5 Tips for GMAT Table Analysis Questions

Start by getting an overall sense of the table. If it has a title or description, read it. Are the entries math-based, verbal-based, or a combination? Is it showing change over time, relationships between scores and percentiles, gross income versus adjusted income, etc.?

Pay attention to how each table’s variables relate to each other. For example, if one variable consistently increases as another variable increases, they are positively correlated. If one variable consistently decreases as another variable increases, they are negatively correlated. Sometimes variables will have a more complex relationship and may have both types of relationships within a spread of data.

Are the three statements similar or quite different? If one seems easier than the others, start there. You don’t have to answer in order.

Sorting by a specific column will typically save you time when evaluating a certain statement. After you’ve read the statement, examine the table to determine which sort will make it easiest to find the information or trend that you need. Sometimes, you’ll even sort by two different columns to answer just one statement.

If calculations are required, round the data presented in the tables to the nearest integer to make your calculation easier. Don’t feel like you have to use decimals or fractions. Especially with yes/no statements, a quick approximation is often all the math that’s required. (And, if you do need to do more precise math, the Data Insights section includes an on-screen calculator!)