GMAT Scratch Paper: What’s Allowed & How to Use It Effectively

The GMAT is not just a test of what you know.

It is a test of how efficiently you can apply your knowledge within strict time limits. Every second counts and how you organize your thoughts can make the difference between a high score and a frustrating experience.

One often overlooked but crucial element of this process is the GMAT scratch paper.

If you are preparing for the exam, you may already know that personal stationery is not allowed in the testing room. Instead, you are given a laminated, grid-lined scratch pad and a non-permanent wet-erase marker. While it may seem trivial, learning how to use this tool properly can significantly improve your performance.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the GMAT scratch paper, including what it looks like, how to use it effectively in each section and how to simulate the real test experience at home. It also explores how the GMAT Focus Edition and online testing formats are shaping the future of scratch paper usage.

What Is a GMAT Scratch Paper?

In GMAT test centers, candidates receive a laminated noteboard about the size of a legal pad. Each noteboard typically has five to six double-sided pages bound at the top, featuring faint yellow grid lines. It is accompanied by a non-permanent wet-erase marker, often similar in thickness to a standard Sharpie.

The purpose of the GMAT scratch paper is to give candidates a space to perform rough work, jot down formulas, or organize thoughts while answering questions. However, the laminated surface means that you cannot erase anything once written. You will have to request a new noteboard from the test administrator when you run out of space, which is why efficiency and organization are essential.

If you are sitting for the GMAT Online, things work a little differently. Instead of a laminated pad, you can use a physical whiteboard that meets GMAC’s size requirements (no larger than 12 by 20 inches) or you can opt for the digital whiteboard integrated into the testing software. Both options serve the same purpose but may feel different in use.

Can You Use Scratch Paper on the GMAT?

Yes, but not the regular kind. Traditional paper and pens are prohibited in both in-person and online GMAT exams. Instead, all candidates must use the authorized laminated noteboard and wet-erase marker or, for online tests, an approved whiteboard or digital tool.

The reason is test security.

Allowing traditional paper could make it possible for test-takers to remove written material from the testing center. The laminated noteboard eliminates this risk while giving candidates enough space to work comfortably.

That said, the format may feel awkward at first. The glossy surface, thicker marker and inability to erase make it different from what most students are used to. Practicing with a similar setup before your exam can make a huge difference in your test-day comfort and confidence.

How to Get a GMAT Test Simulation Booklet

If you want to simulate the real GMAT experience, consider using a GMAT test simulation booklet during your practice sessions. Companies like Manhattan Prep sell high-quality replicas on Amazon, complete with a marker and laminated pages that mimic the official scratch pad.

Alternatively, you can create your own version at home. Use a yellow grid legal pad and a fine-tip non-permanent marker. Although not identical, this setup will help you get used to the physical constraints of the scratch pad, including limited space and non-erasable ink.

You can also download the GMAT online whiteboard tool available at MBA.com to practice for the online exam format. Familiarity with both options will ensure that you can adapt quickly on test day, whether you are taking the exam at a test center or from home.

How to Use the GMAT Scratch Paper Effectively

Mastering your GMAT scratch paper technique is part of mastering the test itself. Here are some practical strategies to help you use it efficiently and confidently.

1. Divide the Scratch Paper into Sections

Before you begin any section, divide one or two pages into squares or rectangles that represent individual questions. Label them according to the number of problems in that section. This approach not only keeps your work organized but also helps you track your progress visually.

This technique is particularly useful in the Quantitative and Integrated Reasoning sections, where each question involves calculations or data comparisons. By assigning space for each question, you minimize clutter and make it easier to locate your previous work if you need to review it.

2. Note Only the Main Points

Resist the urge to write down everything.

The GMAT rewards concise thinking. Use the scratch pad to jot down only key figures, formulas or steps necessary to solve the question. For example, instead of rewriting a full word problem, note only the essential data and variables.

You can practice this at home by solving GMAT practice questions using a timer and your simulation booklet. This will train you to think critically about what deserves to be written down and what can stay in your head.

3. Manage Your Time Strategically

Time management is one of the most significant challenges in the GMAT. Use your scratch pad as a timekeeping tool. Write the start and end times for each section at the top of the page, then track your pacing question by question.

Kaplan recommends dividing your total time per section by the number of questions to determine how long you should spend on each. For example, if you have 62 minutes for 31 Quant questions, that’s two minutes per question. By noting this on your scratch pad, you can quickly see if you are falling behind or moving too fast.

You can also use short breaks between sections to prepare your next pages, drawing section divisions or time markers in advance. This small act can save you valuable seconds during the exam.

4. Practice Writing in a Smaller Font

Since space is limited, it helps to practice writing small and neatly. Large handwriting will make your notes hard to read and fill the page quickly. Experiment with both vertical and horizontal layouts to see which format feels most natural for your workflow.

Over time, you will develop a rhythm that balances speed with clarity. By test day, you should be able to maximize every square inch of the noteboard without sacrificing legibility.

