The Best GMAT Test Prep Books

Many MBA programs require or prefer that applicants submit a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score as part of the admissions process. Earning a high GMAT score can increase your chances of getting admission to the best MBA programs.

Using GMAT test prep books can help you answer questions more quickly, develop strategies for increasing your scores, and get an idea of the types of questions likely to appear on the test.

Each year, 200,000 people take the GMAT. Many of these candidates take GMAT prep courses and need GMAT prep books, creating a large market for these publications.

There are many GMAT test prep books to choose from, and finding the right one can seem overwhelming. Use this guide to find some of the best GMAT test prep books.

What is in a GMAT Prep Book?

GMAT test prep books give students an idea of exam format, content, and structure. They provide an explanation of the verbal and quantitative reasoning skills that students must use to answer questions. GMAT prep books often include practice tests and practice questions from past GMAT exams.

Books may cover just one section or all sections (quantitative, verbal, and writing) of the test. Find out which sections a book covers before purchasing it.

You do not need to be a business student to understand the content of a GMAT prep book. The GMAT does not assess business skills. Instead, it tests critical thinking, quantitative and verbal reasoning, and analytical writing ability.

The top GMAT test prep books advise the best study strategies and time-saving tips. Students who study using a GMAT test prep book gain familiarity with the test and practice using the skills they will be tested on.

To determine if a GMAT test prep book is reputable, research the publisher/author. Established test prep companies may offer good resources written by people with GMAT expertise.

You cannot go wrong choosing a book written by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which owns and administers the GMAT.

Featured GMAT Test Prep Books

Explore some of the best GMAT test prep books that can help you raise your exam score and get into a top business school.

The following list includes GMAT test prep books (listed alphabetically) that we believe could benefit students preparing for the GMAT. We analyzed features like pricing, content, and instructional delivery options.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute professional financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should contact a professional advisor before making decisions about financial issues.

GMAT Advanced Quant

• Cost: $24.99 (list price)
• Content: This book from Manhattan Prep focuses on the quantitative section of the GMAT. It includes more than 250 practice questions and access to online resources. Students get experience solving some of the GMAT's hardest math problems. The online resource includes a full-length adaptive practice test, time-management strategies, and video lessons.
• Online or book form: Online or book form
• Get It: Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks

GMAT Foundations of Math

• Cost: $29.99 (list price)
• Content: Manhattan Prep's GMAT Foundations of Math includes more than 900 practice problems and focuses on preparation for the quantitative exam section. Designed for students who need a refresher on basic math concepts, this book provides strategies for solving problems quickly and thinking logically.
• Online or book form: Online or book form
• Get It: Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks

GMAT Official Advanced Questions

• Cost: $29.95 (list price)
• Content: Written by the Graduate Management Admission Council, which owns and administers the GMAT, the GMAT Official Advanced Questions book contains 300 difficult quantitative and verbal GMAT questions from previous exams. Answers include explanations from subject matter experts. Readers also get access to an online question bank and mobile app.
• Online or book form: Online or bBook form with an online question bank
• Get It: Amazon, Bookshop.org, MBA.com

GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle: Books + Online Question Bank

• Cost: $81.95 (list price)
• Content: The Graduate Management Admissions Council created this official GMAT study prep book. This bundle includes three prep books: the GMAT Official Guide 2022, GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review 2022, and GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review 2022. It also includes online question banks, adding up to more than 1,900 practice questions from past GMAT tests. The books include answer explanations that can help students improve their scores.
• Online or book form: Online or bBook form with online practice questions and prep tools
• Get It: Amazon, Better World Books, Target, mba.com

GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review 2022

• Cost: $20.95 (list price)
• Content: An official publication from the Graduate Management Admission Council, the GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review 2022 focuses on the verbal section of the test. This resource includes more than 340 verbal practice questions from past GMAT exams. The book includes a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Students also get access to online prep tools and a mobile app.
• Online or book form: Online or book form
• Get It: Amazon, MBA.com, Bookshop.org

Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2022–2023

• Cost: $49.99 (list price)
• Content: This comprehensive GMAT test prep book from Kaplan promises students a higher test score after studying with it, or their money back. It includes access to six full-length computer-adaptive practice tests, 1,200 practice questions, drills for every math topic, and concept checks. Kaplan has helped students prepare for standardized tests for more than 80 years.
• Online or book form: Book form or Kindle. Also includes online Kaplan test prep.
• Get It: Amazon, Walmart, Target

Manhattan Prep's All the GMAT

• Cost: $239.99 (list price)
• Content: Manhattan Prep's All the GMAT includes three books, six full-length online practice tests, an online study syllabus, and two bonus e-books. It covers all sections of the GMAT. Students learn strategies to get higher scores, time-management skills, and what type of content to expect. Writers who scored in the 99th percentile on the GMAT created the practice problems and lessons for the book.
• Online or book form: Book form and online practice tests
• Get It: Amazon, Biblio.com, Bookshop.org

Mometrix's GMAT Prep Book 2022-2023

• Cost: $29.99 (list price)
• Content: Mometrix's GMAT test prep book covers all parts of the exam. It includes practice questions with detailed answer explanations, a review of all test sections, and video tutorials. Students learn the vocabulary, concepts, and procedures to succeed on the exam. Book sections include analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal.
• Online or book form: Online or book form with online tools and practice test questions
• Get It: Amazon, Target, Mometrix Test Preparation

Princeton Review GMAT Premium Prep, 2023

• Cost: $35.99 (list price)
• Content: Princeton Review's GMAT prep book includes six computer-adaptive practice tests online, two diagnostic tests, and topic reviews. Students also get access to additional online tools. Readers can choose from two-week, four-week, and six-week study plans. Premium online offerings include examples of winning business school essays and a business school insider section on financial aid and admissions.
• Online or book form: Online or book form with online tools and practice tests
• Get It: Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks

The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible 2022

• Cost: $34.99 (list price)
• Content: The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible 2022 teaches readers to analyze GMAT argumentation, eliminate incorrect answers, and decipher GMAT question types. Students can also use strategies from the book to answer reading comprehension questions. The book includes access to a website with additional resources like frequently asked questions and study plans.
• Online or book form: Online or book form
• Get It: Amazon, ThriftBooks, AbeBooks

Paying for GMAT Test Prep Books

Some GMAT test preparation books can be expensive. If paying for test prep books is a struggle for you, consider looking for discounted used books online and at bookstores. Some libraries and schools offer copies that students can rent, download, or photocopy at no charge.

Other places to look for access to GMAT test prep books include professional business organizations and student groups for business majors.

For help paying for the test itself, have your school look into the GMAT Fee Waiver Program.

Common Questions About GMAT Test Prep Books

Are the official GMAT books enough?

Yes, the official GMAT test prep books can be enough to prepare you to score well on the exam. The Graduate Management Admission Council publishes many different GMAT guides and test preparation materials that focus on specific parts of the exam.

Can I pass the GMAT without studying?

Some people can pass the GMAT without studying, but in order to get the best score possible, you should study for it. People who study more for the GMAT often get higher scores.

How many hours should I spend studying for the GMAT?

The amount of time spent studying for the GMAT varies by person, and only you can decide what seems appropriate for your situation. Most candidates spend 45-90 hours total studying for the GMAT.

Do not wait until the last minute to start. Students granted admission to business school spend 3-6 months preparing for the GMAT.

What are the best GMAT prep materials?

The best GMAT prep materials include practice questions and full-length practice tests. They include detailed explanations for answers and cover all sections of the exam.

Reviewed by:

Stephanie DeBord, MA

Stephanie DeBord is an academic advisor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has spent the past seven years at MSU Denver advising in various capacities. In her current role, she serves undeclared/exploratory students and helps them navigate the college experience, explore program options, and map out their degree plans.

Stephanie has a bachelor's degree in sport management and a master's degree in higher education and student affairs. Her background and expertise include hospitality, sports management, academic advising, the high school-to-college transition, student affairs, and higher education. You can learn more or connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.

Stephanie is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Page last reviewed August 6, 2022

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