Functional Skills Maths: Charts

Read and interpret bar charts

What is a Bar Chart?

  • A bar chart uses bars to compare amounts.
  • The taller the bar, the bigger the amount.
  • The scale on the side (y-axis) shows the values.
  • Always read the title and labels before interpreting.

Reading a Bar Chart

  • Find the bar you want on the horizontal axis.
  • Read up the bar to where it ends.
  • Read across to the vertical scale to find the value.

Comparing Bars

  • The highest bar shows the most popular or largest amount.
  • The lowest bar shows the least.
  • Difference: subtract the smaller value from the larger.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Reading a bar chart

  1. Bar chart shows: Red = 5, Blue = 8, Green = 3.
  2. Blue has the tallest bar, so Blue is the most.
  3. Difference between Red and Green: 5 − 3 = 2.

Example 2: Finding the total

  1. Three bars: A = 6, B = 9, C = 4.
  2. Total = 6 + 9 + 4 = 19.

Practice Questions

  • Bar chart: Mon = 4, Tue = 7, Wed = 5. Which had most?
    Hint: Find the highest value.
    Answer: Tuesday (7)
  • Highest bar = 10, lowest bar = 4. Difference?
    Hint: 10 − 4.
    Answer: 6
  • Two bars: 8 and 5. Total?
    Hint: 8 + 5.
    Answer: 13
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