Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Apr 9, 2026 17:31 IST
GMAT, being such a popular exam, requires familiarity with the syllabus, a preparation plan, and discipline hard work. In this article, we will focus on the GMAT Arithmetic Syllabus and preparation strategy for GMAT Quants section. In addition, we will also look at the GMAT exam pattern for both the GMAT Current Edition and the GMAT Focus Edition.

One of the core topics of GMAT's Quantitative Reasoning (QR) is Arithmetic. The students who are preparing for GMAT will have to cover multiple subtopics on Arithmetic. Let us discuss everything you should know when preparing for Arithmetic topic on GMAT.

GMAT Arithmetic Syllabus 2024

There are different sections on the GMAT exam and one of the most challenging is the Quantitative Reasoning (QR). The topics tested on GMAT exam - QR section include Algebra and Arithmetic. Topics that make the Arithmetic syllabus include the majority of number properties, fractions, decimals, powers, roots and other topics. Those who have studied Maths till class X are good to go, but those who studied it till XII can be at a greater advantage when questions on Arithmetic are tested.

Arithmetic questions on GMAT can be challenging and so they require a lot of practice. Similarly, algebra will be equally challenging for those who are not confident with Maths overall. You must prepare for GMAT in such a way that all topics are equally covered. If you are weak in data or numbers, then focus on preparing for QR and DI first. Since we are covering everything about Arithmetic here, let us dive deeper and understand the complete topics tested, look at some sample Arithmetic questions along with some expert prep tips in this article.

Table of contents
  • GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 2026
  • GMAT Arithmetic Sample Questions (Focus Edition)
  • How to Prepare for GMAT Math Arithmetic Syllabus

GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus 2026

GMAT Maths syllabus is divided into two broad topics: Arithmetic and Algebra. The following GMAT exam syllabus covers the topics of Arithmetic om  QR section:

Arithmetic Syllabus

Here is the complete set of topics and syllabus for Arithmetic section on GMAT QR:

  • Number Properties (Most Tested)
  • Fractions, Decimals, & Percentages
  • Powers and Roots
  • Statistics
  • Counting and Probability
  • Word Problems







GMAT Arithmetic Sample Questions (Focus Edition)

GMAT Arithmetic can be one of the scoring sections in the GMAT Arithmetic section if you wish to strengthen your foundations and practice a sufficient number of GMAT Maths questions. The table given below provides the GMAT Arithmetic syllabus and GMAT Arithmetic questions:

GMAT Arithmetic Topics GMAT Arithmetic Questions
Number System

Q) Joseph has an annual income of $18,000 per year. 7/12 part of his income is spent on household utilities and 1/8 is spent on miscellaneous items. The rest of the amount is saved. What amount is saved by him?

 

A) $5,250

Averages

Q) At the University of Toronto, the average age of the 16 Biotechnology Professors is 52 years. What will be the average age of these professors in the next 5 years?

 

A) 57 years

Ratio and Proportion

Q) P and Q are two numbers. Their ratio (in the same order) is 4:1. Their sum is 40. What are the values of P and Q?

 

A) 32, 8

Mixtures and Allegations

Q) The cost of flavoured beans is $5 per pound. The cost of coffee is $12 per pound. How much quantity of flavoured beans should be added to 20-pound coffee such that the mixture costs $7.5 per pound?

 

A) 36 pounds

Percentages

Q) As of 2023, Kel is working in PwC. His salary is 20% less than what it was at Deloitte. If his salary was $80,000 at Deloitte, what is his current salary?

 

A) $64,000

Profit, Loss, and Discounts

Q) A pair of basketball sneakers were purchased at $69. The same sneakers were sold for $115. What was the percentage markup?

 

A) 67%

Time, Speed, Distance, and Work

Q) Kenan drives to his office at 20 mph and reaches 4 minutes late. If he travels at 25 mph, he will reach 2 minutes. Find the distance between his home and office.

 

A) 10 miles

How to Prepare for GMAT Math Arithmetic Syllabus

GMAT Maths preparation is not tough if you are aware of the basics. To begin with, you must be aware of the GMAT exam pattern and GMAT exam syllabus. Here are a few tips to prepare for GMAT Maths:

  • Understand the syllabus and pattern before you begin your preparation.
  • Start your preparation with the official study material for the GMAT. These should form the base of your preparation. You can then move on to Manhattan Prep Guides and Veritas Study material. 
  • For percentage problems, assume a total value of 100 to simplify the math.
  • Look for patterns and properties rather than grinding through arithmetic.
  • For variables-based questions, try plugging in simple numbers (like 0, 1, or 2) to identify properties.
  • Appear for as many GMAT mock tests as you can. Do not underestimate the value of mock tests.

Now that the students are clear about the GMAT Maths syllabus and GMAT Arithmetic topics, they must seriously prepare for the GMAT exam. Students must note that the GMAT is not the only factor that decides their B-School admissions. Other factors, such as an updated resume, an SOP, LORs, admission essays, etc., play an equally important role. Hence, students must aim for a comprehensive profile.

For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.







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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i Read Full Bio
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