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Reading charts and tables

Strategy card

Charts tell a story, but you must read them carefully.

  1. Step 1: Read the title: what is this about?
  2. Step 2: Read the labels and numbers.
  3. Step 3: Find the exact part the question asks about.
  4. Step 4: Do the math if needed (more, less, total).

Tip: Put your finger on the bar or row the question is about.

Worked example

Which month had the least rain?

Rain in one town (mm). Mar: 12, Apr: 2, May: 8, Jun: 6, Jul: 7.0102012Mar2Apr8May6Jun7Jul
Rain in one town (mm) (mm)
  • A: Mar
  • B: Jun
  • C: May
  • D: Apr (the answer)
  • E: Jul

Why: Apr has 2 mm, the lowest value.

Your turn

Your turn 1 of 3

How many more mm for Mar than for May?

Rain in one town (mm). Mar: 7, Apr: 12, May: 3, Jun: 13, Jul: 2.010207Mar12Apr3May13Jun2Jul
Rain in one town (mm) (mm)

Your turn 2 of 3

How many more cups for Wed than for Tue?

Cups of lemonade sold. Mon: 10, Tue: 5, Wed: 11, Thu: 9, Fri: 2.0102010Mon5Tue11Wed9Thu2Fri
Cups of lemonade sold (cups)

Your turn 3 of 3

How many more cups for Wed than for Fri?

Cups of lemonade sold. Mon: 11, Tue: 7, Wed: 12, Thu: 5, Fri: 8.0102011Mon7Tue12Wed5Thu8Fri
Cups of lemonade sold (cups)

Keep practicing

Grown-ups: Make a chart of family favorite fruits together. Parent guide

Next lesson: Checking AI answers