GMAT Data Insights: Check Multi-Source Reasoning Practice Questions, and Strategy (2025)

Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) problems are one of the five types of questions in the Data Insights section of the GMAT. These questions are designed to reflect the case study approach used in many business schools. MSR questions provide two or three tabs containing text or data, such as charts, tables, articles, and emails, and then ask you a series of questions based on this information.

In this article, we’ll dive into effective strategies, tips, and practice questions to help you tackle MSR problems with confidence, ensuring you're well-prepared for the 2025 GMAT.

---

GMAT Multi-Source Reasoning Question Types

Multi-Source Reasoning has 2 different multiple-choice question types, as given below.

1. Select One Out Of Five

First, you may encounter a standard multiple-choice question with 5 answer options. Here’s an example:

2. Multiple-dichotomous Choice (Either-or)

You will also see 'multiple-dichotomous choice' questions, which are basically either-or questions. You’ll get 3 statements, and for each one you must choose between 2 options, like True or False, Yes or No, or Can be inferred or Can’t be inferred. For example:

For Either-Or problems, the 3 statements shown together count as one question. You must answer all 3 correctly to get credit, since there’s no partial scoring. Usually, MSR prompts include 1 regular multiple-choice question and 2 Either-Or questions (each with 3 statements).

Also Read

GMAT Practice Papers

---

GMAT Multi-Source Reasoning Practice Questions (2025)

Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) questions on the GMAT test your ability to analyze information from different sources, like tables, passages, or charts, and draw accurate conclusions. Given below is a Multi-source Reasoning practice question for the GMAT 2025:

Sample Question 1:

Check out more Multi-Source Reasoning GMAT practice questions below:

---

GMAT Multi-Source Reasoning Tips & Strategies

For some test-takers, the MSR seems at first glance to be the most intimidating part of the GMAT's Data Insights section, but once you know how to approach it, you'll realize it's nothing to be afraid of. Given below are some strategies you can use to do well in this question type.

1. Understand the data set

First, skim each tab to see what type of information it contains, then read the question. Since you only see one question at a time and have about 7.5 minutes for all 3, go back and read the details only when you know what to look for.

2. Understand the question

Read the question carefully and make sure you understand it. The goal is to only skim the dataset once before answering, so focus on what the question is asking.

3. Develop an approach

You'll need to gather information from different tabs to answer questions. For example, if you're asked about a company's profit, one tab might show revenue and sales, while another could provide budget and cost details. While it's not necessary to read every tab thoroughly, it's important to have a general idea of what each tab contains so you can quickly return to the relevant ones when needed. If the table headers aren't clear enough, consider taking notes to help you remember key details.

4. Apply the approach

Once you know what each tab contains, read the question and scan for key details to answer quickly. Keep your scratch work neat, since you may need the calculations again.

Mastering GMAT Multi-Source Reasoning questions requires a strategic approach: skim the datasets, understand the question, and quickly gather key information from multiple tabs. By staying organized and focused, you can efficiently solve these complex problems and draw accurate conclusions. With practice and a clear method, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the MSR section with confidence on test day.