GRE Score to Percentile
The Shorter GRE has changed how scores are perceived. Use this tool to check your exact percentile rank for 2026 admissions based on the latest ETS performance data.
Direct Answer / Quick Summary
What is a 165 Quant GRE percentile in 2026?
In 2026, a score of 165 on the GRE Quantitative section is approximately the 80th percentile. Due to the high number of high-performing STEM applicants, the Quant scale is extremely 'top-heavy'. Conversely, a 165 on the Verbal section is much stronger, placing you in the 95th percentile. For top-tier Engineering or CS programs, a 168+ Quant (90th percentile) is often the baseline. Use our updated table to ensure you are looking at the latest data, as many older sites still use 2023-2024 mappings.
Combined Score: 325
Admissions Tier: Elite / Tier 1
Grad School Strategy
"Humanities programs focus on your Verbal percentile, while STEM programs prioritize a high Quant percentile. If you are applying to MBA programs, a balanced 80/80 split is often preferred."
2026 GRE Percentile Mapping Table (ETS Data)
The GRE score range is 130 to 170 for both sections. The percentile represents the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you.
| 170 | 99th Percentile |
| 165 | 95th Percentile |
| 160 | 84th Percentile |
| 155 | 65th Percentile |
| 150 | 44th Percentile |
| 145 | 25th Percentile |
| 140 | 10th Percentile |
| 170 | 92th Percentile |
| 165 | 80th Percentile |
| 160 | 64th Percentile |
| 155 | 47th Percentile |
| 150 | 31th Percentile |
| 145 | 17th Percentile |
| 140 | 7th Percentile |
The Quant Inflation
Over the last 5 years, Quantitative scores have clustered heavily at the top. A perfect 170 is now the only score that guarantees a 90th+ percentile rank in highly technical fields. If your target program is math-heavy, aim for no more than 2 mistakes in the Quant section.
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How it works
- 1Select your scaled score for the GRE Verbal section (130-170).
- 2Select your scaled score for the GRE Quantitative section (130-170).
- 3See your percentile rank and competitiveness for grad school instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Has the GRE percentile changed in 2026?
Yes, percentiles are updated annually by ETS based on the last three years of test-takers. Competitive scores for Quant have seen 'percentile inflation', meaning a 165 Quant is now closer to the 80th percentile than the 90th.
What is a good GRE score for Ivy League?
For top-tier US universities, a combined score of 325+ (Verbal 160+, Quant 165+) is generally expected, corresponding to the 85th percentile or higher.
Is the shorter GRE harder?
The difficulty remains the same, but because there are fewer questions, each mistake has a larger impact on your final scaled score and percentile.