Bar Graph
What is a Bar Graph?
A bar graph (or bar chart) is a chart that displays data with rectangular bars,
where the length or height of each bar is proportional to the value it represents.
Bar graphs can be oriented either vertically or horizontally, making them
versatile for visualizing comparisons among categories.
Uses of Bar Graphs:
● Comparing Discrete Categories: Bar graphs are ideal for comparing
different categories, such as product sales, team scores, or survey
responses.
● Showing Discontinuous Data: They work well for plotting discrete data,
where each bar represents a separate, non-continuous value.
● Highlighting Differences Between Groups: The clear visual separation of
bars makes it easy to see which categories have higher or lower values.
Introduction to the Bar Graph Family
The Bar Graph Family includes several types of bar charts, each tailored to
specific visualization needs. These variations allow users to compare multiple
datasets, show proportions within totals, and analyze trends within categories.
The main members of the Bar Graph Family are:
1. Simple Bar Graph: A basic bar chart with separate bars representing
each category.
2. Cumulative/Stacked Bar Graph: A chart that stacks values within each
bar to show how parts contribute to a whole, often displayed as either
percentage-based or value-based.
3. Grouped Bar Graph (Clustered Bar Graph): A chart that groups bars
together for each category to show comparisons within sub-categories.
Each type of bar graph has unique applications, making the Bar Graph Family
versatile for various data interpretation tasks.
1. Simple Bar Graph
Definition and Structure
A simple bar graph displays individual rectangular bars, each representing a
specific category. The length (or height) of each bar is proportional to its value,
making it easy to compare individual categories.
Types of Simple Bar Graphs
1. Vertical Bar Graph:
Bars are oriented vertically, with values displayed along the y-axis and
categories on the x-axis.
2. Horizontal Bar Graph:
Bars are oriented horizontally, with values displayed along the x-axis and
categories on the y-axis.
Key Components
1. Axes:
X-Axis: Often represents categories (e.g., years, teams, products).
Y-Axis: Represents the values or measurements for each category.
2. Bars: Each bar corresponds to a unique category and visually represents
its value.
When to Use a Simple Bar Graph
● Ideal for comparing individual categories, such as yearly sales, product
popularity, or survey responses.
● Useful when there are limited categories, as too many bars can make the
chart difficult to read.
Interpretation Tips
● Observe Bar Heights (or Lengths): Taller (or longer) bars represent
higher values, making it easy to identify the highest and lowest
categories.
● Look for Gaps Between Bars: Significant gaps between bar heights
indicate a large difference between values.
● Compare Similar Bars: Use the bars’ relative size to quickly gauge
differences among categories.
2. Cumulative/Stacked Bar Graph
Definition and Structure
A cumulative bar graph, also known as a stacked bar graph, displays multiple
data series within each bar, showing how individual parts contribute to the total.
Each bar represents a cumulative total, divided into segments that correspond
to specific sub-categories.
Types of Cumulative/Stacked Bar Graphs
1. Percentage-Based Stacked Bar Graph: Each segment represents a
percentage of the total, making it easy to see relative proportions within
each category.
2. Value-Based Stacked Bar Graph: Each segment represents a specific
value, and the total height (or length) of the bar represents the sum of all
values within the category.
Key Components
1. Axes:
X-Axis: Often represents the main categories (e.g., years, departments).
Y-Axis: Shows the cumulative values (for vertical bars) or percentages.
2. Stacked Segments: Each segment in the bar represents a sub-category
and contributes to the overall total.
Core Calculations for Cumulative/Stacked Bar Graphs
1. Finding Individual Segment Values: To find the value of each segment,
subtract the cumulative total up to the previous segment from the
cumulative total including the current segment.
2. Calculating Percentages (for Percentage-Based Graphs):
Formula:
Purpose: Shows the proportion of each segment relative to the whole.
When to Use a Cumulative/Stacked Bar Graph
● Best for showing the composition of categories, like department
contributions to a total budget or team contributions to a score.
● Useful when illustrating how different components make up a whole,
especially in comparisons over time or across groups.
Interpretation Tips
● Examine Segment Sizes: Larger segments indicate a more significant
contribution within the total.
● Compare Proportions Within Each Bar: Use percentage-based stacks to
see the relative importance of each part.
● Identify Patterns Over Time: Look for trends in segment sizes across
bars, which can reveal shifts in proportions or contributions.
3. Grouped Bar Graph (Clustered Bar Graph)
Definition and Structure
A grouped bar graph, also known as a clustered bar graph, groups bars
together for each main category, allowing comparisons between
sub-categories. Each group of bars represents a different main category, with
individual bars showing values for specific sub-categories.
