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What is a good GMAT score?

On the GMAT Exam's 205–805 scale, roughly 545–555 is the median and 655 is near the 90th percentile. What the official GMAC percentile data says.

Published 2026-08-07 · Sources last checked 2026-08-07

What is a good GMAT score?

There is no universal cutoff. GMAC says that a score above 605 places you in the competitive top 30% of test takers (accessed 2026-08-07), which is a useful broad benchmark. Your own good score is the result that fits the programs you are targeting and the rest of your application.

GMAT score benchmarks on the 205–805 scale

The current GMAT Exam Total Score runs from 205 to 805 (accessed 2026-08-07). GMAC's January 2024 concordance table, based on 2017–2022 data, gives these approximate anchors:

Current GMAT Total ScoreApproximate percentile anchor
545–555Around the 50th percentile
605Around the 75th percentile
655Around the 90th percentile

Source: GMAC's January 2024 concordance table using 2017–2022 data (accessed 2026-08-07).

Should you use a percentile or a program score range?

Use both for different purposes. A percentile shows your standing among test takers; a program's published score data shows the context of its enrolled class or applicant pool. First confirm whether a school is reporting the current 205–805 scale or historical classic-GMAT data. If the scale differs, use GMAC's concordance (accessed 2026-08-07) rather than comparing the same number directly.

How should you set a GMAT target score?

  1. Check the test policy and published score data for every program on your list.
  2. Verify that each number is on the current 205–805 scale before comparing it with your practice results.
  3. Choose a target that supports your application rather than treating 605, 655, or any other benchmark as a universal guarantee.
  4. Use your section scores to identify which part of the total gives you the clearest path to improvement.
GMAC recomputes percentiles over time, so the percentile attached to a Total Score can change. Check the current official table before fixing a target; the anchors above reflect the source accessed on 2026-08-07.

Put your target in context

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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.

  1. Evolving the Score Scale with the GMAT Focus Edition — GMAC. Accessed 2026-08-07.
  2. GMAT Total Score Concordance Table (January 2024, 2017–2022 data) — GMAC. Accessed 2026-08-07.
  3. What Is A Good GMAT Score? — GMAC. Accessed 2026-08-07.

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Sources last checked 2026-08-07

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