Line plots with fractions worksheets
Aligned with Common Core 4.MD.B.4
Printable fourth-grade line plot worksheets and a how-to teaching page: making line plots with measurements in halves, fourths and eighths, reading line plots, and line plot word problems with fractions.
The worksheets
- See it all
How to Make a Line Plot with Fractions
Eight pencil lengths in fourths of an inch plotted on a line plot, then read to find a count, a difference and a total.
Make a Line Plot
Lists of measurements in halves, fourths and eighths to plot. Fewer has one plot, and Standard and More have two. More uses eighths.
Read a Line Plot
A line plot with questions about counts, the most common measurement, differences, totals and more than. More has six questions.
Line Plot Word Problems
A line plot with story problems that add and subtract fractions, like totals and differences.
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
A line plot shows data on a number line, with an X for each measurement. In fourth grade the measurements are in fractions of a unit, like 5 1/4 inches or 3/8 liter. Children make line plots from a list of data, then use them to answer questions by adding and subtracting fractions, like finding the difference between the longest and shortest measurement.
What comes next
Angles, where children measure with a protractor.
How to teach it
- Measure real objects, like pencils or leaves, to the nearest 1/4 or 1/8 inch and plot them.
- Label every mark on the number line before plotting.
- Cross off each piece of data as it is plotted so none are missed or plotted twice.
- Stack the Xs neatly so they are easy to count.
- Use the fraction skills from adding and subtracting fractions to answer the questions.
Common mistakes
- Skipping marks on the number line, like jumping from 1/4 to 3/4.
- Plotting a value at the wrong mark, especially with eighths.
- Counting marks instead of Xs.
- Forgetting to change answers like 6/4 to a mixed number.