---
title: "Reading and comparing bar and line graphs"
description: "Solve comparison, sum, and difference problems using information presented in a bar graph"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-comparing-bar-and-line-graphs-mt_H6LlpWgEYS
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-comparing-bar-and-line-graphs-mt_H6LlpWgEYS.md
retrieved: 2026-09-12
---

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# Reading and comparing bar and line graphs

Solve comparison, sum, and difference problems using information presented in a bar graph

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Data & Statistics · Ages 9 to 10
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-comparing-bar-and-line-graphs-mt_H6LlpWgEYS

## Ready when they can

- Read a line graph of temperature over a week and identify the warmest day
- Find the difference in rainfall between two months from a line graph
- Explain what a rising/falling line means on a time-series graph

## Lesson: Reading and Comparing Bar Graphs

A bar graph uses bars to compare groups. The taller the bar, the bigger the number. Now you will use bar graphs to solve problems: finding the biggest or smallest group, adding two bars together, and working out how many more one bar shows than another.

*(drawing: Each bar's height is its number of votes. Grapes has the tallest bar with 10 votes, and pears have the shortest bar with 3.)*

**Example.** To find how many more one bar shows than another, read both numbers and subtract the smaller one from the bigger one. A graph shows 11 children walked to school and 6 came by car. 11 minus 6 is 5, so 5 more children walked than came by car.

**Example.** To find a total, add the bars. A graph shows 4 children chose mystery books and 9 chose adventure books. 4 plus 9 is 13, so 13 children chose those two kinds of book altogether.

**Tip.** Read the question carefully. Altogether or total means add the bars. How many more or how many fewer means subtract the smaller number from the bigger one.

**Recap.** Read each bar's number first. Then add the bars for a total, or subtract the smaller number from the bigger one to compare them.

## Practice

17 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Bar charts and time graphs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/bar-charts-and-time-graphs-mt_ChjMU2GDJa)

## Opens up

- [Statistical Questions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/statistical-questions-mt_4Ax4JPXJWD)
- [Pie charts and line graphs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/pie-charts-and-line-graphs-mt_bESTSBB0wK)
- [Moving between bar models, number lines and equations](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/moving-between-bar-models-number-lines-and-equations-mt_CUmjcE7W6c)
- [Interpreting visual information in texts](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/interpreting-visual-information-in-texts-mt_KbCCmLmxYN)
- [Thematic Maps and GIS](https://lightmysky.com/learn/geography/thematic-maps-and-gis-mt_khsAUcwLke)
- [How a Chart Can Mislead](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/how-a-chart-can-mislead-mt_z7yMoRWipf)