The GMAT Focus Edition replaced Integrated Reasoning with Data Insights. This complete guide covers all 5 question types, scoring, and the best prep resources.
The GMAT Focus Edition, launched in late 2023, replaced the old Integrated Reasoning section with a new section called Data Insights. This change reflects the growing importance of data literacy in business education and represents one of the most significant structural changes to the GMAT in decades.
The Data Insights section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. It draws on both quantitative and verbal reasoning skills, making it one of the most integrative sections on any standardized test. Understanding its structure and question types is essential for any student targeting a 700+ score on the GMAT Focus Edition.
The Five Data Insights Question Types
1. Data Sufficiency (DS) Data Sufficiency questions present a question followed by two statements. You must determine whether each statement alone, both together, or neither is sufficient to answer the question. DS questions do not require you to solve the problem, only to determine whether it can be solved. This distinction is critical and frequently misunderstood by first-time test-takers.
The five answer choices are always the same:
- (A) Statement 1 alone is sufficient
- (B) Statement 2 alone is sufficient
- (C) Both statements together are sufficient
- (D) Each statement alone is sufficient
- (E) Neither statement alone nor together is sufficient
Memorizing these choices and their order saves valuable time during the exam.
2. Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) MSR questions present 2-3 tabs of information (text, tables, charts) and ask 3 questions based on that information. These questions test your ability to synthesize information across multiple sources, identify what is relevant, and draw accurate inferences. The key skill is reading efficiently: scan all tabs before answering any questions to understand the full picture.
3. Table Analysis (TA) Table Analysis questions present a sortable data table and ask you to evaluate statements as true/false or yes/no. The table can be sorted by any column, and the correct sorting often reveals the answer quickly. Practice identifying which column to sort by before reading the statements.
4. Graphics Interpretation (GI) Graphics Interpretation questions present a graph or chart (bar chart, scatter plot, pie chart, line graph) and ask you to complete statements by selecting from a dropdown menu. These questions test your ability to read visual data accurately and make inferences. Common traps include misreading axes, confusing absolute values with percentages, and overlooking scale breaks.
5. Two-Part Analysis (TPA) Two-Part Analysis questions present a scenario and ask you to select two values from a table to satisfy two related conditions simultaneously. These are the most complex question type and often involve algebraic reasoning or logical deduction. The key strategy is to use one condition to eliminate rows, then check the remaining rows against the second condition.
How Data Insights Is Scored
The GMAT Focus Edition has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is scored on a scale of 60-90. The total GMAT Focus score ranges from 205 to 805.
Data Insights accounts for one-third of your total score, making it equally important as Quant and Verbal. Many students who focus exclusively on Quant and Verbal are surprised by how significantly Data Insights affects their final score.
A Data Insights score of 80+ is generally considered competitive for top MBA programs. The section is computer-adaptive, meaning harder questions are worth more to your score.
Time Management Strategy
With 20 questions in 45 minutes, you have 2 minutes and 15 seconds per question on average. However, question types vary significantly in time requirements:
| Question Type | Target Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Data Sufficiency | 1:30-2:00 | Fast once you know the format |
| Table Analysis | 2:00-2:30 | Sorting saves time |
| Graphics Interpretation | 1:30-2:00 | Read axes carefully |
| Multi-Source Reasoning | 2:30-3:00 per question | Read all tabs first |
| Two-Part Analysis | 2:30-3:30 | Most complex type |
Budget extra time for MSR and TPA questions. If you find yourself spending more than 3 minutes on a single question, make your best guess and move on. The GMAT Focus Edition penalizes unanswered questions more than incorrect answers.
The Most Common Data Insights Mistakes
Mistake 1: Treating Data Sufficiency like a math problem. DS questions test logical sufficiency, not calculation. Many students waste time solving when they only need to determine solvability.
Mistake 2: Ignoring one of the MSR tabs. Multi-Source Reasoning questions frequently require information from all tabs to answer correctly. Students who only read the most prominent tab miss critical context.
Mistake 3: Misreading chart scales. Graphics Interpretation questions often use non-zero baselines or logarithmic scales. Always check the axis labels before interpreting values.
Mistake 4: Assuming TPA answers are independent. Two-Part Analysis requires both conditions to be satisfied simultaneously. A value that satisfies condition 1 may not satisfy condition 2.
Mistake 5: Not practicing under timed conditions. Data Insights questions feel manageable in isolation but become stressful under time pressure. Regular timed practice is essential.
Best GMAT Prep Courses for Data Insights
| Course | Price (USD) | DI Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| [GMAT 700+ Study Plan](/reviews/target-test-prep-gmat) | $449 | Excellent | Structured learners |
| Manhattan Prep GMAT | $1,799 | Excellent | Live instruction |
| Kaplan GMAT | $1,599 | Strong | All-in-one prep |
| Magoosh GMAT Premium | $349 | Good | Budget-conscious |
| Princeton Review GMAT | $1,999 | Strong | Score guarantee |
Target Test Prep GMAT has rapidly built a reputation for the most thorough Data Insights coverage in the industry. Their chapter-by-chapter approach to each DI question type, combined with thousands of practice problems, makes it the top choice for students who want to master this section systematically.
Manhattan Prep GMAT offers the best live instruction for Data Insights, with instructors who scored in the 99th percentile and strategy guides that have been updated for the Focus Edition.
For students on a budget, Magoosh GMAT Premium at $349 USD offers solid Data Insights coverage with video explanations for every question type and a 70-point score guarantee.
A 4-Week Data Insights Study Plan
Week 1: Learn the Formats
- Study each of the 5 question types in isolation
- Complete 5-10 practice questions per type without time pressure
- Focus on understanding the logic of each format
Week 2: Build Speed
- Practice Data Sufficiency daily (highest frequency type)
- Work through MSR sets with all tabs, building reading efficiency
- Begin timing individual questions
Week 3: Integrated Practice
- Complete full 20-question timed Data Insights sections
- Review every mistake and categorize by question type
- Drill your two weakest question types
Week 4: Test Simulation
- Take 2-3 full GMAT Focus Edition practice tests
- Analyze Data Insights performance by question type
- Focus final review on highest-frequency error patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Data Insights harder than the old Integrated Reasoning section? A: The Data Insights section covers similar content to Integrated Reasoning but is now scored on the same scale as Quant and Verbal, making it more consequential. Most students find the question types comparable in difficulty.
Q: How much does Data Insights affect my total GMAT score? A: Data Insights accounts for one-third of your total GMAT Focus score (205-805 scale). A strong DI score can significantly offset a weaker Quant or Verbal performance.
Q: Can I skip Data Insights questions I don't know? A: You can skip questions, but unanswered questions are penalized more heavily than incorrect answers on the GMAT Focus Edition. It is always better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank.
Q: Which GMAT prep course covers Data Insights best? A: Target Test Prep GMAT and Manhattan Prep GMAT both offer excellent Data Insights coverage. TTP is better for self-paced learners; Manhattan Prep is better for those who want live instruction.
Q: How many Data Sufficiency questions appear in Data Insights? A: Approximately 6-8 of the 20 Data Insights questions are Data Sufficiency, making it the highest-frequency question type in the section.