The 205–805 scale
The GMAT Focus Edition reports a Total Score on a 205–805 scale in 10-point increments (accessed 2026-08-07) — deliberately different numbers from the classic GMAT's 200–800 so the two can't be confused at a glance. If a score ends in a 5, it's a GMAT Focus score.
Every section counts now
The bigger change is what feeds the total. On the GMAT Focus Edition, all three sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights — contribute to the Total Score (accessed 2026-08-07). On the classic GMAT, Integrated Reasoning sat outside the 200–800 total; here, Data Insights is one of the three scored sections (accessed 2026-08-07), so it can move your headline number.
Don't compare scales directly
A 655 on the new scale is not a 655 on the old one. Because the scale and section mix changed, GMAC publishes a concordance table to match a classic GMAT score to its GMAT Focus equivalent (accessed 2026-08-07). Use it before you compare a target from an old prep book to what you're scoring now.
What it means for prep
Because Data Insights now counts, treating it as an afterthought costs real total-score points. Balance your prep across all three sections rather than pouring everything into Quant, and read a target score as a Focus-scale number, not a leftover from the old exam.
Sources
Every source below was accessed on the listed date. Pages — especially department admissions pages — change without notice; the links go to the live versions.
- Evolving the Score Scale with the GMAT Focus Edition — GMAC. Accessed 2026-08-07.
- GMAT Exam Structure — GMAC. Accessed 2026-08-07.
- GMAT Total Score Concordance Table (January 2024, 2017–2022 data) — GMAC. Accessed 2026-08-07.
Related guides
Sources and corrections
Sources last checked 2026-08-07Every source cited on this page was checked on the date shown, and we update the page when a source changes. If something looks wrong, tell us and we'll recheck it.