Bar graphs are visual displays that use bars to show and compare information. Each bar represents a category, and the height or length of the bar shows the value of that category.
Bar graphs help you understand information quickly by looking at patterns and comparing bar heights.
Every bar graph has important parts: a title, labels, a scale, categories, and bars. These parts work together to show what the graph is about and how to read the values.
The scale may skip-count by numbers like 2s, 5s, or 10s. Always check the scale before reading any bar.
To read a bar graph, look at the top of each bar and match it to the value on the scale. This tells you the exact number for that category.
Make sure you follow the scale carefully. A bar might not land exactly on a labeled number, so use the pattern of the scale to find the correct value.
Bar graphs make it easy to compare two or more categories. You can see which value is greater, smaller, or if two categories are equal.
Think about how much taller or shorter one bar is. This can help you find the difference between two values.
Sometimes bar graphs are used to solve multi-step word problems. You may need to add, subtract, or compare several pieces of information from the graph.
Always reread the question to understand what the problem is asking—difference, total, or comparison.
Double bar graphs compare two sets of related data. Each category has two bars shown side by side, each with its own color or pattern.
Check the key or legend to understand what each color or pattern represents before interpreting the bars.