Read and understand bar graphs to compare data at a glance, and interpret what the scale on the graph really means.
A bar graph uses bars of different heights to show and compare amounts. The taller the bar, the greater the value it represents.
A bar graph shows fruit sales: apples 40, bananas 25, oranges 15. Which fruit sold the least?
Oranges
In the same graph, how many more apples sold than bananas?
40 − 25 = 15 more apples
A bar graph's scale tells you how much each small unit on the graph stands for. If the scale says each unit = 5 items, you multiply the bar's height by 5 to find the real value.
If each unit on the bar graph's scale represents 5 items, and a bar reaches 6 units, how many items does that represent?
6 × 5 = 30 items
If the scale is 1 unit = 10 students, and a bar reaches 4 units, how many students does it represent?
4 × 10 = 40 students
1. A bar graph shows book sales: Monday 20, Tuesday 35, Wednesday 15. Which day had the highest sales?
2. In the same graph, how many books were sold in total across all three days?
3. If each unit on a bar graph's scale represents 2 items, and a bar reaches 9 units, how many items does that represent?
4. If the scale is 1 unit = 5 kg, and a bar reaches 7 units, how many kg does it represent?
5. A bar graph shows how many students like Maths (30), Science (18), and Art (22). Which subject is liked by the fewest students?