GRE Table Questions Practice Questions with Answers

Concept Explanation

GRE Table Questions are a specific type of Data Interpretation problem that require you to analyze, compare, and perform calculations based on information organized into rows and columns. These questions test your ability to extract relevant data points quickly and apply mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, averages, and rates. The GRE, administered by ETS, often includes tables to present complex datasets that you must interpret under time pressure. Success on these problems depends on your ability to ignore "distractor" data and focus only on the specific rows or columns required by the prompt. You can enhance your quantitative reasoning skills by visiting the GRE Prep hub for a comprehensive overview of the exam structure. Additionally, using tools like an AI Question Generator can provide the varied practice necessary to master these data-heavy formats.

Solved Examples

Consider the following table for the examples below:

City	Population (2010)	Population (2020)	Area (sq miles)
City A	120,000	150,000	50
City B	80,000	100,000	40
City C	200,000	190,000	100

Example 1: Percent Increase
What was the percent increase in the population of City A from 2010 to 2020?

1. Identify the initial value (2010) and final value (2020) for City A: 120,000 and 150,000.
2. Apply the percent change formula: $$\text{Percent Change} = \frac{ \text{New} - \text{Old}}{ \text{Old}} \times 100$$
3. Calculate the difference: $150,000 - 120,000 = 30,000$.
4. Divide by the original: $\frac{30,000}{120,000} = 0.25$.
5. Multiply by 100 to get 25%.

Example 2: Population Density
Which city had the highest population density (people per square mile) in 2020?

1. Calculate density for City A: $\frac{150,000}{50} = 3,000$.
2. Calculate density for City B: $\frac{100,000}{40} = 2,500$.
3. Calculate density for City C: $\frac{190,000}{100} = 1,900$.
4. Compare the results: City A has the highest density at 3,000 people/sq mile.

Example 3: Weighted Average
What was the average population of the three cities combined in 2010?

1. Sum the populations for 2010: $120,000 + 80,000 + 200,000 = 400,000$.
2. Identify the number of cities: 3.
3. Divide the total by the count: $\frac{400,000}{3} \approx 133,333.33$.

Practice Questions

Use the data in the following table for questions 1–8. The table shows the annual revenue (in thousands of dollars) and the number of employees for four regional branches of a tech company.

Branch	Revenue 2021	Revenue 2022	Employees
North	$800	$920	20
South	$1,200	$1,140	30
East	$600	$750	15
West	$1,500	$1,800	40

1. Which branch had the highest percent increase in revenue from 2021 to 2022?

2. What was the total revenue for all four branches combined in 2022?

3. In 2022, which branch generated the highest revenue per employee?

4. The East branch plans to increase its 2022 revenue by 20% in 2023. What is the projected 2023 revenue for the East branch?

5. What is the ratio of the number of employees in the South branch to the number of employees in the West branch?

6. If the West branch had 10 fewer employees in 2022 but the same revenue, what would its revenue per employee have been?

7. Which branch experienced a decrease in revenue from 2021 to 2022?

8. What is the average (arithmetic mean) revenue per branch in 2021?

Answers & Explanations

1. East Branch: Calculate percent increase for each: North (15%), South (-5%), East (25%), West (20%). The East branch had the highest at 25% ($\frac{150}{600}$).
2. $4,610: Sum of 2022 revenues: $920 + 1,140 + 750 + 1,800 = 4,610$. Remember the table is in thousands, so this is $4,610,000.
3. East Branch: Revenue per employee in 2022: North ($46), South ($38), East ($50), West ($45). East is highest.
4. $900: $750 \times 1.20 = 900$. In thousands, this is $900,000.
5. 3:4: South (30) to West (40) is $30/40$, which simplifies to 3:4.
6. $60: If West had 30 employees (40 - 10), then $1,800 / 30 = 60$.
7. South Branch: The South branch revenue dropped from $1,200 to $1,140.
8. $1,025: Sum of 2021 revenues: $800 + 1,200 + 600 + 1,500 = 4,100$. Average: $4,100 / 4 = 1,025$.

1. If a table shows a city's population grew from 50,000 to 65,000, what is the percent increase?

• A15%
• B20%
• C30%
• D25%

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I handle tables with too much information?

Read the question first to identify which specific columns or rows are required for the calculation. Ignore all other data points to avoid confusion and save time during the exam.

Are calculators allowed for GRE table questions?

Yes, the GRE provides an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section. Use it for complex arithmetic, but try to use mental estimation for simple comparisons to work faster.

What is the most common trap in GRE data interpretation?

The most common trap is misreading the units, such as ignoring that a table is in "thousands" or "millions." Always check the table title and legend for unit specifications before performing calculations.

How should I approach "Select All That Apply" table questions?

Treat each option as a separate True/False statement. Test every choice against the table data individually, as there may be one, two, or all correct answers.

Can I use the AI MasterPlan to help with my GRE study schedule?

Yes, utilizing a tool like the AI MasterPlan allows you to create a personalized study schedule that balances table practice with other Quantitative and Verbal topics efficiently.