Picture Graphs and Bar Graphs
Picture graphs use small images to show data, and bar graphs use bars of different lengths to show data — both help us count and compare information quickly.
Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Picture Graphs and Bar Graphs as an interactive lesson.
Try the lessonDefinition
A picture graph (also called a pictograph) is a chart that uses pictures or symbols to represent data. Each picture stands for a certain number of things. A bar graph is a chart that uses solid bars — going across or up — to show how many of something there are. The longer the bar, the more there are. Both types of graphs help us organize information so it is easy to read and compare.
Remember the rule
To read a picture graph: Count the pictures, then multiply by the key number. To read a bar graph: Find where the top of the bar lines up with the scale number — that IS the answer.
Key words
- Data
- Information we collect, like how many students like each flavor of ice cream.
- Picture Graph
- A graph that uses small pictures or symbols to show how many of something there are.
- Bar Graph
- A graph that uses filled-in bars to show amounts — the taller or longer the bar, the bigger the number.
- Key
- The little box on a picture graph that tells you what each picture stands for, like 1 apple = 2 students.
- Scale
- The numbers along the side or bottom of a bar graph that help you read how tall or long each bar is.
- Title
- The name at the top of a graph that tells you what the graph is about.
- Category
- A group or label in a graph, like 'Dogs,' 'Cats,' or 'Birds' when graphing favorite pets.
- Compare
- To look at two or more amounts to see which is more, less, or if they are equal.
Worked examples
A picture graph shows favorite fruits. The key says 1 apple picture = 2 students. Bananas have 3 apple pictures. How many students chose bananas?
→ 3 pictures × 2 students each = 6 students chose bananas. · Always multiply the number of pictures by the key number — do not just count the pictures as 1 each.
A bar graph shows books read. The scale goes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Maya's bar stops at 6. Sam's bar stops at 4. How many more books did Maya read than Sam?
→ 6 − 4 = 2. Maya read 2 more books than Sam. · Line up the top of each bar with the scale to find the value, then subtract to compare.
A picture graph shows pets in the class. Dogs: 4 pictures. Cats: 2 pictures. The key says 1 picture = 1 pet. How many pets are there in all?
→ 4 + 2 = 6 pets in all. · When the key says 1 picture = 1, you just add the pictures like normal counting.
A bar graph shows favorite colors. Red bar reaches 5. Blue bar reaches 8. Yellow bar reaches 3. Which color is the most popular?
→ Blue is the most popular because its bar is the tallest — it reaches 8.
A picture graph shows apples picked each day. Monday: 2 pictures, Tuesday: 4 pictures. The key says 1 picture = 5 apples. How many apples were picked on Tuesday?
→ 4 pictures × 5 apples = 20 apples picked on Tuesday.
A bar graph has a scale of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The bar for 'Soccer' reaches 5 and the bar for 'Swimming' reaches 2. How many children chose Soccer or Swimming altogether?
→ 5 + 2 = 7 children chose Soccer or Swimming altogether.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to use the key on a picture graph — students count each picture as 1 even when the key says each picture equals 2, 5, or 10.
- Reading the bar graph scale wrong by looking at the bottom instead of the TOP of the bar to find the value.
- Mixing up 'how many more' (subtraction) with 'how many in all' (addition) when the question asks to compare.
- Skipping the title and not knowing what the graph is about before trying to answer questions.
- Misreading a scale that goes by 2s or 5s — for example, reading a bar that stops between 4 and 6 as 4 instead of 5.
FAQs
What is the difference between a picture graph and a bar graph?
A picture graph uses small drawings or symbols to stand for amounts — you count and multiply them. A bar graph uses a solid bar and a number scale — you read where the bar stops to find the amount. Both show the same kind of information, just in different ways.
Why does a picture graph have a key?
Because each picture stands for MORE than one thing sometimes. The key tells you the value — for example, if 1 star = 5 votes, you need the key to know to multiply by 5 instead of counting each star as 1.
How do I know if I should add or subtract when answering a graph question?
If the question says 'how many in all' or 'altogether,' you add. If it says 'how many more' or 'how many fewer,' you subtract the smaller number from the bigger number.
What if a bar stops between two numbers on the scale?
Look carefully at the line halfway between the two numbers. For example, if the scale shows 4 and 6, the middle is 5. In 2nd grade, bars usually land right on a scale number, so double-check your scale marks.
Can a bar graph go sideways?
Yes! Some bar graphs have bars that go across (horizontal) instead of up (vertical). You read the length of the bar against the scale at the bottom or top — it works exactly the same way.
Why do we use graphs at all?
Graphs make it much easier to see and compare information at a glance. Instead of reading a long list of numbers, you can look at a graph and instantly see which category is the biggest or smallest.
Want the whole picture for your child?
Every K–6 subject, an AI tutor that teaches step by step, unlimited practice, and a reward world.
Start a 3-day free trial