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One of the most important tools at your disposal on GMAT exam day is the GMAT scratch pad you’ll use for notes and calculations. So, what exactly is the GMAT scratch pad, and how do you make it work for you on test day?
Quick Answer
On the GMAT, you won’t be allowed to bring your own scratch paper. Instead, you’ll use a provided GMAT scratch pad, a laminated spiral notebook with 5 sheets, and a fine-tip wet-erase marker. It’s designed for note-taking, calculations, and diagrams during the exam. While it takes some practice to get used to, mastering the scratch pad can improve your efficiency and accuracy. Keep reading to learn exactly what it looks like, how to use it effectively, and strategies to practice before test day.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- What Is the GMAT Scratch Pad?
- Rules for Using the GMAT Scratch Pad
- What Do Online Test-Takers Use for Notes?
- Why the GMAT Uses a Scratch Pad Instead of Paper
- Practicing with the GMAT Scratch Pad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
First, let’s define exactly what a GMAT scratchpad is and what it’s used for.
What Is the GMAT Scratch Pad?
The GMAT scratch pad is the official note-taking tool for all in-person test-takers. Remember, during the exam, you can use the on-screen calculator only for the Data Insights section. Therefore, you will need to write your calculations and notes for other sections by hand on a form of scratch paper. GMAT rules do not allow personal pen and paper to be brought into the testing room. For that reason, a GMAT laminated notebook is given to you at the test center on the day of the exam. You can write on it to make calculations, take notes, and jot down anything you like as you take the GMAT exam.
The GMAT noteboard consists of 5 laminated pages, front and back. To be specific, the pages look like legal-sized yellow graph paper and are spiral-bound at the top. In addition, test-takers are given a fine-tip wet-erase marker.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT scratch pad consists of 5 laminated pages that are spiral-bound at the top.
Below is a table containing the answers to GMAT scratch pad FAQs at a glance:
GMAT Scratch Pad Key Facts
| Feature | Details | Why It Matters/Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Format | Noteboard booklet (5 laminated, legal-sized pages, front and back) | Pre-plan how to organize your notes efficiently on paper this size |
| Marker/Pen | Fine-tip wet-erase, provided by the testing center | Practice writing small and legibly |
| Replacement Policy | Raise your hand to swap for a new one if necessary | Unlimited replacement; ask for new pads between sections if possible |
| Restrictions | No personal paper/pens allowed | Ensures standard materials and testing integrity |
| GMAT Online | Digital whiteboard or physical whiteboard no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches | Decide beforehand which option works best for you; purchase physical whiteboard well ahead of time |
Next, let’s go over the rules for the GMAT scratch pad in detail.
Rules for Using the GMAT Scratch Pad
Here are a few things to note about using the GMAT scratch pad:
- The scratch pad is not erasable. Although GMAT scratch pad pages are laminated, the scratch pad is not erasable.
- You can ask for a replacement if you fill up your scratch pad. If you completely fill your GMAT scratch pad, you can ask for a replacement from the test administrator. Simply raise your hand and make the request. If possible, it is best to do this between sections.
- Scratch pads must stay in the testing room. You are not allowed to remove the noteboards from the testing room, and you must return them to the test administrator after the test.
Aside from using the provided marker, there are no official GMAT marker rules. However, some test-takers report that the marker can dry up quickly, so keep the cap on when not in use.
KEY FACT:
If you run out of space on your GMAT scratch pad, you can ask for a replacement from the test administrator.
What Do Online Test-Takers Use for Notes?
If you’re taking the GMAT online, you will have the option of using a physical whiteboard or an on-screen digital one. Read on for specific details about each.
Physical Whiteboard
If you’re taking the GMAT online, you may use a whiteboard instead of a GMAT scratch pad. The whiteboard must match the required specs. Specifically, the whiteboard must be no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches. To write, you may use 4 dry-erase markers. For erasing, use a single whiteboard eraser — no tissues or any other item.
Be sure to purchase your whiteboard well in advance of your GMAT test date so you can practice using it. In fact, if you’re a lefty, you’ll want to practice writing without smudging ink as your hand moves across the whiteboard.
At 3 points during the exam, you will have to show your completely erased/blank whiteboard to the camera: before the exam, before the break, and before the exam ends.
KEY FACT:
Online test-takers can use a physical whiteboard of 12 inches x 20 inches during the exam.
Digital Whiteboard
If you choose to forgo the physical whiteboard, there is an on-screen digital one available for online test-takers. The benefit of the digital whiteboard is that you won’t ever run out of space. In other words, you can write endless notes without needing a replacement. However, many online test-takers find that for the GMAT, pen and paper note-taking, or rather, note-taking on a physical whiteboard, is more intuitive than using the digital whiteboard.
TTP PRO TIP:
Although the digital whiteboard offers unlimited space, using a physical pen might be more intuitive.
Why the GMAT Uses a Scratch Pad Instead of Paper
The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) is very particular about what is allowed into the testing room. Everyone uses the same issued materials — no personal pen and paper — so test conditions are uniform across centers.
