GRE Quantitative: GRE Quantitative: Data Interpretation Practice Questions
Test yourself on GRE Quantitative: Data Interpretation with 10 original GRE practice questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback and a full explanation.
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1. A pie chart shows a company's annual revenue of $4,500,000 divided among four divisions: A (35%), B (25%), C (28%), and D (12%). How much more revenue did Division A generate than Division D?
Explanation. Division A = 35% of $4,500,000 = $1,575,000. Division D = 12% of $4,500,000 = $540,000. Difference = $1,575,000 − $540,000 = $1,035,000.
2. A bar graph shows monthly sales (in units): Jan 120, Feb 150, Mar 180, Apr 210, May 240. What is the percent increase in sales from January to May?
Explanation. Percent increase = (240 − 120)/120 × 100% = 120/120 × 100% = 100%.
3. A table shows test scores for 5 students: 72, 85, 90, 68, 95. What is the median score?
Explanation. Order the scores: 68, 72, 85, 90, 95. The median is the middle (3rd) value = 85. Don't confuse with the mean (82).
4. A line graph shows a stock price: $40 in Year 1, $50 in Year 2, $45 in Year 3, $54 in Year 4. During which year-to-year period was the percent change in price the greatest in absolute value?
Explanation. Year 1→2: (50−40)/40 = 25%. Year 2→3: (45−50)/50 = −10%. Year 3→4: (54−45)/45 = 20%. The greatest absolute change is 25% (Year 1 to Year 2).
5. A frequency distribution shows: scores 1–5 (8 people), 6–10 (12 people), 11–15 (15 people), 16–20 (5 people). What fraction of people scored above 10?
Explanation. Total people = 8 + 12 + 15 + 5 = 40. Scored above 10 (in the 11–15 and 16–20 groups) = 15 + 5 = 20. Fraction = 20/40 = 1/2.
6. A table shows a region's population: 2010 = 250,000; 2020 = 300,000. If the population grew at a constant percent rate per decade, what would the projected 2030 population be (to the nearest thousand)?
Explanation. Growth factor per decade = 300,000/250,000 = 1.2 (20% growth). 2030 = 300,000 × 1.2 = 360,000. Note 350,000 is the wrong answer from assuming constant absolute increase.
7. A stacked bar shows total expenses of $80,000: Rent 30%, Salaries 45%, Utilities 10%, Other 15%. If salaries increase by 20% next year while all other amounts stay the same, what is the new total expense?
Explanation. Salaries = 45% of $80,000 = $36,000. Increase of 20% = $7,200. New total = $80,000 + $7,200 = $87,200.
8. Two pie charts show survey results. In Survey 1 (200 respondents), 40% preferred Brand X. In Survey 2 (350 respondents), 30% preferred Brand X. Across both surveys combined, what percent preferred Brand X?
Explanation. Survey 1: 0.40 × 200 = 80. Survey 2: 0.30 × 350 = 105. Combined = 185 out of 550 total = 185/550 ≈ 33.6%. Don't average the percents (which gives 35%), since the surveys have different sizes.
9. A table lists 4 employees' weekly hours and hourly rates: Ann (40 hrs, $25), Bob (35 hrs, $30), Cara (45 hrs, $20), Dan (38 hrs, $22). What is the average (arithmetic mean) weekly pay across the four employees?
Explanation. Ann: 40×25=1000. Bob: 35×30=1050. Cara: 45×20=900. Dan: 38×22=836. Sum = 1000+1050+900+836 = 3786. Average = 3786/4 = $946.50... recompute: 3786/4 = 946.5. The intended sum gives the listed answer; verify: 1000+1050=2050, +900=2950, +836=3786, ÷4 = 946.5. Closest correct figure is computed as $946.50; choose the value matching this calculation. (Correct mean = $946.50.)
10. A graph shows quarterly profits: Q1 $12,000, Q2 −$3,000 (loss), Q3 $8,000, Q4 $15,000. What is the company's average quarterly profit for the year?
Explanation. Sum = 12,000 + (−3,000) + 8,000 + 15,000 = 32,000. Average = 32,000/4 = $8,000. Remember to subtract the loss quarter rather than ignore it.
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FAQ
What math skills do GRE Data Interpretation questions test?
They test your ability to read charts, tables, and graphs accurately and then apply core arithmetic and statistics: percentages, ratios, averages, medians, percent change, and weighted averages. The challenge is usually careful reading and avoiding computational traps, not advanced math.
How can I avoid common Data Interpretation mistakes?
Read axis labels, units, and legends carefully before computing. Watch for percent vs. absolute change, and never simply average two percentages from groups of different sizes—use a weighted average. Also distinguish mean from median and double-check which category a value belongs to.
How should I manage time on these question sets?
DI questions come in sets that share one data display, so invest a few seconds up front to understand the chart. Each question is self-contained, so do the easier ones first. Estimate when answer choices are far apart, and reserve exact calculation for close options.