How to explain interpret bar graphs in interpreting data to your student: Example question
31 October 2026
Bar graphs are a useful way for children to see and compare information quickly. If your child is preparing for the 11+, it's important they know how to read and interpret bar graphs with confidence. This example shows a simple question you might see in an 11+ maths paper.
Worked example
Question: The bar graph shows the number of books read by four children in one week. Ben: 5 books, Amy: 8 books, Leo: 6 books, Zara: 4 books. How many more books did Amy read than Zara?
Step 1: Find Amy's bar. Amy read 8 books.
Step 2: Find Zara's bar. Zara read 4 books.
Step 3: Work out the difference. 8 - 4 = 4
Key insight: To compare bars, subtract the smaller number from the bigger number.
Answer: Amy read 4 more books than Zara.
After working through this example, your child will be able to spot the key numbers on a bar graph and compare them. They will also understand how to find the difference between two bars. The next step is to try a similar question and practise this skill.
