Calculated Distribution for the Current GMAT (205–805 Scale).
GMAT Score
Percentile Rank
Rarity (Approx.)
Old Classic GMAT Equivalent
805Perfect Score
100%
1 in 10,000+
800
795
100%
1 in 5,000
800
785
100%
1 in 2,500
790
775
99.9%
1 in 1,000
790
765
99.8%
1 in 500
780
755
99.6%
1 in 250
770
745
99.3%
1 in 142
760
735
99.0%
1 in 100
760
725
98.6%
1 in 71
750
715
98.1%
1 in 52
750
705M7 Target Score
97.5%
1 in 40
740
695
96.7%
1 in 30
730
685
95.6%
1 in 22
720
675
94.1%
1 in 17
710
665
92.3%
1 in 13
710
655Strong / Competitive
90.0%
1 in 10
700
645
87.3%
1 in 7.8
690
635
84.1%
1 in 6.2
680
625
80.5%
1 in 5.1
670
615
76.4%
1 in 4.2
660
605
72.0%
1 in 3.5
640
595
67.2%
1 in 3.0
630
585
62.2%
1 in 2.6
610
575
57.1%
1 in 2.3
600
565
51.9%
1 in 2.0
580
555Average (Mean)
46.7%
1 in 1.8
560
545
41.6%
1 in 1.7
550
535
36.8%
1 in 1.5
530
525
32.2%
1 in 1.4
510
515
27.9%
1 in 1.3
500
505
24.1%
1 in 1.3
480
455
9.6%
1 in 1.1
420
405
3.0%
1 in 1.03
360
305
0.1%
Bottom
250
205
0.0%
Bottom
200
Understanding the GMAT Distribution Data
The chart above provides a detailed breakdown of GMAT percentiles based on the latest Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) data. It is critical to note that the test is now scored on a 205 to 805 scale (all scores end in a "5"). This represents a massive shift from the classic 200–800 scale.
What Does My GMAT Percentile Mean?
Your percentile indicates the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you. Because the new scoring algorithm removes the Analytical Writing Assessment from the composite score and heavily penalizes missed questions, the percentiles have "shifted downward." For example, a 655 is now the 90th percentile. Out of 100 randomly selected test-takers, a score of 655 beats 90 of them.
Why is 705 the New "Magic Number"?
In previous years, a 750 on the classic GMAT was considered the benchmark for M7 (Magnificent 7) business schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. Because of the percentile shift, a 705 on the current scale is mathematically equivalent to the old 750 (both sit at approximately the 98th/99th percentile). Achieving a 705+ makes your application highly competitive anywhere in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GMAT score?
A "good" score depends on your target MBA program. Generally, crossing the median of 555 means you are doing better than average. A score of 605+ is strong for top 50 programs, a 655+ is highly competitive for top 15 programs, and a 705+ is targetable for elite M7 schools.
Do business schools look at my score or my percentile?
Admissions committees look at both, but they are highly trained on percentiles. Because the 205-805 scale is relatively new, many adcoms map your current score back to its percentile to understand how you perform against the broader, historical applicant pool.
Methodology:
The percentiles presented in this chart are derived from data published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Percentiles may shift slightly year to year based on the performance pool of test-takers over rolling periods. Percentile Rank Formula: $PR = \frac{CF - (0.5 \times f)}{N} \times 100$
Where $CF$ is cumulative frequency, $f$ is frequency of the score, and $N$ is total test-takers.
