20 questions, 45 minutes, on-screen calculator allowed. Data Insights rewards reading tables, graphs, and multi-source prompts accurately under time pressure.
Data Insights blends light quant with reading comprehension — the challenge is extracting the right numbers from a busy table or graphic before you ever start calculating.
Deciding whether given statements are enough to answer a question — without ever solving it fully.
Sortable tables, scatter plots, and charts — reading precise values out of a dense visual under time pressure.
Cross-referencing 2–3 tabbed sources — emails, tables, articles — to answer questions that span all of them.
The section blends three recognizable formats. Learn to spot which one you're looking at, and the right approach gets automatic.
The GMAT Data Insights section measures your ability to analyze, interpret, and combine information from multiple sources. Questions may involve numerical data, tables, graphs, written passages, or a combination of these formats. The section tests data literacy, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and your ability to make decisions using incomplete or complex information.
The GMAT Data Insights section contains 20 questions. You have 45 minutes to complete the section, which gives you an average of 2 minutes and 15 seconds per question. However, some question formats take longer than others, so effective pacing requires managing your time across the entire section rather than spending exactly the same amount of time on every question.
The GMAT Data Insights section includes five question types:
Data Sufficiency
Multi-Source Reasoning
Table Analysis
Graphics Interpretation
Two-Part Analysis
Each format requires a different approach. Some questions focus primarily on quantitative reasoning, while others combine reading comprehension, logic, and data interpretation.
Yes. An on-screen calculator is available throughout the Data Insights section. However, the calculator is most useful for checking calculations, percentages, ratios, and multi-step arithmetic. It cannot determine which information is relevant or which calculation you need to perform, so estimation and data interpretation skills remain essential.
No. Data Insights is part of the current GMAT exam and is not simply a renamed version of the former Integrated Reasoning section. Although both sections assess the ability to interpret information, Data Insights has a broader role in the current exam and includes Data Sufficiency questions alongside Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.
Data Sufficiency questions test whether you can determine if the information provided is sufficient to answer a question. You usually do not need to calculate the final answer. Instead, you must evaluate two statements separately and together while avoiding assumptions that are not supported by the question.
Multi-Source Reasoning questions present information across multiple tabs or sources, such as emails, reports, tables, charts, or short passages. You must identify which sources are relevant, compare information, resolve apparent contradictions, and draw conclusions without becoming distracted by unnecessary details.
Table Analysis questions present a sortable table followed by several statements or conditions. You may need to sort the data, compare categories, calculate percentages, identify trends, or determine whether individual statements are true or false. Careful attention to units, labels, and column definitions is especially important.
Graphics Interpretation questions require you to read information from charts, graphs, diagrams, or other visual displays. You may need to identify a trend, estimate a value, compare data points, calculate a rate, or complete a statement using the information shown. Common traps include misreading the scale, ignoring units, or confusing absolute and percentage changes.
Two-Part Analysis questions ask you to select two connected answers from a table of options. The problem may involve equations, ratios, logical relationships, verbal reasoning, sets, probability, or business scenarios. Both selections must work together and satisfy the conditions of the question.
Data Insights can be challenging because it combines several skills within a strict time limit. A single question may require you to understand a written prompt, locate relevant data, choose an efficient method, and perform a calculation. Students often struggle more with information overload, pacing, and careless interpretation than with advanced mathematics.
The current GMAT consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. All three sections contribute equally to your total GMAT score.
Data Insights is one of the three equally weighted sections of the current GMAT exam, alongside Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. A weak Data Insights result can therefore significantly limit your total score, even when your Quantitative and Verbal performance is strong.
Data Insights uses many of the same fundamental concepts found elsewhere on the GMAT, including arithmetic, ratios, percentages, averages, rates, statistics, probability, algebra, and word problems. The main challenge is applying these concepts to tables, graphs, written sources, and unfamiliar business-style scenarios.
Start by reading the question carefully so you know what information you need before analyzing every table, graph, or source. Avoid performing calculations that the question does not require. If a problem is consuming too much time, make your best decision, mark it for review, and protect enough time to reach the final questions.
A useful pacing checkpoint is to aim for approximately seven completed questions every 15 minutes.
Examero provides structured Data Insights lessons covering tables, graphs, units, Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Two-Part Analysis, conditional reasoning, and data organization. You can create targeted practice sessions, complete timed mock exams, review your answers, and use performance analytics to identify recurring mistakes and weaker question types.