Key Components
1. Axes:
X-Axis: Represents the main categories, with each category containing a
group of bars.
Y-Axis: Shows the values or measurements for each sub-category.
2. Bar Groups: Each group contains bars for different sub-categories,
allowing comparisons within each main category.
When to Use a Grouped Bar Graph
● Ideal for comparing multiple sub-categories within each main category,
such as quarterly sales across regions or scores across departments.
● Useful for spotting trends within groups and comparing values across
multiple groups at once.
Interpretation Tips
● Look for Consistency in Bar Heights: Similar bar heights within a group
indicate balanced values among sub-categories.
● Compare Across Groups: Observe variations between groups to identify
which categories outperform others across different sub-categories.
● Examine Bar Grouping for Patterns: Consistent patterns within groups
can indicate stable trends, while variations may signal shifts over time.
General Tips for Interpreting the Bar Graph Family
1. Examine Axis Labels and Scales: Confirm what each axis represents to
avoid misinterpretation, especially with complex stacked or grouped bar
graphs.
2. Focus on Bar Heights (or Lengths): Taller or longer bars indicate higher
values, providing a quick visual of category importance.
3. Look for Consistency in Bar Spacing: Consistent spacing helps with easy
comparisons. Uneven spacing may signal irregularities or unique
groupings.
4. Calculate Growth or Decline: For time-based bar graphs, use the percent
change formula to measure growth or decline between bars:
5. Compare Segments Within Stacked Bars: In cumulative bar graphs,
analyze each segment’s size to understand its contribution to the whole.
Example Steps for Solving Bar Graph DI Questions
1. Analyze the Graph’s Structure: Identify the type of bar graph (simple,
cumulative, or grouped) and understand the axes and labels.
2. Note Any Units or Scales: Ensure you understand the units used (e.g.,
percentages, thousands) to interpret the values accurately.
3. Focus on Key Values: Locate the highest and lowest bars, largest
segments, or group variations to answer specific questions quickly.
4. Perform Necessary Calculations: For questions on growth, comparison,
or proportion, apply relevant formulas like percent change or segment
percentage.
5. Check for Patterns or Trends: Look for patterns across bars or within
groups to make sense of broader trends in the data.
Summary
The Bar Graph Family offers a range of tools for comparing categories and
analyzing data distributions. From the straightforward simple bar graph to the
stacked bar graph and grouped bar graph, each type serves unique data
interpretation needs. Mastering these variations enhances your ability to
analyze trends, compare categories, and visualize contributions within a dataset
effectively, making bar graphs a powerful tool in data analysis and
interpretation.
Examples:
Example 1: (Simple Line Graph)
Instructions: Study the graph the following times and answer the question
based on it. Two consecutive years of the five branches of a publishing
company (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5) have been sold in 2010 and 2011 (in
thousand) sales of books.
Find out the average of all the companies (in thousands) of sales in 2010.
Solution:
Concept Used:
Average Sales = (Sum of sales of all companies in 2010) / Number of companies
Calculation:
Sum of sales of all companies in 2010 = 56 + 78 + 68 + 56 + 82
⇒ 340 (in thousand)
Number of companies = 5
So, Average Sales in 2010 = 340 / 5 = 68 thousand
The correct answer is 68 thousand.
Example 2: (Multi Bar based)
The graph shows the production of tyres (in Lakhs) by three different
companies X, Y, and Z over the years. Directions: Study the following graph
carefully to answer the question given below it.
What is the percentage increase in production of company X from 2011 to
2012?
Solution:
Given:
Percentage increase in production of company X from 2011 to 2012.
Formula Used:
Percentage Increase = [(Final Value - Initial Value) / Initial Value] × 100
Calculation:
Let the production of company X in 2011 is 40 lakhs and in 2012 is 55 lakhs.
Percentage Increase = [(55 - 40) / 40] × 100
⇒ Percentage Increase = [(15) / 40] × 100 = 0.375 × 100
⇒ Percentage Increase = 37.5%
The correct answer is 37.5%.
Example 3: (Cluster/Grouped Graph based)
Study the given three-dimensional chart and answer the question that
follows.
The chart details the sale of fruits in different months.
Which fruit was the most sold in the month of May and how much more
than the lowest-sold fruit in that month?
Solution:
Formula used:
Difference = Most sold fruit - Lowest sold fruit
Calculation:
Most sold fruit = Apple (70 units)
Lowest sold fruit = Kiwi (42 units)
⇒ Difference = 70 - 42 = 28 units
∴ The most sold fruit in May is Apple, and it sold 28 units more than the
lowest-sold fruit, which is Kiwi.
