GRE Score Calculator: Estimate Your 130-170 Scale

The GRE score calculator below estimates your scaled Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores (130–170) from your raw scores (number correct) on each section. Enter the number of questions you answered correctly in each section, and the calculator returns an approximate scaled score for each, based on the typical conversion tables used by ETS.

Formula

The GRE does not publish a single linear conversion from raw to scaled scores because the conversion varies by test form. However, a widely used approximation is:

Scaled score ≈ 130 + (raw score / total questions) × 40

Where:

• Raw score = number of correct answers (each question is worth 1 point, no penalty for wrong answers).
• Total questions = 40 for both Verbal and Quantitative sections (the two scored sections each have 40 questions).
• Scaled score = the reported score on the 130–170 scale, in 1-point increments.

This linear formula gives a rough estimate. The actual conversion is slightly curved, with the middle range often compressed and the extremes stretched. For example, a raw score of 30 out of 40 might correspond to a scaled score of 158, not 160 as the linear formula would suggest.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (raw score = 25 for both sections):

1. Verbal: 130 + (25 / 40) × 40 = 130 + 25 = 155
2. Quant: 130 + (25 / 40) × 40 = 130 + 25 = 155

The calculator returns 155 for both, which is a reasonable estimate for a raw score of 25 (62.5% correct) on a typical GRE form.

How the GRE Scoring Actually Works

The GRE General Test (computer-delivered) has two scored Verbal sections and two scored Quantitative sections, each with 20 questions, for a total of 40 questions per measure. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers. ETS then uses a process called equating to convert raw scores to scaled scores. Equating adjusts for slight differences in difficulty across test forms, so a raw score of 30 on one test might yield a scaled score of 158, while on another form it might yield 157 or 159. This ensures that scores are comparable across different administrations.

The scaled score range is 130–170 for both Verbal and Quantitative, in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments.

Why the Conversion Isn’t Linear

The relationship between raw and scaled scores is not a straight line. In the middle of the score range (around 150–160), a single raw point might change your scaled score by only 1 point. Near the extremes (below 140 or above 165), a single raw point might change your scaled score by 2 or even 3 points. This is because the test is designed to differentiate most precisely among the middle range of test-takers, where most scores fall.

For example, on a typical GRE form:

• Raw score 20 (50%) might map to a scaled score around 150.
• Raw score 30 (75%) might map to around 158.
• Raw score 35 (87.5%) might map to around 163.
• Raw score 40 (100%) maps to 170.

This non-linearity means that a linear calculator like the one above is most accurate in the middle range (raw scores 20–30) and less accurate at the extremes.

How to Use This Calculator for Practice Tests

When taking a GRE practice test (such as the free PowerPrep tests from ETS or those in popular prep books), you can use this calculator to estimate your scaled score. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Count the number of correct answers in each Verbal section and add them together (out of 40).
2. Do the same for the Quantitative sections.
3. Enter those raw scores into the calculator.
4. Compare the estimated scaled scores to your target score (e.g., 160+ for competitive programs).

Remember that practice test conversions are only estimates. The official score report from ETS is the only definitive measure.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is assuming that the GRE has a guessing penalty. It does not. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers, so it’s always better to guess than to leave a question blank. Another misconception is that the raw score is out of 50 or 60. It’s not – it’s out of 40 for both Verbal and Quantitative.

Another error is using a linear conversion for all score ranges. As noted, the conversion is curved. If you score very high or very low on a practice test, the linear estimate will be less accurate. For instance, a raw score of 10 (25%) might actually map to a scaled score of 137, not 140 as the linear formula suggests.

Limitations of the Linear Approximation

The linear formula is a simplification. ETS does not publicly release the exact equating tables for each test form, and they change from one administration to the next. The only way to know your exact scaled score is to take the official test. For practice purposes, however, the linear approximation is useful for gauging your progress, especially if you consistently score in the 20–30 raw range.

If you need a more precise estimate, look for score conversion tables in reputable GRE prep books or online resources that have compiled data from multiple test-takers. These tables are often based on aggregated data and can give a better sense of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good GRE score?

A good GRE score depends on your target programs. For competitive graduate programs, a score above 160 on both Verbal and Quantitative is often considered strong. The average GRE score for all test-takers is around 150 for Verbal and 152 for Quantitative. Check the admissions statistics for your specific programs to set a target.

How many questions can I get wrong to score 160?

On a typical GRE form, you can get about 10 questions wrong on each section (raw score of 30 out of 40) to score around 160. However, this varies by test form due to equating. A raw score of 30 might yield a scaled score of 158 on some forms and 161 on others.

Is the GRE score calculator accurate?

No calculator can be perfectly accurate because ETS does not publish the exact conversion tables. The linear approximation is a rough estimate, most reliable for raw scores between 20 and 30. For a more accurate estimate, use official ETS practice tests, which provide a score range based on your performance.

Does the GRE have a guessing penalty?

No. The GRE does not penalize incorrect answers. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers. It is always to your advantage to answer every question, even if you have to guess.

How is the Analytical Writing score calculated?

Analytical Writing is scored separately on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments. Two trained readers score each essay, and if their scores differ by more than one point, a third reader resolves the discrepancy. The final score is the average of the two (or the third reader’s score if needed). Your raw essay scores are not converted using the same 130–170 scale.

Can I use this calculator for the GRE at home test?

Yes, the scoring is the same for the GRE General Test taken at home and at a test center. The raw-to-scaled conversion is based on the same equating process, so this calculator works for both formats.

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in v | Verbal raw score (0-40) | correct | 25 | 0
in q | Quant raw score (0-40) | correct | 25 | 0
out verbal_scaled | Verbal scaled score | 130-170 | round(130 + (v / 40) * 40) | 0
out quant_scaled | Quant scaled score | 130-170 | round(130 + (q / 40) * 40) | 0