The current GRE General Test is 1 hour 58 minutes long (just under 2 hours) for the standard computer-based version.

Quick Scoop

  • Total test time: about 1 hour 58 minutes from start to finish.
  • Number of sections: 5 sections – 1 Analytical Writing, 2 Verbal Reasoning, 2 Quantitative Reasoning.
  • No scheduled break: the redesigned format does not include a built‑in break.
  • Question count (typical): around 55 questions across Verbal and Quant sections combined, plus 1 writing task.

Here’s the section‑by‑section timing in a compact view:

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Section</th>
      <th>What you do</th>
      <th>Time</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Analytical Writing</td>
      <td>1 “Analyze an Issue” essay</td>
      <td>30 minutes [web:1][web:3][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Verbal Reasoning 1</td>
      <td>Reading comp, vocab-in-context, text completion</td>
      <td>18 minutes [web:1][web:3][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Verbal Reasoning 2</td>
      <td>Similar mix of verbal questions</td>
      <td>23 minutes [web:1][web:3][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Quantitative Reasoning 1</td>
      <td>Math, data analysis, problem solving</td>
      <td>21 minutes [web:1][web:3][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Quantitative Reasoning 2</td>
      <td>More math and data interpretation</td>
      <td>26 minutes [web:1][web:3][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Total</strong></td>
      <td>All sections combined</td>
      <td><strong>1 hour 58 minutes</strong> [web:1][web:3][web:5][web:7][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

A few extra notes

  • The GRE used to be about 3 hours 45 minutes , but was shortened in late 2023.
  • There is also a paper version in some regions that is roughly similar in length (often slightly shorter), mainly for places without computer testing.
  • Even though the test itself is under 2 hours, plan extra time for check‑in, ID verification, and instructions at the test center.

TL;DR: If you’re scheduling your day, block off about 3 hours total for arrival, check‑in, and the 1 hour 58 minute GRE itself.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.