Example 4:(Cumulative/Stack based)
The questions are based on the Bar graph given below. Read the graph
carefully and answer the questions.
The yearly sales turnover of fashion e-commerce companies Myntra, Ajio,
Limeroad, and Koovs in crores from 2015 to 2020.
1. In which of the given years is the sales turnover of Myntra as a
percentage of the combined sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs the
least?
Solution:
The sales turnover of Myntra in year 2015 = 75 crores
The sales turnover of Ajio in year 2015 = 25 crores
The sales turnover of Koovs in year 2015 = 25 crores
∴ Total sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs in 2015 = 50 crores
∴ Required percentage = (75/50) × 100
⇒ 75 × 2
⇒ 150%
The sales turnover of Myntra in year 2016 = 75 crores
The sales turnover of Ajio in year 2016 = 25 crores
The sales turnover of Koovs in year 2016 = 25 crores
∴ Total sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs in 2016 = 50 crores
∴ Required percentage = (75/50) × 100
⇒ 75 × 2
⇒ 150%
The sales turnover of Myntra in year 2017 = 100 crores
The sales turnover of Ajio in year 2017 = 25 crores
The sales turnover of Koovs in year 2017 = 25 crores
∴ Total sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs in 2017 = 50 crores
∴ Required percentage = (100/50) × 100
⇒ 100 × 2
⇒ 200%
The sales turnover of Myntra in year 2018 = 100 crores
The sales turnover of Ajio in year 2018 = 50 crores
The sales turnover of Koovs in year 2018 = 50 crores
∴ Total sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs in 2018 = 100 crores
∴ Required percentage = (100/100) × 100
⇒ 100 × 1
⇒ 100%
The sales turnover of Myntra in year 2019 = 50 crores
The sales turnover of Ajio in year 2019 = 25 crores
The sales turnover of Koovs in year 2019 = 25 crores
∴ Total sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs in 2019 = 50 crores
∴ Required percentage = (50/50) × 100
⇒ 50 × 2
⇒ 100%
The sales turnover of Myntra in year 2020 = 75 crores
The sales turnover of Ajio in year 2020 = 25 crores
The sales turnover of Koovs in year 2020 = 75 crores
∴ Total sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs in 2020 = 100 crores
∴ Required percentage = (75/100) × 100
⇒ 75 × 1
⇒ 75%
∴ In 2020 the sales turnover of Myntra as a percentage of the combined
sales turnover of Ajio and Koovs is least.
2. What is the ratio of the sales turnover of Myntra and Limeroad in
2018 to that of Ajio and koovs in year 2020?
Solution:
The sales turnover of Myntra in 2018 = 100
The sales turnover of Limeroad in 2018 = 100
∴ the total sales turnover = 100 + 100
⇒ 200
The sales turnover of Ajio in 2020 = 25
The sales turnover of Koovs in 2020 = 75
∴ the total sales turnover = 25 + 75
⇒ 100
∴ Required ratio:
⇒ 200 : 100
⇒2:1
The correct answer is 2 : 1.
3. Find the difference of the total sales turnover of Myntra in 2016 and
2019 to the total sales turnover of Ajio in the same years.
Solution:
The sales turnover of Myntra in 2016 = 75
The sales turnover of Myntra in 2019 = 50
∴ total sales = 75 + 50
⇒ 125
The sales turnover of Ajio in 2016 = 25
The sales turnover of Ajio in 2019 = 25
∴ total sales = 25 + 25
⇒ 50
∴ Required difference = 125 – 50
⇒ 75
∴ The correct answer is 75.
Example 5:(Numeric + Percentage based)
Answer the questions based on the information given below.
The following bar graph shows the total number of voters(Male + female)
and percentage of females in five different Lok Sabha seats in the 2019
election.
General Solution:
Number of voter in lok sabha seat ‘A’ = 1200
Number of female in lok sabha seat ‘A’ = 40/100 × 1200 = 480
Number of male lok sabha seat ‘A’ = 1200 – 480 = 720
Similarly,
Lok sabha seat Total number of Number of Number of male
voter female
A 1200 480 720
B 1750 910 840
C 1500 720 780
D 1250 700 550
E 1400 840 560
Total 7100 3650 3450
1. The number of voters in Lok Sabha Seat D increased by 20% in the
next election 2024 and the ratio of females to males became 8 : 7.
Find an approximate percentage increase in the number of male
voters of Look Sabha Seat 'D' in election 2024.
