Top 10 Math Tips for Better Scores on the GRE

Even if you aren’t a math genius, better GRE scores and the best graduate schools are within your grasp! As you build your content knowledge for the GRE test, you will need effective GRE strategies to help you get the best GRE Quantitative score possible. Here are ten tips and proven GRE strategies that will take your GRE practice to the level of the highest-scoring GRE graduate student. Try them out on your next GRE practice test.

1. Slow down on Word Problems

Make sure you really understand the concepts underlying the question. One or two words can radically change the meaning. Don’t rush these challenging questions, even if the math seems fairly obvious; you’ll need to spend some time familiarizing yourself with “English-to-Math” translation tables.

Before calculating, write down exactly what the question asks you to find and box it on your scratch paper. If it asks for the difference between two prices, for example, write “higher price − lower price.” Check your final answer against that target.

2. Use the calculator judiciously

The GRE’s on-screen calculator can help with lengthy arithmetic, but simple calculations may be faster with mental math. During practice, test takers should learn when to calculate mentally, use scratch paper, or open the calculator. The best approach is the one that produces an accurate answer efficiently.

Memorize perfect squares through 20², prime numbers through 50, and common fraction-to-decimal equivalents. Recognizing these values can reveal a shortcut before you calculate. When you do use the calculator, write your planned calculation on scratch paper first so you can check the setup afterward.

Multiplication facts through 12 × 12 and common divisibility rules are also useful to review. Recognizing familiar numbers can reveal how to approach a problem before any calculation begins.
For example, if (x − 17)² = 361, recognizing that 361 = 19² makes expanding the expression unnecessary:
x − 17 = ±19
x = 36 or −2
Both values satisfy the equation. Remembering the negative possibility is just as important as recognizing the perfect square.

Mental Math Shortcuts for GRE Quant

Breaking numbers into manageable parts can simplify arithmetic. For example, multiplication can proceed from left to right:

253 × 4 = (200 × 4) + (50 × 4) + (3 × 4) = 800 + 200 + 12 = 1,012

Other useful shortcuts include:

Multiplying by 5: Divide by 2, then multiply by 10. For example, 240 × 5 = 120 × 10 = 1,200.
Dividing by 5: Multiply by 2, then divide by 10. For example, 76 ÷ 5 = 152 ÷ 10 = 15.2.
Multiplying by 9: Multiply by 10, then subtract the original number. For example, 23 × 9 = 230 − 23 = 207.
Multiplying by 11: Multiply by 10, then add the original number. For example, 35 × 11 = 350 + 35 = 385.

These shortcuts work best when the underlying arithmetic is familiar. Scratch paper can help keep track of intermediate results.

[ GOOD TO KNOW: Rates and Work Questions & High-Yield Topics ]

3. Plan to spend no more than 2 minutes per question

The first Quantitative section has 12 questions and the second has 15 questions. You are given a total of 47 minutes in which to complete both sections. Some questions you will be able to solve in 1 minute, and some will take 2. If you’ve already spent more than 2 minutes on a question, guess strategically and move on.

You’ll see questions covering basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

4. Consider all the given info on Quant Comps

Write down any key numbers, variables, or phrases from the Quant Comp question and write them down on your scratch pad. Don’t just scan the screen and start solving – QC questions are slightly different from Problem Solving questions and often don’t require any math at all to solve. Ask yourself: why am I being given this piece of centered information? Always approach it strategically.

Ask whether you need an exact value or just enough information to compare the quantities. For example, if two groups average 80 and 90, and the lower-scoring group is larger, the combined average must be below 85. You can establish that relationship without calculating the exact weighted average.

5. Backsolve when there are numbers in the answer choices

Backsolving is a great strategy to check your work as you go through Problem Solving questions. Go through the answer choices and plug each one into the question, starting with either (B) or (D). You’ll have a 40% chance of finding the correct answer based on your first round of calculations!

6. Pick Numbers as much as possible

Substitute easy-to-work-with numbers, such as 2 or 5, for variables such as z. Keep the numbers small and make sure they satisfy every condition in the question.

7. Stick to your methods

The GRE Quantitative section contains questions of various difficulty levels. Remember to be methodical in your approach, and don’t abandon your strategies when you’re faced with more difficult questions. Evaluate the question from ALL angles before deciding whether it seems easier for you to do the math traditionally or use a specific strategy.

A quick estimate can help catch calculation errors. For example, 253 × 4 should be slightly greater than 1,000 because 250 × 4 = 1,000. An answer of 1,012 fits that estimate; 112 does not.
Divisibility rules provide another check. A whole number is divisible by 9 when its digits add to a multiple of 9. Since 23 × 9 must be divisible by 9, a result of 208 signals an error: 2 + 0 + 8 = 10. Passing this check does not prove an answer is correct, but failing it can reveal a mistake.
During review, test takers can record useful shortcuts in an error log alongside the problems where they apply. Practicing the same technique on different questions helps build accuracy before adding time pressure.

8. For Quant Comps, memorize the answer choices ahead of time

They never change, so become confident with their phrasing so that you don’t waste precious seconds reading and re-reading them. Every little bit of extra time helps.

[ RELATED: GRE Math Score Predictor ]

9. Analyze tables/graphs thoroughly

For Data Interpretation questions, don’t rush to the problems. Read the titles, labels, units, and note the general trends of the data beforehand. How do the variables interact with one another? What general conclusions can be drawn about the presented information? You’ll know exactly where to find the correct answer if you already fully grasp the data.

Check whether the title, labels, or accompanying text already gives the total population or sample size. You may be able to use that total directly instead of adding every category.

For example, a graph titled “Survey of 557 Households with Pets” already provides the total number of households. If a question asks what fraction of those households have two pets, the denominator is 557. The numerator comes from the two-pet category, so adding every category first is unnecessary.

10. Always break down complex figures into smaller shapes

Tough Geometry questions like to hide triangles with quadrilaterals, and circles within squares. Look for ways to apply information from one piece of the shape to another. Redraw the figures on your scratch pad if you need to – label everything!