When to Use Different Types of Graphs

You use this type of graph when percentages are involved.

• pie or circle graph

• bar graph

• line graph

• pictograph

Nancy wants to see how her shadow changes over the course of a year. She measures her shadow each month. What type of graph should she use?

• pie or circle graph

• bar graph

• line graph

• pictograph

Kyle wants to see how many jolly ranchers of each color are in a bag. What kind of graph should he use?

• pie or circle graph

• bar graph

• line plot

• pictograph

The graph uses a number line to present data.

• pie or circle graph

• bar graph

• line plot

• pictograph

Kathy records how many cars of each color are in the parking lot. What kind of graph should she use?

• pie or circle graph

• bar graph

• line graph

• pictograph

Greg records how many cars of each color are in the parking lot and then turns those into percentages. What kind of graph should she use?

• pie or circle graph

• bar graph

• line plot

• pictograph

Natasha is coaching the school track team. She records the mile times for each of her three runners each week for the entire 2-month season. What kind of graph should Natasha make to show her data and why?

• bar graph - she's comparing the times of the runners

• line graph - she's comparing the times of the runners

• line graph - she's showing change over time

• pie or circle graph - she's showing a percentage

You use this type of graph when you are comparing a part to a whole.

• pictograph

• line plot

• circle graph

• bar graph

You use this type of graph to represent data categorically with pictures and shows frequency.

• circle graph

• line plot

• bar graph

• pictograph

You need labels and a key for all graphs.

• True

• False