Kinds of graphs

Graphs are pictures that help us understand amounts. These amounts are called data. There are many kinds of graphs, each having special parts.

A circle graph is shaped like a circle. It is divided into fractions that look like pieces of pie, so sometimes a circle graph is called a pie graph. Many times the fractional parts are different colors and a key explains the colors.


A bar graph uses bars to show data. The bars can be vertical (up and down), or horizontal (across). The data can be in words or numbers.


A picture graph uses pictures or symbols to show data. One picture often stands for more than one vote so a key is necessary to understand the symbols.

A histogram is a special kind of bar graph. The data must be shown as numbers in order.

A line graph shows points plotted on a graph. The points are then connected to form a line.