Bar Graphs and Picture Graphs

Grade 2 · Math · Study Guide

Learn how to read and interpret bar graphs and picture graphs to understand data.

Graphs are pictures that help us understand information, or data, more easily. Two common types of graphs are bar graphs and picture graphs.

A picture graph (also called a pictograph) uses pictures or symbols to show data. Each picture stands for a certain number of things. For example, one star might stand for 2 votes. A key or legend tells you what each picture means. To find the total, you count the pictures and multiply by the value of each picture.

A bar graph uses rectangles (bars) to show data. The bars can go up and down (vertical) or side to side (horizontal). You read a bar graph by looking at where the top of the bar lines up with the numbers on the side (the scale). Taller or longer bars mean bigger amounts.

Both types of graphs have a title that tells you what the graph is about, and labels that name each category. To compare data, find the tallest or longest bar (most) and the shortest bar (least).

Graphs make it easy to answer questions like: How many more? How many fewer? Which has the most? Reading graphs is an important math skill!

Key terms

Bar graph: A graph that uses bars (rectangles) to show and compare data
Picture graph: A graph that uses pictures or symbols to show data
Data: Information that has been collected, such as favorite colors or number of pets
Scale: The numbers on the side of a bar graph that help you read the values
Key (Legend): A guide that explains what each picture or symbol in a graph represents
Title: The name of the graph that tells you what the data is about

Flashcards

Bar graph: Uses bars/rectangles to compare data
Picture graph: Uses symbols or pictures to show data
Key (legend): Explains what each picture in a pictograph represents
Title: The name of the graph telling what it is about
Scale: The numbers on a bar graph used to read values
How to find 'how many more': Subtract the smaller amount from the larger amount
Tallest bar in a bar graph means: That category has the most
Shortest bar in a bar graph means: That category has the least

Questions

In a picture graph, each apple picture stands for 2 students. If there are 4 apples shown, how many students does that represent?
1. 2
2. 4
3. 6
4. 8
Show answer
Answer: 8
4 apples x 2 students each = 8 students total.
The title of a graph tells you what the data is about.
Show answer
Answer: True
The title is always at the top and tells the reader what information the graph is showing.
The part of a picture graph that tells you what each symbol means is called the ___.
Show answer
Answer: key
The key (or legend) explains what each symbol or picture represents in a picture graph.
A bar graph shows: Cats = 6, Dogs = 9, Fish = 3. How many more dogs are there than fish?
1. 3
2. 6
3. 9
4. 12
Show answer
Answer: 6
9 dogs - 3 fish = 6 more dogs than fish.
In a bar graph, the tallest bar shows the category with the most items.
Show answer
Answer: True
The taller the bar, the greater the value for that category.

Get a personalized course on Bar Graphs and Picture Graphs built around your child.