8 Using Graphs

Using Graphs written by Julie Ellis

Graphs are pictures or charts. They make it easy to see how things are different. Graphs help us to compare things.

bar graph You could use a bar graph to show how many of each kind of thing there is. Taller bars mean more things. This bar graph shows us that most children in Room 6 like apples best. More children like bananas than grapes or oranges. Only four children in Room 6 like oranges best.

pictograph You could use a pictograph to show which insects people like best. You would use small pictures to stand for the number of people who choose each insect. Our Favourite Insects in Room 6 This pictograph shows us that most children in Room 6 like ladybugs best. More children like caterpillars than spiders, bees, or moths. Only one child in Room 6 likes moths best.

block graph You would use a block graph when you need to show how things are different from each other. Our Height in Room 6 This block graph shows us the different heights of children in Room 6.

line graph How Sam Grew You would use a line graph to show how something changes. Dots are put on the graph to show a measurement. Then the dots are connected. This line graph shows us that in four years, Sam grew about 16 centimetres. He grew more when he was eight than when he was nine.