statistics · Year 4 · AC9M4ST01
Column graphs
Before reading any column, look at the scale on the side. It may go up in 1s, 2s, 5s or 10s. Go across from the top of the column to the scale to read its value. If the top stops halfway between two gridlines, the value is halfway between their numbers. To compare, read both columns and subtract. A side-by-side column graph shows two groups for each category: use the key to tell the groups apart.
Sample questions
The column graph shows the favourite sports of a class. How many children chose Swim?
- Read the scale first: each gridline is worth 1.
- Go across from the top of the Swim column to the scale.
- The column reaches 5, so the answer is 5.
Answer: 5
The column graph shows the ice creams a shop sold. How many Vanilla ice creams were sold?
- Read the scale first: each gridline is worth 1.
- Go across from the top of the Vanilla column to the scale.
- The column reaches 3, so the answer is 3.
Answer: 3
The column graph shows the books borrowed from a library. How many books were borrowed on Fri?
- Read the scale first: each gridline is worth 1.
- Go across from the top of the Fri column to the scale.
- The column reaches 9, so the answer is 9.
Answer: 9