The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section can feel intimidating—especially the Quantitative Comparison questions. These questions don’t just test your math skills; they assess your ability to quickly compare quantities and reason logically under time pressure. The good news? With the right strategies and plenty of practice, you can turn this challenge into a scoring opportunity.
In this post, we’ll break down the format of GRE Quantitative Comparison questions, walk through proven strategies to master them, and share expert-approved tips to elevate your practice sessions.
What Are GRE Quantitative Comparison Questions?
Each Quantitative Comparison (QC) question presents two quantities: Quantity A and Quantity B. Your task is to determine the relationship between them and choose one of the following answer choices:
- A: Quantity A is greater.
- B: Quantity B is greater.
- C: The two quantities are equal.
- D: The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
This section evaluates your skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. But more than anything, it measures how well you can reason quickly and accurately.
Top Strategies to Tackle Quantitative Comparison Questions
1. Focus on the Relationship—Not the Exact Values
Don’t get bogged down in calculations. Your goal is to compare, not solve. Ask yourself: “Is one quantity always greater? Could they be equal? Does the answer change depending on the values?” That’s the key to choosing the right option—especially D.
2. Use Estimation to Eliminate Wrong Answers
Estimation is your best friend on test day. It helps you get a sense of scale without wasting precious time. If Quantity A is approximately 100 and Quantity B is around 1,000, there’s no need to do the math—go with B and move on!
3. Plug in Smart Numbers
As explained in this Magoosh GRE guide, plugging in numbers can help clarify abstract relationships. Use small, simple values like 0, 1, or 2—unless the question restricts them. Don’t forget to test edge cases (like negative numbers or fractions) to see if the relationship holds under different conditions.
4. Watch for Keywords That Signal Uncertainty
GRE QC questions often contain clues in the wording. Words like always, never, and must indicate a definitive relationship, while terms like may, could, or sometimes suggest variability—hinting that the answer might be D.
How to Practice Effectively
1. Start with Official GRE Practice Materials
The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the makers of the GRE, offer free official practice tests and sample questions. These should be your starting point—they best represent the difficulty and style of real exam questions.
2. Supplement with Free Online Tools
Sites like Khan Academy’s GRE section and Magoosh offer high-quality, categorized practice problems. Use them to build confidence and tackle specific weak areas at your own pace.
3. Practice Under Real-Time Constraints
Timing is everything. You’ll need to average about 1.5 minutes per question on the real test. When practicing, simulate real exam conditions: limit distractions, use a timer, and take breaks as you would during the actual GRE. This not only builds speed, but also stamina.
4. Learn from Your Mistakes
Don’t just mark answers—analyze them. For every question you miss (or guess correctly), review why the right answer works and what led you astray. This reflective practice is crucial to avoid repeating the same errors.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Comes from Practice
The GRE Quantitative Comparison section might seem tricky at first, but it’s a skill you can sharpen. Focus on building a toolbox of strategies—estimation, plugging in numbers, reading closely—and reinforce those skills with deliberate, consistent practice.
With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll not only improve your performance—you’ll walk into test day knowing you can handle anything the Quant section throws at you.
Ready to level up your quant prep? Check out our full-length GRE practice test at GRE Insider, designed to mirror the real exam format and help you track your progress.