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.
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.
- 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.
Commonly asked questions
The following is included in GMAT model test papers which is a study collection available online including 11 study products having more than 2,000 unique questions:
- GMAT Official Guide eBook + Online Question Bank
- GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review eBook + Online Question Bank
- GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review eBook + Online Question Bank
- GMAT Official Practice Questions 1 and 2
- GMAT Official Practice Exams 1-6 (6 full-length practice exams)
- GMAT Advanced Questions and Online Question Bank
- GMAT Official IR Practice (question and answers with explanation)
- GMAT Official Quantitative Practice (question and answers)
- Official AWA Practice (4 Essay prompts)
There may be a chance of duplicity of questions in main exam paper of GMAT and in the sample papers of GMAT exam. The duplicity may not always be noticeable as GMAT is an adaptive test which changes its questions and even answers order per examninee. In case of a situation like this, the applicant will be in an advantageous situation and thus, he/she can benefit from it also.
There are a lot of resources available online to prepare for GMAT. Ample of free GMAT practice tests can be downloaded from GMAC site (mba.com). These give real feel of GMAT and help with preparation. Once you complete a GMAT mock test, it is essential for you to analyse your performance in that GMAT practice test.
One can take the GMAT practice test anytime, however, make sure you take the exam in the same way as you are going to take the real test. If you are going to attempt the Writing section first then do the same in the mock tests as well. Do not take extra time, and complete the test in one sitting. With every subsequent GMAT practice test and its analyses, you will come up with certain strategies (whether they are related to certain topics or sections); make sure to try those strategies in the next GMAT mock tests. Analyses of the GMAT mock tests is as important as the mock itself.
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Aishwarya Bhatnagar is a specialised content curator with 8+ years of experience in EdTech content, particularly in studying abroad. She is a Study Abroad Expert at Shiksha.com (InfoEdge India Ltd) si
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