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Reading Maths

Maths hiding in reading: reading charts

Make graphs of books read or minutes practised.

Quick answer

Reading charts helps you understand information quickly by showing it in pictures and numbers, so you can see patterns, compare things, and make smart choices.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to read and understand simple charts, like bar charts and pictograms, to find out information, compare numbers, and make decisions based on what you see. Success signs:
  • You can tell what a chart is showing by looking at the labels and numbers
  • You can compare how much or how many of different things
  • You can answer questions about what the chart shows
  • You can create your own simple chart from information you have

Why this matters

Charts help us understand information quickly. Whether you're looking at how many books you've read, how long you've practised maths, or how many goals your football team scored, charts make it easy to see the big picture. In school, you'll use charts to show your work. In real life, charts help you decide what to buy, how to plan your day, or how to win a game.

How it works

Charts show information in a visual way. They help you see how much or how many of something there is. The most common types are:
  • Bar charts – use bars to show how much or how many
  • Pictograms – use pictures or symbols to show information
  • Tables – show information in rows and columns
Each chart has a title, labels, and numbers or pictures. You read them from left to right or top to bottom.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you've been keeping track of how many books you read each month. You could make a bar chart like this:
Month Books Read
January 3
February 5
March 2
In this chart:
  • The title is "Books Read"
  • The months are on the left
  • The numbers show how many books you read
If you draw a bar chart, each bar is as tall as the number of books. So, in February, the bar is taller because you read 5 books. You can also use a pictogram. For example, if you use a star to show one book:
Month Books Read
January ★★★
February ★★★★★
March ★★
Here, each star = 1 book. So February has 5 stars, meaning you read 5 books.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Reading Detective You're a detective and your job is to find out how many books your friends read this month. You've collected their data and made a chart. Here's your mission:
  • First, look at the chart and tell which friend read the most books
  • Then, count how many books all your friends read together
  • Finally, decide who needs to read more books to catch up
Here's a chart of your friends' reading:
Friend Books Read
Amy 4
Ben 2
Chloe 6
David 3
What do you notice? Who read the most? Who read the least? How many books did they read in total?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking the chart shows 10 books when it only shows 5.
    Why it happens: Not reading the numbers carefully or not checking the scale.
    Fix: Count the bars or symbols carefully, and check what each one stands for.
  • Mistake: Comparing the wrong things – like thinking February is worse than January.
    Why it happens: Looking at the chart quickly without reading the labels.
    Fix: Read the labels and make sure you know what each part means.
  • Mistake: Not understanding what the chart is about.
    Why it happens: Not reading the title or labels.
    Fix: Always read the title and labels first to understand what the chart shows.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Looking at charts together and asking questions like, “Which bar is the tallest?” or “How many more books did Chloe read than Ben?”
  • Letting your child make their own chart about their reading or hobbies
  • Practising reading charts from newspapers, books, or online
  • Encouraging them to ask questions about what they see
Remember: Charts are just a way to show information. It’s okay if your child takes time to understand them. Be patient and celebrate small wins.

Practice questions

  1. Which month had the most books read in the chart below?
    Month Books Read
    April 4
    May 7
    June 3

    Answer: May
  2. How many books did Amy and Ben read together?
    Friend Books Read
    Amy 5
    Ben 3

    Answer: 8 books
  3. How many stars would you need to show 6 books in a pictogram?
    Answer: 6 stars
  4. Which friend read the fewest books?
    Friend Books Read
    Emma 8
    Finn 1
    Gia 4

    Answer: Finn
  5. How many more books did Emma read than Gia?
    Answer: 4 more books

FAQ

What is a chart?

A chart is a way to show information using pictures, numbers, or bars. It helps you see and understand data quickly.

How do I read a chart?

First, read the title and labels. Then look at the numbers or symbols to see what they show.

What is the difference between a bar chart and a pictogram?

A bar chart uses bars to show amounts, while a pictogram uses pictures or symbols.

Can I make my own chart?

Yes! You can collect data, like how many books you read, and draw a chart to show it.

Why are charts useful?

Charts help you compare things, find patterns, and make decisions quickly.