How long is the GRE?
The current GRE General Test takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes across five sections: one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections, and two Quantitative Reasoning sections, with 54 Verbal and Quantitative questions plus one writing task (accessed 2026-08-07).
What is the GRE format? Section timing and question counts
ETS lists one 30-minute writing task; Verbal sections with 12 questions in 18 minutes and 15 questions in 23 minutes; and Quantitative sections with 12 questions in 21 minutes and 15 questions in 26 minutes (accessed 2026-08-07). The current breakdown is:
| Section | Questions or tasks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 Analyze an Issue task | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning 1 | 12 questions | 18 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning 2 | 15 questions | 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning 1 | 12 questions | 21 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning 2 | 15 questions | 26 minutes |
| Whole test | 54 questions plus 1 writing task | About 1 hour 58 minutes |
How is the GRE scored?
ETS reports separate scores: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are each scored from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments, and Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments (accessed 2026-08-07). There is no single combined GRE total score.
Can you move between GRE questions?
Yes, within the section you are currently taking. ETS lets you move forward and backward and change answers within a section (accessed 2026-08-07). You cannot carry unused time into another section, so a pacing plan should fit each section's own clock.
Is the at-home GRE the same length and format?
Yes. ETS states that the at-home GRE General Test is identical to the test-center version (accessed 2026-08-07), so the five-section format, timing, and score scales above apply in either setting.
Related GRE answers
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.
- GRE General Test Structure — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-07.
- Getting Your GRE General Test Scores — ETS. Accessed 2026-09-10.
- Taking the GRE General Test at Home — ETS. 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.