Reading Graphs
Graphs are pictures that show us information using shapes, bars, or symbols. Learning to read graphs helps you understand data and answer questions about the world around you!
What Are Graphs?
Graphs Tell Stories with Pictures!
A graph is a way to show numbers and information in a picture. Instead of reading lots of numbers, you can look at a graph and quickly see what the data is telling you!
Three Types of Graphs You Will Learn
Bar Graph
Uses bars of different heights to compare amounts.
Pictograph
🍎🍎🍎
🍎🍎
🍎🍎🍎🍎
Uses pictures or symbols to show data.
Line Plot
X X X
X X X X X
1 2 3 4 5
Uses X marks on a number line to show how many.
Parts of a Graph
Every graph has important parts that help you read it. Let's learn what they are!
Title
Tells you what the graph is about
X-Axis (Horizontal)
The line going left to right - shows categories
Y-Axis (Vertical)
The line going up and down - shows numbers
Labels
Words that explain what each axis shows
Scale
Numbers on the axis that help you measure
Key (for Pictographs)
Tells you what each symbol means
Reading Bar Graphs
Bar graphs use bars to compare different things. The taller the bar, the bigger the number!
🔍 How to Read This Bar Graph
- Read the title: "Favorite Pets in Ms. Smith's Class"
- Look at the x-axis (bottom): It shows different types of pets
- Look at the y-axis (side): It shows the number of students (0-10)
- Find the height of each bar to see how many students chose each pet
- Compare bars to see which is most/least popular
Question: Which pet is the most popular?
Answer: Dogs! The blue bar is the tallest, reaching 7 students.
Question: How many more students chose dogs than birds?
Answer: 7 - 2 = 5 more students chose dogs!
Reading Pictographs
Pictographs use pictures or symbols to show data. Each picture stands for a certain number!
🔑 Always Check the Key!
The key tells you what each symbol means. In this pictograph:
📚 = 2 books
Half of 📚 = 1 book
So if you see 4 book symbols, that means 4 x 2 = 8 books!
Question: How many books did Sofia read?
Sofia has 5 book symbols. 5 x 2 = 10 books!
Question: How many books did Mia read?
Mia has 3 full symbols and 1 half symbol. (3 x 2) + 1 = 7 books!
Reading Line Plots
A line plot shows data on a number line. Each X mark represents one piece of data!
📊 How to Read a Line Plot
- Read the title to understand what data is shown
- Look at the numbers on the line - they show the categories
- Count the X marks above each number
- Each X represents one student or one piece of data
Question: How many students have exactly 1 pet?
Count the X marks above 1. There are 6 X marks, so 6 students have 1 pet!
Question: What is the most common number of pets?
Look for the number with the most X marks. The number 1 has the most (6), so 1 pet is most common!
Practice Problems
Use the graphs above to answer these questions. Click the correct answer!
Question 1: Bar Graph
Look at the "Favorite Pets" bar graph. How many students in total voted for a favorite pet?
Question 2: Bar Graph
Which two pets got the same number of votes when combined as dogs?
Question 3: Pictograph
How many total books did Emma and James read together?
Question 4: Pictograph
Who read the fewest books?
Question 5: Line Plot
How many students were surveyed about their pets in total?
Question 6: Line Plot
How many students have 3 or more pets?
Graph Reading Challenge
Test your graph reading skills! Answer questions about a new graph.
Quick Quiz - Answer About the Ice Cream Graph!
Check Your Understanding
What does the title of a graph tell you?
In a pictograph, what do you need to check before counting?
In a bar graph, what does the height of a bar show?
What does each X mark represent in a line plot?
What We Learned
Bar Graphs
Compare data using bars of different heights.
Pictographs
Show data with pictures - always check the key!
Line Plots
Use X marks on a number line to show data.
Graph Parts
Title, axes, labels, and scale help you read graphs.
Next Steps
- Practice reading graphs in books, newspapers, and websites
- Try making your own survey and creating a graph from the data
- Look for graphs in real life - weather reports, sports scores, and more!
- When ready, move on to learn how to Create Your Own Graphs!