Solution:
Number of voter in lok sabha seat D in 2024= 1250 × 120/100 = 1500
Number of female in lok sabha seat D in 2024 = 8/15 × 1500 = 800
Number of male in lok sabha seat D in 2024= 7/15 × 1500 = 700
Required percent = (700-550)/550 × 100 = 3/11 × 100 = 27.27
The correct answer is 27.27.
2. Find the respective ratio between the total number of male voter in
lok sabha seat B and lok sabha seat E together and the total number
of male voter in lok sabha seat A and C together.
Solution:
Total number male voter in lok sabha seat B and lok sabha seat E= 840 + 560 =
1400
Total number of male voter in lok sabha seat A and C together = 720 + 780 =
1500
Required ratio = 1400 : 1500 = 14 : 15
The correct answer is 14 : 15.
3. If the number of female voter in lok sabha seat A in 2024 was 25%
more than the number of females in the same lok sabha seat in 2019,
and the ratio of the number of male voters and the number of female
voters in the lok sabha seat in 2024 was 4 : 3, then find the increase in
the number of male voters in lok sabha seat A in 2024.
Solution:
Number of Female in lok sabha seat A in 2024 = 480 × 125/100 = 600
Number of male lok sabha seat A in 2024 = 600 × 4/3 = 800
Required number = 800 – 720 = 80
The correct answer is 80.
Example 6: (Double bar graph based)
Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given
below.
The bar graph given below shows the average of the number of Greenboard
markers and Whiteboard markers sold by five different sellers L, M, N, O
and P and the difference between the number of (Greenboard markers –
whiteboard markers) sold by these five different sellers.
The second Bar graph given below shows the price (in Rs.) at which each
greenboard marker and each whiteboard marker were sold by five sellers.
General Solution:
For seller L:
Total number of markers (Greenboard + Whiteboard) marker sold = 480 × 2 =
960----→ (1)
Number of (Greenboard – Whiteboard) markers sold = 480 ----→ (2)
On solving equation (1) and (2), we get
Number of Greenboard markers sold = 720
Number of Whiteboard markers sold = 240
Total amount earned by selling Greenboard marker = 720 × 50 = Rs. 36000
Total amount earned by selling Whiteboard marker = 240 × 40 = Rs. 9600
Similarly, we can get other values also
Seller Number of Amount (in Number of Amount (in
Greenboard Rs.) by Whiteboard Rs.) by
markers sold Greenboard markers sold selling
markers whiteboard
markers
L 720 36000 240 9600
M 640 12800 440 13200
N 480 38400 160 8000
O 840 25200 600 12000
P 960 38400 640 38400
1. Find the average amount earned by M after selling Whiteboard
markers and amount earned by P after selling Greenboard markers.
Solution:
Amount earned by seller M for selling Whiteboard marker= Rs. 13200
Amount earned by seller P for selling Greenboard marker= Rs.38400
Required average = {(13200 + 38400)/2} = (51600/2) = Rs. 25800.
The correct answer is Rs. 25800.
2. Find the difference between the amount earned by seller L after
selling Greenboard marker and seller O after selling Whiteboard
marker.
Solution:
Amount earned by seller L for selling Greenboard marker=Rs.36000
Amount earned by seller O for selling Whiteboard marker=Rs.12000
Required difference = 36000 – 12000 = Rs. 24000
The correct answer is Rs. 24000.
3. Find the ratio of the number of Greenboard markers sold by seller N
to the number of Whiteboard markers sold by seller O.
Solution:
Number of Greenboard markers sold by seller N = 480
Number of Whiteboard markers sold by seller O = 600
Required ratio = 480:600 = 4 : 5
The correct answer is 4 : 5.
Example 7: (Arithmetic based)
Directions: Answer the questions based on the information given below.
The following bar graph shows the data regarding the probability
percentage of randomly drawing a different color ball (Black, Red, White,
Blue, and Yellow) from two boxes P and Q.
Note 1: Total number of blue color balls in box P is 10 and the total number
of yellow color balls in box Q is 10.
Note 2: The probability of drawing a yellow color ball from box P is 8/25.
Note 3: The probability of drawing a blue color ball from box Q is 1/10.
General Solution:
Probability percentage of selecting a black color ball from box P = 16%
Probability percentage of selecting a red color ball from box P = 24%
Probability percentage of selecting a white color ball from box P = 8%
Probability percentage of selecting a (Blue + Yellow) ball from box P = 100% - (16
+ 24 + 8)% = 52%
The probability of drawing a yellow color ball from bag A is 8/25.
