How to Read a Bar Graph

How to Read a Bar Graph

Hello, class! Today we will be looking at how to read a VERTICAL bar graph. These methods could pretty much work on a line graph, but please remember we are focusing on bar graphs!

1. Read the title, labels of the horizontal axis and labels of the vertical axis. These can tell you the first off basics of the chart; what the graph is about, etc.

2. Check the scale for the vertical axis. You will want to be able to calculate how many of this and that by observing the scale and range on the vertical axis.

3. Locate the label on the horizontal axis you want the most information from. The label for each bar graph will be on the horizontal axis. Locate the one you want the most information from. 

4. Read directly up from that label to the top of the bar. Then look directly to the left to see the vertical axis. Whatever the quantity is, is your answer. 

Congratulations, you now know how to read a bar graph!