Column Graphs and Data
Column graphs display data as vertical bars. The height of each bar shows how many or how much. We use column graphs to compare data.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
The vertical axis (y-axis) shows the frequency or amount
The horizontal axis (x-axis) shows the categories being compared
A title and axis labels are essential parts of a graph
The tallest bar shows the highest value in the data
Key Vocabulary
Column graph
A graph that uses vertical bars to display and compare data
Axis
A reference line on a graph (horizontal or vertical)
Scale
The equally spaced numbers on an axis
Frequency
How many times a value or category occurs
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
On a column graph, which axis usually shows the categories?
Question 2
A column graph shows: Monday=8, Tuesday=5, Wednesday=10. Which day had the most?
Question 3
What is essential to include on a column graph?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●The vertical axis (y-axis) shows the frequency or amount
- ●The horizontal axis (x-axis) shows the categories being compared
- ●A title and axis labels are essential parts of a graph
- ●The tallest bar shows the highest value in the data