5. Request a New Scratch Pad Between Sections

If you fill up your noteboard, do not hesitate to ask the proctor for a new one. It is better to request it between sections rather than during one. This prevents you from interrupting your concentration and ensures that you begin each section with a clean slate.

There is no restriction on how many noteboards you can use during the exam. However, most candidates rarely need more than two.

Scratch Paper Tips for Each GMAT Section

The GMAT has four sections and each one demands a slightly different approach to using your scratch pad.

Quantitative Section

This is where your scratch paper becomes your best friend. Since the GMAT does not allow an on-screen calculator for most questions, you will rely entirely on the scratch pad for calculations.

Write down all given information before performing calculations and use symbols to represent unknowns. When answering data sufficiency questions, use your pad to eliminate answer choices systematically. Mark incorrect options clearly to avoid confusion as you progress through the problem.

Verbal Section

Many test-takers underestimate the value of scratch paper in the verbal section. Use it to outline the main ideas, counterarguments, and supporting evidence in reading comprehension passages. For critical reasoning, jot down short notes for each answer choice, indicating why it is correct or incorrect.

For sentence correction, you can use the pad to list grammar rules or patterns that commonly appear in GMAT questions.

Integrated Reasoning Section

Integrated Reasoning requires you to process data from multiple sources. Divide your scratch pad page into small grids that correspond to the questions or data tables on the screen. This layout helps you avoid losing track of where each piece of information belongs.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

Even though it is a writing task, the scratch paper can still be useful. Use one page to outline your essay before typing it. Sketch your introduction, main points and examples. This structure helps maintain focus and ensures your essay flows logically from start to finish.

Comparing the Physical Scratch Pad and the Online Whiteboard

The rise of the GMAT Focus Edition and online testing options has introduced new ways to take the exam. However, the digital format also brings unique challenges.

According to TestCrackers, many students find that using an online whiteboard is slower than writing on physical scratch paper. Dragging, resizing or erasing text can interrupt your rhythm. For that reason, GMAC allows the use of a physical whiteboard in the online GMAT, provided it meets size and material guidelines.

The best approach is to practice with both formats so that you are comfortable whichever environment you face. Try using the digital whiteboard on MBA.com, and alternate between it and your physical pad during practice sessions. This versatility can give you an edge on exam day.

Simulation and Practice Techniques

A great way to prepare is to simulate actual GMAT conditions at home. Set up a quiet environment, use a scratch pad or whiteboard replica and time yourself strictly according to GMAT section limits.

You can enhance your preparation by using AnalystPrep’s GMAT mock exams and practice questions, which mirror real exam conditions. Combine these with your scratch paper simulation booklet to practice note-taking, time management and organization simultaneously.

Here are additional practice tips:

• Train yourself to switch pages quickly without losing your thought process.
• Recreate the pressure of timed sections to strengthen focus.
• Practice distinguishing between notes that are essential and those that can be skipped.

Doing this regularly will make the real test feel familiar and manageable.

Why Efficient Scratch Paper Use Matters

Efficient use of the GMAT noteboard can improve both accuracy and speed. It reduces cognitive overload by externalizing part of your thought process and allows you to visualize complex relationships between variables or ideas.

In an exam where every minute matters, being organized on paper translates into being organized in thought. This is why top performers often attribute part of their success to disciplined scratch paper habits.

Conclusion

The GMAT scratch paper may seem like a minor detail, but mastering it can make a measurable difference in your performance. Understanding how to divide pages, manage time and practice realistic simulations helps you gain confidence and control during the exam.

As GMAT testing evolves, particularly with the GMAT Focus Edition and online formats, adaptability will be key. The future of test preparation lies in simulating every aspect of the experience, including how you take notes, calculate problems and outline ideas.

That is why AnalystPrep continues to develop comprehensive GMAT study materials, including video lessons, study notes, mock exams, practice questions and performance tracking tools, to give you a real-world advantage. Combine these with your scratch paper simulations and you will not only master test content but also perfect the practical strategies that separate good scores from great ones.

Related Resources

• Best GMAT Prep Books and Study Materials
• GMAT Focus Edition Updates
• Time Management Tips for GMAT Success

Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT Prep Materials and Scratch Pad Practice

Q: What are the best GMAT study materials I should consider?
A: The best GMAT study materials combine official content with high quality practice and clear explanations. Start with the GMAT Official Guide for real past questions, then add an adaptive question bank, focused math review and realistic mock exams. Good study packs include lessons, practice questions with answer explanations, timed mocks, and a performance tracker so you can target weak areas. When choosing materials, look for up to date content, an adaptive engine that mimics the test and clear solutions that teach method not just answer.

Q: Which is the best GMAT study guide for structured prep?
A: The best GMAT study guide is one that gives a clear roadmap from diagnostic test to final review. It should outline a study schedule, explain core concepts in quant and verbal, include strategy sections for Integrated Reasoning and AWA and offer practice sets tied to each lesson. Guides that pair text explanations with video lessons and practice problems are especially effective for different learning styles.