Therefore, probability percentage of selecting a yellow color ball from box P =
(8/25) × 100 = 32%
Probability percentage of selecting a (Blue + Yellow) ball from box P = 52%
Hence, probability percentage of selecting a blue color ball from box P = 52 - 32
= 20%
Total number of blue color balls in bag A = 10
⇒ 10/T = 20/100
⇒ T = 50
∴ Total number of balls in box P = T = 50
Probability percentage of selecting a black color ball from box Q = 15%
Probability percentage of selecting a red color ball from box Q = 20%
Probability percentage of selecting a white color ball from box Q = 30%
Probability percentage of selecting a (Blue + Yellow) ball from box Q = 100% -
(15 + 20 + 30)% = 35%
The probability of drawing a blue colored ball from the box is 1/10.
Therefore, probability percentage of selecting a blue color ball from box Q =
(1/10) × 100 = 10%
Probability percentage of selecting a (Blue + Yellow) ball from box Q = 35%
Hence, probability percentage of selecting a yellow color ball from box Q = 35 -
10 = 25%
Total number of yellow color balls in box Q = 10
⇒ 10/T = 25/100 ⇒ T = 40
∴ Total number of balls in box Q = T = 40
Putting all the values in a table we get
Color Box P Box Q
Black 16% × 50 = 8 15% × 40 = 6
Red 24% × 50 = 12 20% × 40 = 8
White 8% × 50 = 4 30% × 40 = 12
Blue 20% × 50 = 10 10% × 40 = 4
Yellow 32% × 50 = 16 25% × 40 = 10
1. If one ball from each bag is drawn at random, then what is the
probability of the event, that one red ball is from box Q and one
yellow ball is from box P?
Solution:
The probability of the event, that one red ball is from box Q and one yellow ball
is from box P = (8/40) × (16/50) = 8/125
The correct answer is 8/125.
2. If 10 balls are taken out from box P and put into box Q and now the
probability of selecting a blue ball from box P is 3/20, then what is
the probability of selecting a blue ball from box Q after transferring?
Solution:
If 10 balls are taken out from box P and put into box Q and then the total
number of balls in box Q = 40 + 10 = 50 and remaining balls in box P = 50 -10 =
40
Now the probability of selecting a blue ball from box P = 3/20.
Let the total number of blue balls in box P now = B
Therefore, B/40 = 3/20
⇒B=6
∴ Total number of blue balls transferred from box P to box Q = 10 - 6 = 4
Therefore, the probability of selecting a blue ball from box Q after transferring =
(4 + 4)/50 = 4/25
The correct answer is 4/25.
3. What is the sum of the total number of balls in box P and box Q
together?
Solution:
The sum of the total number of balls in box P and box Q together = 50 + 40 = 90
The correct answer is 90.
Example 8: (Variable Based)
Directions: Answer the questions based on the information given below.
Different numbers of people are travelling to their cities by train either in
general or in sleeper coaches. The bar graph given below shows the number
of people travelling to their cities by five different trains namely P, Q, R, S,
and T. It also shows the percentage of people travelling in sleeper coaches
on a train out of the total number of people travelling in the train. The total
number of people travelling by all the five trains together is 1.25x2.
General Solution:
The total number of people travelling by all the five trains together is 1.25x2.
15x + 22.5x + 20x + 17.5x + 25x = 1.25x2
1.25x2 = 100x
x = 100/1.25
x = 80
Putting all the values in a table we get
Trains Total number of Number of Number of
people travelling people travelling people travelling
in Sleeper in General
coaches coaches
P 15 × 80 = 1200 65% × 1200 = 780 1200 - 780 = 420
Q 22.5 × 80 = 1800 55% × 1800 = 990 1800 - 990 = 810
R 20 × 80 = 1600 68.5% × 1600 = 1600 - 1096 = 504
1096
S 17.5 × 80 = 1400 38% × 1400 = 532 1400 - 532 = 868
T 25 × 80 = 2000 48.75% × 2000 = 2000 - 975 = 1025
975
1. What is the average number of people travelling in general coaches
of trains R, S, and T?
Solution:
Average number of people travelling in general coaches of trains R, S, and T =
(504 + 868 + 1025)/3 = 799
The correct answer is 799.
2. The total number of people travelling in general coaches of train P
and train Q together is how much percentage more than the number
of people travelling in general coach of train T?
Solution:
The total number of people travelling in general coaches of train P and train Q
together = 420 + 810 = 1230
Required% = [(1230 - 1025)/1025] × 100 = 20%
The correct answer is 20%.
3. The number of people travelling in sleeper coach of train T is how
much percent more than the number of people travelling in sleeper
coach of train P?
Solution:
Required% = [(975 - 780)/780] × 100 = 25%
The correct answer is 25%.