Practicing with the GMAT Scratch Pad
Understanding how to use the GMAT scratch pad efficiently is part of a good testing strategy. As with anything, the key to mastery (and avoiding unpleasant surprises) is practice, practice, practice! Regular GMAT scratch pad practice helps you adjust to the feel of the laminated surface, the limited space, and the wet-erase marker. In a fast-moving exam such as the GMAT, you can’t be too prepared. Why not prepare for every variable?
During your prep and/or practice tests, use a scratch pad similar to the one that will be used on test day. In other words, use a laminated booklet and a fine-tip wet-erase marker. Ready-made practice scratch pads are available to purchase online. That said, an easy option is to simply laminate 5 legal-sized pages and practice with those.
TTP PRO TIP:
Practice with a purchased GMAT scratch pad or laminated pages to simulate what you’ll be doing on test day.
Standardize Your Page Layout
An important GMAT scratch pad tip is to decide beforehand how you want to organize your notes and calculations on the page. Some test-takers find that dividing each page into quadrants is an efficient strategy. For example, you can give each question its own dedicated quadrant. Then, when you’ve solved the question, draw a slash through your work and move on. This will prevent you from mixing up work from different questions.
There’s no “best” way to format scratch pad notes, but the more you practice, the clearer the best strategy for you will become. To start, you can do some practice GMAT math questions and use your laminated pages as you would on test day.
TTP PRO TIP:
As you practice, you will develop a note-taking strategy that works best for you.
Next, let’s go over how to avoid common mistakes when using your scratch pad on the GMAT exam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Too Long to Request a Replacement
This first mistake may be the most important to avoid: don’t make the mistake of waiting until you’re completely out of space to request a new scratchpad. Instead, when you notice that you’re down to 1 clean page, raise your non-dominant hand and continue to work. When the proctor comes to you, tell her that you’d like a new pad, but keep working.
If you typically take a lot of notes during the Quant section, you may even want to alert the proctor before the exam that you will most likely request a new pad at some point. Note that you are also allowed to request a fresh notepad during a break, even if your old one is not completely used up.
TTP PRO TIP:
When you’re down to your last clean page, it’s time to request a new GMAT scratch pad.
Rewriting Too Much
This may seem obvious, but when you’re noting things down on your scratch pad, it’s best to be somewhat conservative. To put it simply, noting down everything takes up too much space and time! Thus, try to write down only essential information. However, don’t force yourself to do calculations in your head simply to save space. Remember, you can ask for a replacement scratch pad.
Chaotic Notes
Try to organize your notes in a purposeful way, with areas blocked off for each question or formula, etc. Writing haphazardly can lead to mistakes in calculations and/or mixing up important details.
Writing Illegibly
Even the best notes are of no use if you can’t read them! If your handwriting isn’t the best, practice writing legibly and using small lettering.
TTP PRO TIP:
Practice writing neatly and with small lettering to save space.
Ignoring the Rules for Online
If you’re using an online whiteboard, make sure it matches the specs given by GMAC: 12 inches x 20 inches. In addition, order it well before the exam to avoid being affected by surprise shipping delays.
Key Takeaways
- The scratch pad on GMAT exam day is your workspace for calculations or any other notes you may need.
- The GMAT scratch pad consists of 5 laminated pages that are spiral-bound at the top. These items are supplied by the testing center on the day of the exam.
- GMAT scratch pads are not erasable. If you run out of space, you can ask for a replacement from the test administrator.
- When you’re down to your last clean page, it’s time to request a new scratch pad.
- Online test-takers can use a 12-inch x 20-inch physical whiteboard or an on-screen digital one.
- Familiarity with your GMAT test day scratch pad setup will help you on test day.
- Practice writing neatly on a purchased GMAT scratch pad or laminated pages to simulate what you’ll be doing on test day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you get scratch paper on the GMAT?
Kind of! You can’t bring in your own scratch paper, but you’ll receive a laminated notebook to use for notes and calculations.
Why doesn’t the GMAT allow regular paper?
Using the GMAT scratch pad standardizes the same note-taking materials for all test-takers. In addition, it ensures testing security.
What does the GMAT scratch pad look like?
The GMAT scratch pad looks like a notebook or sketch pad. It consists of 5 pages of legal-sized yellow graph paper. The pages are spiral-bound at the top.
Can I request extra scratch pads during the GMAT?
Yes, you can! When you’re down to the last clean page, raise your hand and ask the proctor for a replacement. In the meantime, keep working.
Is the GMAT scratch pad erasable?
No, there is no GMAT erasable notepad. The pages in the official GMAT scratch pad are laminated, but the pen supplied is a wet-erase marker, which can’t be erased.
How can I practice using a GMAT scratch pad before test day?
Buy a practice scratch pad (available online) or laminate 5 legal sheets. Then, practice making calculations and noting important details as you go through your prep. Ideally, use a practice scratch pad during mocks to replicate test-day conditions.
What’s Next?
Ready to start your GMAT journey?
The first step in prep is to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Take this free GMAT diagnostic. Then, once you know where you stand, it’s time to identify a sensible study plan and begin your path to success.
Check out this article for GMAT test day tips and read about what to bring (and what not to bring) to the GMAT.
