11+ Maths: Creating and Interpreting Bar Graphs (CEM & GL)
19 October 2026
Why bar graphs matter in 11+ Maths
Bar graphs are a key part of 11+ Maths. Both CEM and GL exam boards test children on creating and interpreting bar graphs. These skills help children handle data, spot patterns, and answer questions with confidence.
How to create a bar graph
Start by choosing the categories you want to compare. Collect the data for each category. Draw a horizontal axis for the categories and a vertical axis for the numbers. Label both axes clearly. Draw a bar for each category so that its height matches the data.
Worked example
Let's say four children read different numbers of books:
Alice: 5 books Ben: 3 books Cara: 7 books Dan: 4 books
Draw the categories (the children's names) along the horizontal axis. Label the vertical axis with numbers, starting at zero and going up to at least 7. Draw a bar for each child, making sure each bar reaches the correct height. For example, Cara's bar should reach up to 7.
How to interpret a bar graph
To read a bar graph, look at the height of each bar. Check the scale on the vertical axis so you know what each line means. Ask questions like: Which bar is tallest? Which is shortest? How many more books did Cara read than Ben? This helps children compare data and find answers.
Key insight: Understanding both how to create and interpret bar graphs builds confidence and accuracy in tackling data questions in the 11+ exam.
Practice brings results
Regular practice with bar graphs helps children become familiar with the steps and types of questions they may face. You can find suitable worksheets for further practice on the linked page.
