Vertical and Horizontal Bar Graphs
Vertical and Horizontal Bar Graphs is a Grade 3 math skill from Eureka Math covering how data can be displayed in either orientation. In a vertical bar graph, categories appear on the horizontal axis and the numerical scale runs up the vertical axis. In a horizontal bar graph, the axes are swapped: categories go on the vertical axis and the scale runs along the horizontal axis. Both types convey identical information. Third graders learn to create and read both orientations, interpreting bar lengths against the scale to answer data questions.
Key Concepts
A data set can be represented with either a vertical or horizontal bar graph. In a vertical bar graph, the categories are on the horizontal axis and the scale is on the vertical axis. In a horizontal bar graph, the axes are swapped: categories are on the vertical axis and the scale is on the horizontal axis.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a vertical and horizontal bar graph?
In a vertical bar graph, bars go upward and the scale is on the vertical (y) axis. In a horizontal bar graph, bars go sideways and the scale is on the horizontal (x) axis.
Where are categories placed in a vertical bar graph?
Categories are labeled on the horizontal (x) axis at the base of each bar. The bars rise vertically from these labels.
Where are categories placed in a horizontal bar graph?
Categories are labeled on the vertical (y) axis. The bars extend horizontally from these labels toward the scale on the x-axis.
Do vertical and horizontal bar graphs show the same information?
Yes. Both graph types display the same data. The choice of orientation is often a matter of how many categories exist or what fits the display space better.
In which textbook are Vertical and Horizontal Bar Graphs taught?
This skill is taught in Eureka Math, Grade 3.