📊 Reading Graphs and Charts
SAT Math — Data Analysis & Problem Solving
Why This Matters: Approximately 10–15 questions on the SAT Math section involve reading and interpreting data from graphs, charts, and tables. Mastering these skills is one of the fastest ways to boost your score.
1. Types of Graphs on the SAT
📊 Bar Graphs
Compare categories using rectangular bars. The height (or length) of each bar represents a value.
📈 Line Graphs
Show change over time. Points are connected by lines to reveal trends.
🥧 Pie Charts
Show parts of a whole as percentages. All sectors sum to 100%.
🔴 Scatterplots
Show the relationship between two variables. Each dot is one data point.
📊 Histograms
Show frequency distribution of continuous data. Bars touch (no gaps).
📋 Two-Way Tables
Show the relationship between two categorical variables in rows and columns.
2. Reading Bar Graphs
Key Steps:
- Identify the axes — What does each axis represent?
- Read the scale carefully — Check if the scale starts at 0 and note the increments.
- Compare heights or lengths of bars to compare categories.
- Find the difference between two bars by subtracting their values.
- Calculate total by adding all bar values.
- Identify max and min — tallest bar = maximum, shortest bar = minimum.
Example Bar Graph: Monthly Sales
Interactive visualization — available in the full lesson
⚠️ SAT Trap: The y-axis may not start at 0. Always check the scale before reading values!