Mastering GMAT Table Analysis: Sample Questions & Expert Tips

Introduction

GMAT Table Analysis questions are an essential part of the Integrated Reasoning section, designed to measure how well you can evaluate, sort, and interpret data in a structured format. These spreadsheet-style prompts test your ability to identify relevant information, analyze numerical relationships, and make accurate decisions under time pressure. Whether you’re calculating statistical values, identifying correlations, or determining if a statement is supported by the data, mastering Table Analysis can significantly boost your overall GMAT score.

In this blog, we break down everything you need to master Table Analysis how the questions work, the concepts you must know, step-by-step solving strategies, sample questions, and expert tips to boost your accuracy and speed. 

GMAT Table Analysis Syllabus (Integrated Reasoning)

The GMAT Table Analysis section, part of Integrated Reasoning, tests a candidate’s ability to evaluate structured data presented in sortable tables. You must analyze how the table is organized, identify relevant information, and decide whether given statements are Yes/No, True/False, Inferable/Not Inferable, or similar response types.

This section blends quantitative and verbal reasoning, requiring you to filter meaningful insights from large sets of data. It closely aligns with other IR question types like Two-Part Analysis, where candidates interpret verbal and quantitative information presented with a short passage and a table of three columns.

Key Skills Tested in GMAT Table Analysis

To answer Table Analysis questions effectively, candidates should be able to:

• Evaluate statistical measures such as mean, median, mode, and range.
  
• Understand probability, ratio, and proportion, and apply them to data-based questions.
  
• Identify relationships and correlations between different types of data presented.
  
• Make logical deductions based on the given facts to determine accurate conclusions.

Understanding GMAT Table Analysis Question Types

GMAT Table Analysis questions present information in a structured, spreadsheet-like table. Each column can be sorted in ascending order by selecting the column header from a drop-down menu, allowing test-takers to reorganize the data quickly. A short explanatory text appears above the table to help you understand the context before answering the questions.

Every Table Analysis prompt includes three statements, expressions, or numerical values, and you must evaluate each one as True/False, Yes/No, or determine whether it can or cannot be inferred from the data.

These questions test your ability to interpret, filter, and analyze data efficiently by applying both quantitative and logical reasoning skills.

How GMAT Table Analysis Questions Are Structured

Each Table Analysis set consists of:

• A sortable table
  
• A brief explanation above the table
  
• 1 to 4 related questions, each containing 3 statements to evaluate
  

To receive full credit, all responses within the set must be correct. Although many test-takers find Multi-Source Reasoning more difficult, both sections share the same 30-minute time limit under the Integrated Reasoning section.

The table’s “Sort By” feature is particularly useful when working with numerical comparisons or identifying trends—common tasks in this question type.

Important Guidelines for Solving Table Analysis Questions

To perform well in Table Analysis, it’s essential to approach each question with a strategy. Since the tables contain large amounts of sortable data, knowing how to organize and interpret the information efficiently will save time and improve accuracy.

• Use the sorting feature wisely: You can sort any column in ascending order to quickly identify relationships, patterns, and comparisons within the data.
  
• Read the explanatory text first: The short description above the table sets the context—understanding this will help you know what to look for before analyzing the data.
  
• Evaluate each statement separately: Every Table Analysis question contains three statements, and each must be judged individually based on the information in the table.
  
• Expect a range of numerical tasks: Questions often involve calculating mean, median, mode, probability, ratios, trends, and checking consistency between data sets.
  
• Manage your time efficiently: Aim to spend no more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds per question set. If a question takes too long, make an informed guess and move on to maintain pacing.

Types of Evaluations Required

In Table Analysis questions, you may be asked to determine whether:

• A statement is true or false based on the table
• A value or expression is consistent or inconsistent with the given data
• A conclusion can be determined or cannot be determined from the information provided

Common Concepts in GMAT Table Analysis

The Table Analysis section of the GMAT Integrated Reasoning tests your ability to interpret and analyze data presented in spreadsheet-style tables. It combines both quantitative and logical reasoning skills. Key concepts frequently tested in this section include:

• Computing Absolute Deviation: Evaluate how much a specific data point deviates from the mean of the dataset.
  
• Arrange and Infer: Sort the data and extract insights or infer conclusions based on the arrangement.
  
