant topics. They make up about 15% of the Quant section, with circles and polygons appearing most often.

Sample Question on GRE Geometry:

In the figure below, a square ABCD is inscribed in a circle. If the length of arc AB is 4π units, what is the diameter of the circle?

Solution:

1. For a square inscribed in a circle, consecutive vertices (like A and B) subtend a central angle of 90 degrees.

2. Arc AB therefore corresponds to 90° out of 360°, i.e., one quarter of the circle.

3. Arc length formula: Arc length = (central angle / 360) × circumference = (90 / 360) × 2πr = (1/4) × 2πr = (π/2) r.

4. Given arc AB = 4π, so (π/2) r = 4π.

5. Cancel π: r/2 = 4 → r = 8.

6. Diameter = 2r = 16.

Final Answer: The diameter of the circle is 16 units.

GRE Data Analysis

The GRE Data Analysis section tests your ability to interpret and analyse data presented in various forms, such as tables, graphs, and charts.

Sample Question on GRE Data Analysis: 

Data interpretation questions on the GRE ask you to read tables, compare values, compute percentages, and draw conclusions. Work systematically: read the table first, compute differences and percentages carefully, and compare results rather than relying on rough estimates.

Q1: Which company provides the highest percentage increase in call charges from the one-minute plan to the two-minute plan?

Solution: Percentage increase = (increase) / (1-minute charge) × 100

Calculations:

• B: (1.00 − 0.94) / 0.94 = 0.06 / 0.94 ≈ 6.38%

• A: (1.00 − 0.98) / 0.98 = 0.02 / 0.98 ≈ 2.04%

• R: (0.98 − 0.98) / 0.98 = 0 / 0.98 = 0%

• V: (0.98 − 0.95) / 0.95 = 0.03 / 0.95 ≈ 3.16%

• M: (2.20 − 2.00) / 2.00 = 0.20 / 2.00 = 10%

• U: (1.30 − 1.10) / 1.10 = 0.20 / 1.10 ≈ 18.18%

• T: (2.00 − 1.80) / 1.80 = 0.20 / 1.80 ≈ 11.11%

Final Answer: Company U (18.18% - highest percentage increase )

Q2: How many companies increased charges in the second plan by more than 10%?
Check which percentage increases exceed 10%:

• M = 10% → not greater than 10%

• U ≈ 18.18% → greater than 10%

• T ≈ 11.11% → greater than 10%
  Others (B, A, R, V) < 10%

Final Answer: 2 companies (U and T)

Q3: Based on the table, which of the following statements are true?
Statements:

1. The percentage increase in charges of the second plan of M and T is the same.
2. M provides the costliest service among them all.
3. All companies provide a difference of less than 20% between the two plans.

Solution:

• Statement 1: False. M = 10% and T ≈ 11.11% - not the same.
• Statement 2: True. M has the highest base rate (2.00 per minute) and a large increase, so it is the costliest.
• Statement 3: True. The largest percentage increase is U ≈ 18.18%, which is still less than 20%.

Final Answer: 

Statement 1 - False; 

Statement 2 - True; 

Statement 3 - True.

Also Read: GRE Quants Preparation Books

GRE Quantitative Section 2025: Sample Papers

Whether it’s arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or data analysis, mastering this section can greatly improve your overall GRE score. This list of GRE Quantitative Reasoning practice tests for 2025 will help you evaluate your strengths, pinpoint weak areas, and build the confidence you need to excel on test day.

GRE Quantitative Section 2025: Calculator Policy and Guidelines

For the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section, you are provided with a basic on-screen calculator. You cannot bring your own calculator. ETS recommends practising with the on-screen calculator in official GRE practice tests to get familiar with its layout and avoid losing time during the real exam. It is meant to help with time-consuming calculations such as long division, square roots, or working with multi-digit numbers

Key Guidelines for Using the Calculator:

• Most questions are simple and do not need the calculator. Use it only for tedious calculations.
• Use the GRE calculator for long division, large multiplications or additions, and square roots.
• Avoid using it for simple calculations that are faster to do mentally, like 30 squared or 10 minus 4.
• Do not use the calculator to turn answers into decimals if the question asks for a fraction.
• Sometimes reasoning, estimation, or pattern recognition can help you answer faster than using the calculator.
• If you do use it, estimate your answer first to make sure the result is reasonable and to avoid key-entry mistakes.

How to Prepare for the GRE Quantitative?

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section tests your problem-solving, reasoning, and basic math skills. While it doesn’t include advanced math, questions can be tricky and time-pressured. A smart preparation strategy will help you maximise your score. Here are the top tips to excel in GRE Quant:

• Manage Your Time: The section is 35 minutes long per quantitative section. Practice pacing yourself so you can complete all questions accurately within the time limit.
• Understand the Concepts: Questions may seem simple, but can be tricky. Make sure you have a solid grasp of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis concepts.
• Practice Regularly: Solve as many practice questions as possible. Take full-length, timed practice tests to get familiar with the GRE format and identify your strengths and weak areas.
• Simplify Word Problems: Break down complex word problems into simple equations or expressions. This makes them faster and easier to solve.
• Use Shortcuts and Estimation: Learn to estimate answers and use quick calculation strategies. Sometimes, reasoning and approximation can save time compared to long calculations.

Suggested: GRE General Test vs Subject Test

From the Desk of Yocket

The GRE Quantitative syllabus for 2025 remains consistent with previous years, covering topics from arithmetic and algebra to geometry and data analysis. However, the questions on the exam are not simply designed to test your knowledge of these topics; they are designed to test your ability to apply your mathematical skills to solve real-world problems.

With Yocket Prep, you get access to a comprehensive set of resources: free GRE mock and diagnostic tests, expert-recommended study materials, over 40 personalised practice tests tailored to your difficulty level, instant performance reports, detailed solutions, and much more to help you maximise your score.