Interpreting
Graphs & Tables
Master the art of reading data displays: bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and tables. Learn to extract values, compare quantities, and draw conclusions from visual data.
What Is a Graph?
A graph is a visual picture of data. Instead of reading a long list of numbers, a graph lets you see patterns, comparisons, and trends at a glance. Graphs always have a title that tells you what data is shown, and labels on each axis that tell you what the numbers represent.
What Is a Table?
A table organizes data into rows and columns. Each column has a header that labels the category, and each row contains related data values. Tables are great for looking up exact numbers quickly.
Four Types of Graphs
Reading a Bar Graph
Reading a Line Graph
Graphs vs Tables
| Graphs | Tables | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Seeing trends and patterns | Finding exact values |
| Format | Visual: bars, lines, circles | Rows and columns of numbers |
| Quick comparison | Easy: compare bar heights | Harder: must read numbers |
| Precision | Approximate (read from axis) | Exact values given |
| Common ISEE use | "Which is greatest/least?" | "What is the value of...?" |
Three Levels of Reading Data
Step-by-Step Strategy
Reading a Pie Chart
Example 1: Bar Graph
Example 2: Reading a Table
| Month | Rainy Days | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|
| March | 12 | 19 |
| April | 9 | 21 |
| May | 6 | 25 |
| June | 4 | 26 |
Example 3: Finding a Difference
Watch the Scale
The most common trap on the ISEE is a tricky scale. If the \(y\)-axis counts by 5s and a bar lands between two gridlines, you need to estimate. A bar halfway between 10 and 15 represents 12.5, not 12 or 13.
Common Mistakes
Summary: Graph Types
| Graph Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Graph | Comparing categories | Taller bar = greater value |
| Line Graph | Showing change over time | Going up = increasing |
| Pie Chart | Showing parts of a whole | All slices sum to 100% |
| Table | Exact values | Find row + column intersection |
| Pictograph | Counting with symbols | Check the key for value per symbol |
Question 1 of 5
A bar graph shows the number of pets owned by four students: Jada: 3, Marcus: 5, Lily: 2, Omar: 4.
How many more pets does Marcus have than Lily?
Question 2 of 5
A table shows the number of students in each club:
Drama: 18, Art: 24, Science: 15, Music: 21.
What is the total number of students in all four clubs?
Question 3 of 5
A pie chart shows that 40% of 200 students chose pizza as their favorite lunch. How many students chose pizza?
Question 4 of 5
A line graph shows a store's sales over 5 months:
Jan: $200, Feb: $350, Mar: $300, Apr: $450, May: $500.
Between which two consecutive months did sales decrease?
Question 5 of 5
A bar graph shows test scores for 5 students. The \(y\)-axis counts by 10s (0, 10, 20, ..., 100). Student D's bar ends exactly halfway between 70 and 80.
What is Student D's test score?