In a scaled bar graph, each unit of bar height (or each picture symbol) represents more than one item — such as 2, 5, or 10.
To read: bar value = bar height x scale
Always read the key or label to know the scale.
Scaled Graphs • Topic 1 of 2
Interpret Scaled Bar Graphs
Solved Examples
1
Worked Example
Scale is 1 symbol = 5 children. There are 3 symbols. How many children?
Solution3 x 5 = 15 children.
2
Worked Example
Bar graph scale = 2. Bar reaches height of 7 grid lines. Value?
Solution7 x 2 = 14.
3
Worked Example
Scale is 10. Bar height is 4.5 lines. Value?
Solution4.5 x 10 = 45.
Key Points
- Scaled graph: value = bar height x scale number.
- Always check the scale label before reading.
- One symbol or bar unit may represent 2, 5, 10, or more.
Quick Check — 4 MCQs
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.On a bar graph, the height of a bar shows its:
Explanation: Value.
Q2.In a scaled graph, each step on the scale stands for:
Explanation: More than $1$.
Q3.If each step is $2$ and a bar reaches $3$ steps, its value is:
Explanation: $3\times2=6$.
Q4.The tallest bar shows the:
Explanation: Largest value.