• Mean, Median, and Mode:
  • Mean: Sum of all data points divided by the total number of points.
    
  • Median: The middle value in a sorted dataset.
    
  • Mode: The value that appears most frequently.
• Deviation: Measure the difference between a particular data point and the mean.
  
• Range: Difference between the highest and lowest values in the dataset.
  
• Standard Deviation: Quantifies the spread or variability of data points around the mean.
  
• Correlation: Examine the relationship between two variables—direct (both increase together) or inverse (one increases while the other decreases).

Consistent practice with GMAT Table Analysis questions is essential to mastering these concepts and excelling in the Integrated Reasoning section.

GMAT Table Analysis – Sample Questions

Practicing with GMAT-style Table Analysis questions is essential for improving accuracy, speed, and overall performance in the Integrated Reasoning section.

Sample Question 1

Official Free GMAT Practice Test Link

You can access two full-length practice exams for free through the official GMAT platform:

GMAT Official Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 & 2 (Free)

This includes:

• Two full-length, adaptive GMAT practice tests
  
• A practice question bank
  
• The same interface used in the actual exam
  

GMAT Table Analysis Preparation Tips

To boost your accuracy and speed in the Integrated Reasoning section, here are some essential tips for GMAT table analysis:

• Start with the First Screen: The initial sorted view of the table provides essential context, such as column titles, relationships between scores, percentages, or financial metrics like adjusted versus gross income.
  
• Read the Question First: Begin by reading the specific question before the introductory paragraph. This helps you focus on the relevant information in the table and saves time.
  
• Identify Trends: Observe patterns in the data. If both variables increase together, they are directly correlated; if one increases while the other decreases, they are inversely correlated. Pay attention to details, as missing a word can result in an incorrect answer.
  
• Use Scratch Paper Effectively: For complex calculations, carefully use scratch paper to avoid confusion. Keep your notes organized to prevent mistakes.
  
• Check Data Transfer Carefully: When transferring numbers from the table to your scratch paper, ensure accuracy. Even minor errors can cost points.
  
• Focus on Relevant Columns: Quickly identify which column contains the data needed to answer the question. This skill improves with practice.
  
• Approximate When Possible: For “Yes/No” or “True/False” questions, rounding numbers or using nearest integers can simplify calculations and save time.

By following these strategies and practicing with GMAT Integrated Reasoning sample papers, candidates can improve both speed and accuracy in Table Analysis questions.

Conclusion

Mastering GMAT Table Analysis is all about combining smart strategy with consistent practice. By learning how to quickly interpret tables, identify relevant data, and apply key quantitative concepts, you can significantly boost your performance in the Integrated Reasoning section. The techniques covered sorting effectively, recognizing trends, approximating when needed, and approaching each statement with precision will help you stay confident under time pressure.

Use sample questions, official practice tools, and targeted drills to refine your skills. With the right preparation, Table Analysis can shift from being a challenging task to one of your scoring strengths. 

FAQs

Question 1. How to Solve GMAT Table Analysis Questions effectively?

Answer. To solve GMAT Table Analysis questions efficiently, start by reading the question first, identify the relevant columns, and use the sorting feature to organize data. Approximate when possible, focus only on the information needed, and apply logical reasoning to evaluate each statement as Yes/No or True/False.

Question 2. What skills are tested in Table Analysis?

Answer. GMAT Table Analysis evaluates your ability to interpret data, calculate statistics (mean, median, mode, range), understand ratios and probabilities, identify correlations, and make logical deductions based on structured information.

Question 3. Are Table Analysis questions similar to Data Interpretation questions?

Answer. Yes, they are similar in the sense that both require analyzing structured data. However, Table Analysis is interactive—you must sort the table and use the interface strategically to extract relevant information.

Question 4. How much time should I spend on each Table Analysis question?

Answer. You should aim to spend no more than 2 to 3 minutes per prompt. Since all three statements must be correct to earn credit, efficient time management and smart approximation are crucial.

Question 5. Are GMAT Table Analysis questions difficult?

Answer. They can be challenging for beginners, but with consistent practice, clear strategies, and familiarity with the table-sorting interface, Table Analysis becomes highly manageable and even one of the most scoring sections of Integrated Reasoning.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha Aarya

Study Abroad Expert

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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