The GMAT Focus Edition, launched in 2023, came with major changes, and one of the most game-changing updates was the introduction of the Data Insights (DI) section. This new section blends elements of the old Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Data Sufficiency questions, and it’s designed to test a skill every future business leader needs: the ability to break down, interpret, and draw conclusions from complex data.
What makes this section even more important is that it now contributes equally to your total score, right alongside the Quant and Verbal sections. That means Data Insights isn’t optional—it’s essential. One of the core question types that show up regularly in this section is Table Analysis—an area that tests how you evaluate and filter data in structured tabular formats, just like what you'd encounter in real-life business scenarios.
Table Analysis: What It Is and Why It Matters
Table Analysis questions are all about reading a spreadsheet-style table and deciding which statements about the data are true, false, or indeterminable based on the information provided.
Think of Table Analysis as the GMAT’s way of saying: “Can you look at a financial report, a performance chart, or a customer dataset and spot what’s really going on?” Because that’s exactly what business school—and your future career—will expect from you.
Structure of Table Analysis Questions
Each Table Analysis question includes:
- A sortable table with multiple columns and rows (much like Excel).
- A short paragraph providing context about what the data represents.
Three statements, each of which you must evaluate independently.
For each statement, you choose one of:
- Yes
- No
Cannot be determined from the information given
There are no partial points—you need to evaluate all three statements correctly to get credit.
Structure of Table Analysis
Table: Quarterly Sales Performance by Region
| Region | Q1 Sales | Q2 Sales | Q3 Sales | Q4 Sales | Total Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | $1.2M | $1.5M | $1.3M | $1.6M | 400 |
| South | $1.1M | $1.3M | $1.2M | $1.4M | 350 |
| East | $0.9M | $1.0M | $1.1M | $1.3M | 300 |
| West | $1.4M | $1.6M | $1.5M | $1.8M | 450 |
Statement 1: The West region experienced the highest percentage growth in sales between Q1 and Q4.
Answer: Yes (You’d calculate the growth rates for each region).
Statement 2: The East region had the lowest number of total customers and total sales.
Answer: Yes (Check both sales and customer count).
Statement 3: The North region had higher total sales than the South in at least two quarters.
Answer: Cannot be determined (You need actual totals to compare across quarters).
Key Skills Table Analysis Tests
- Filtering and Sorting Data: Sort the table by different columns to identify trends or isolate specific rows that meet given criteria.
- Understanding Metrics and Units: Know exactly what each column and row represents, and how values relate to each other.
- Logical Reasoning with Data: Determine whether the data fully supports a conclusion or if it's just a tempting assumption.
- Comparative Analysis: Evaluate differences across groups, time periods, or categories using precise data.
Types of Tables You Might Encounter
| Table Type | Description | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Time Series Data | Tracks data across different periods | Trends and changes over time |
| Category-Based Tables | Compares metrics across different groups (e.g., regions, products) | Differences and rankings |
| Percent/Ratio Tables | Uses fractions, percentages, and ratios | Proportional analysis |
| Multi-Metric Tables | Displays multiple metrics for each entity | Identifying patterns, correlations |
You’ll often see a combination of these, and that’s what makes Table Analysis tricky—you have to know which metric matters most for each statement.
Sample Question with Answers
Question 1:
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Question 2:
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Question 3:
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Question 4:
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Question 5:
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Avoiding Common Mistakes in Table Analysis
❌ Ignoring the Sort Function: You’ll waste time and miss patterns if you don’t sort.
❌ Relying on Assumptions: If it’s not in the table, don’t guess. Stick to the data.
❌ Rushing Through Statements: Read each one slowly and carefully—especially ones with comparative language like more than, at least, only if.
❌ Skipping the Context Text: It often defines terms or clarifies how metrics are measured.
Why Table Analysis Is Relevant Beyond the GMAT
Just like Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis mirrors the real world. Whether you’re evaluating a company’s quarterly earnings, comparing KPIs, or just sorting through customer feedback—this is a skill that defines sharp decision-makers.
MBA programs are placing increasing emphasis on data literacy, and this GMAT section is a direct reflection of that shift. So, by mastering Table Analysis, you’re not just boosting your GMAT score—you’re training your mind to think like a future business analyst, consultant, or CEO.