Q: What GMAT test prep books should I own?
A: Essential GMAT test prep books include an official question guide, a quantitative review, a verbal review, an integrated reasoning guide, and at least one full practice test book. Books that focus on strategy for data sufficiency, critical reasoning, and sentence correction are valuable. For focused review, select a GMAT math prep book that drills core formulas and problem types.

Q: Are GMAT study books still useful in an era of online question banks?
A: Yes. GMAT study books give structured explanations and a stable reference when you need to review a topic deeply. Online question banks are better for adaptive practice and volume, while study books are better for concept building and slow study. Use both in combination for the best results.

Q: What are the best books for GMAT preparation if I am short on time?
A: If time is limited, prioritize the GMAT Official Guide for realistic practice, a compact quant review for high frequency math topics, and a concise verbal strategy book for sentence correction and critical reasoning. Pick materials that offer practice sets you can complete in timed blocks so you build pacing quickly.

Q: What GMAT preparation material covers the official format and question types?
A: The GMAT official guide and official practice exams from the makers of the GMAT are the primary GMAT preparation material that reflects real test difficulty and question wording. Complement those with reputable third party adaptive question banks, topic specific workbooks, and realistic mock exams to replicate test conditions.

Q: How do I choose the best GMAT prep materials for my learning style?
A: If you learn by doing, pick an adaptive question bank and many timed practice tests. If you learn by reading, choose comprehensive study guides and GMAT study books with detailed explanations. If you prefer visual learning, pick resources with video lessons and worked examples. Finally, use a materials mix so you get conceptual depth, drill practice, and timed simulation.

Q: What are the top GMAT focused resources for the GMAT Focus Edition and new formats?
A: GMAT focused resources should explicitly state that they cover the GMAT Focus Edition, with updated practice sets and strategy for any new question types. Look for providers that have updated their practice books and online banks to reflect the Focus Edition, and that offer targeted practice in the areas emphasized by the new format. Confirm that mock exams match the timing and sections of the Focus Edition.

Q: Which are the best GMAT test prep books for intensive math review?
A: For intensive math review, choose a book or module specifically titled GMAT math prep or quantitative review. The best ones cover algebra, arithmetic, geometry, ratios, probability, combinatorics, and number properties with many worked examples and timed practice. Books that include strategy for estimation and mental math can also speed you up on exam day.

Q: Are there recommended GMAT practice books that focus on problem solving and timing?
A: Yes. Look for GMAT practice books that include timed sets, mixed question drills, and sections labeled by difficulty. The most useful practice books force you to work under timing constraints and include detailed explanations so you learn from mistakes rather than repeat them.

Q: How should I use a scratch pad GMAT simulation in my prep?
A: Buy or create a scratch pad GMAT simulation that mimics the laminated grid noteboard you will use on test day. Practice full timed sections with that pad to learn how to divide pages, write small and legibly, and pace yourself. Simulate interruptions and practice requesting a replacement pad between sections so there are no surprises on test day.

Q: What is the best way to practice with scratch paper for GMAT exam format differences?
A: For test center practice, use a laminated grid pad or a thick glossy notepad and a wet-erase type marker to simulate the feel. For online GMAT practice, use the digital whiteboard tool on MBA.com and also practice with a small physical whiteboard if you plan to use one during an online test. Practice both formats until switching between them feels seamless.

Q: How can GMAT grid paper or scratch pad layouts improve my accuracy?
A: Using GMAT grid paper helps you keep calculations aligned, which reduces sign errors and messy algebra. When you divide the page into grids, you assign a clean area to each question so you do not overwrite previous work. This structure improves speed, reduces confusion, and helps if you need to recheck a computation.

Q: Is the GMAT official guide absolutely necessary?
A: The GMAT official guide is highly recommended because it contains retired official questions and gives the most accurate sense of real GMAT wording and difficulty. It should be central to your study plan and combined with adaptive practice and focused review for maximum benefit.

Q: Can combining books, online material, and a scratch pad simulation speed up progress?
A: Absolutely. Books provide the conceptual foundation, online banks provide adaptive volume and realistic practice, and a scratch pad GMAT simulation trains the physical and logistical skills needed on test day. This three pronged approach is efficient and mirrors how top scorers typically prepare.

Q: Where should I start if I want a complete list of the best GMAT prep materials?
A: Begin with the GMAT official guide, then add an adaptive question bank, a GMAT math prep book, a focused verbal strategy book, and at least two full length mock tests. Use a scratch pad GMAT simulation in every timed session so your practice mirrors the real exam.

Q: How often should I update my study materials to match GMAT changes?
A: Update your materials whenever GMAT format changes are announced, for example with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition. Make sure your primary question banks and mock tests reflect the current exam. Providers that label content as GMAT focus study material or explicitly updated for the GMAT Focus Edition are preferable for the most current practice.

Q: Any final practical tip about combining resources and scratch paper practice?
A: Create a study schedule that blends lessons from a best GMAT study guide with daily practice from GMAT practice books and an adaptive question bank. Simulate exam conditions frequently using a scratch pad GMAT simulation or the GMAT digital whiteboard so timing, layout, and notation become automatic. Tracking your performance after each session will tell you which books and resources are producing real improvement.