Scaled graphs and line plots worksheets
Aligned with Common Core 3.MD.B.3
Printable third-grade graph worksheets: read scaled picture graphs and bar graphs, make a bar graph from a tally table, measure lines to the nearest half inch to make a line plot, and read a line plot.
The worksheets
- See it all
Graphs Chart
A picture graph where each picture stands for 2, a bar graph counting by 5s, and a line plot.
Read a Scaled Picture Graph
Picture graphs where each picture stands for 2, 5 or 10, including half pictures.
Read a Scaled Bar Graph
Bar graphs on a scale of 2, 5 or 10 with how many, how many more and how many in all questions.
Make a Bar Graph
Turn a tally table into a bar graph that counts by 2s or 5s.
Make a Line Plot
Measure lines to the nearest half inch with the printed rulers, then plot the lengths.
Read a Line Plot
Line plots of leaves, pencils, shells and more, measured to the nearest half inch, with questions.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
In a scaled graph, each picture or each step on the side of a bar graph stands for more than 1, like 2, 5 or 10. Third graders read and make these graphs and answer "how many more" and "how many fewer" questions. They also measure lengths to the nearest half inch and show them on a line plot, where each X stands for one thing that was measured.
What comes next
Quadrilaterals, and more measurement and data in 4th grade.
How to teach it
- Read the key first. Say what one picture is worth before counting.
- Count by the key's number, like 2, 4, 6, 8, and add half a picture as half that number.
- On a bar graph, slide a finger across from the top of the bar to the numbers.
- Measure real things, like pencils or leaves, and make a line plot together.
- For "how many more," find both amounts first, then subtract.
Common mistakes
- Counting each picture as 1 and ignoring the key.
- Reading a bar that stops between two lines as the line below it.
- Starting a ruler at 1 instead of 0 when measuring.