GMAT Percentiles and Score Chart (2026 Update)

Complete GMAT Percentile & Score Chart

Calculated Distribution for the Current GMAT (205–805 Scale).

GMAT Score Percentile Rank Rarity (Approx.) Old Classic GMAT Equivalent
805Perfect Score100%1 in 10,000+800
795100%1 in 5,000800
785100%1 in 2,500790
77599.9%1 in 1,000790
76599.8%1 in 500780
75599.6%1 in 250770
74599.3%1 in 142760
73599.0%1 in 100760
72598.6%1 in 71750
71598.1%1 in 52750
705M7 Target Score97.5%1 in 40740
69596.7%1 in 30730
68595.6%1 in 22720
67594.1%1 in 17710
66592.3%1 in 13710
655Strong / Competitive90.0%1 in 10700
64587.3%1 in 7.8690
63584.1%1 in 6.2680
62580.5%1 in 5.1670
61576.4%1 in 4.2660
60572.0%1 in 3.5640
59567.2%1 in 3.0630
58562.2%1 in 2.6610
57557.1%1 in 2.3600
56551.9%1 in 2.0580
555Average (Mean)46.7%1 in 1.8560
54541.6%1 in 1.7550
53536.8%1 in 1.5530
52532.2%1 in 1.4510
51527.9%1 in 1.3500
50524.1%1 in 1.3480
4559.6%1 in 1.1420
4053.0%1 in 1.03360
3050.1%Bottom250
2050.0%Bottom200

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.

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