Creating a bar graph means representing a data set with up to four categories using separated bars whose heights correspond to category counts on a labeled axis with a single-unit scale. The representation preserves the quantities and makes comparisons, differences, and totals visible; at this level, it does not include fractional or irregular scales, continuous data, or more complex multistep graphing conventions.
A bar graph uses separate bars to show how many items are in each category. Taller bars mean greater amounts.
Suppose a class votes for a favorite fruit:
| Fruit | Votes |
|---|---|
| Apples | 4 |
| Bananas | 2 |
| Oranges | 5 |
| Grapes | 3 |
Follow these steps:
Draw two lines.
Label the axes.
Make a single-unit scale on the vertical axis.
Write the numbers . Each step means one vote.
Write the categories along the bottom.
Write Apples, Bananas, Oranges, and Grapes. Leave space between the categories.
Draw one separated bar for each fruit.
Check your graph.
Each bar should match its number of votes. The oranges bar should be tallest because is the greatest number. The bananas bar should be shortest because is the smallest number.
The finished graph lets you compare the votes quickly. Oranges received more votes than bananas because .
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