Bar Graph Examples in Statistics

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Bar Graph.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Statistics.

Concept Recap

A graph that uses rectangular bars of different heights or lengths to compare quantities across categories.

Think of bar graphs as a competition where categories show off their numbers by how tall their bars stand. The taller the bar, the bigger the number. You can instantly see the winner without doing any math!

Read the full concept explanation โ†’

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Bar graphs compare quantities across distinct categories. Bars must start at zero so their heights honestly represent the values.

Common stuck point: A bar graph that doesn't start at zero makes small differences look enormous โ€” always check the axis before drawing conclusions.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
The favourite fruits of 20 students are: Apple (7), Banana (5), Orange (4), Grape (4). Draw a bar graph and determine which fruit is most popular.

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: Label the horizontal axis with the fruit names and the vertical axis with frequency (0 to 8).
  2. 2
    Step 2: Draw bars โ€” Apple: height 7, Banana: height 5, Orange: height 4, Grape: height 4. Leave equal gaps between bars.
  3. 3
    Step 3: The tallest bar is Apple with a frequency of 7.

Answer

Apple is the most popular fruit with 7 votes.
Bar graphs display categorical data with rectangular bars whose heights represent frequencies. The tallest bar indicates the most common category, which corresponds to the mode of the data.

Example 2

medium
A bar graph shows book genres read by students: Fiction (12), Non-fiction (8), Mystery (10), Sci-fi (6), Biography (4). How many students were surveyed in total, and what fraction chose Mystery?

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

easy
A bar graph shows the number of rainy days in four months: Jan (10), Feb (7), Mar (5), Apr (8). Which month had the fewest rainy days, and how many more rainy days did January have than March?

Example 2

easy
A bar graph shows votes for class captain: Maya 18, Leo 12, Sam 15, and Priya 9. How many votes were cast in total, and how many more votes did Maya receive than Priya?

Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

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