3rd Grade Scaled Graphs and Line Plots Test with Answer Key (Free PDF)

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This 3rd grade bar graphs test covers scaled graphs and line plots (Common Core 3.MD.B.3, 3.MD.B.4), with a free PDF to print.

Key takeaway: This test helps Grade 3 teachers and parents check whether students can read and make scaled graphs and line plots.

  • Topic: Scaled Graphs and Line Plots (3rd grade)
  • Content: 8 questions with point values, about 45 minutes
  • Standards: 3.MD.B.3, 3.MD.B.4
  • Answers: On a separate page, so you can try every worksheet problem first
  • Format: Free printable PDF, US Letter, black and white

This test helps Grade 3 teachers and parents check whether students can read and make scaled graphs and line plots. It covers picture graphs with a key, bar graphs with a scale, measuring to the nearest fourth inch, and line plots.

The test has 8 questions worth 20 points. First, students read a picture graph and a bar graph, and measure a paper strip. Then they read a line plot of seedlings, make a graph from a club table, and solve picture graph problems. Finally, they make a line plot from nine pencil stubs. Allow 45 minutes for the whole test, and give each student a ruler.

This test checks scaled picture graphs, scaled bar graphs, measuring to the half and fourth inch, and line plots. It has 8 questions worth 20 points. Read each key and scale first, show your work, and finish in 45 minutes.

Time and points

About this test
  • Grade: Grade 3
  • Chapter: Scaled Graphs and Line Plots
  • Standards: 3.MD.B.3, 3.MD.B.4
  • Time: 45 minutes
  • Total: 20 points

3rd grade bar graphs test: questions

1 – Favorite pets [3 pts]

First, each star stands for 4 students.

Favorite PetsDogCatFishBirdKey: each star = 4 students; half star = 2 students
Picture graph for Question 1.
  1. How many students chose cats?
  2. Also, how many more students chose dogs than fish?
  3. Also, how many students answered in all?

2 – Hot chocolate [3 pts]

Next, use the bar graph.

Cups of Hot Chocolate SoldCups010203040506070MonTueWedThu
Bar graph for Question 2.
  1. Also, how many cups were sold on Wednesday?
  2. Also, how many more cups were sold on Tuesday than on Thursday?
  3. How many cups were sold on the four days?

3 – Measure the strip [2 pts]

Then, a paper strip is shown.

strip0123456inches
Ruler for Question 3.
  1. Write the length of the strip to the nearest fourth of an inch.
  2. A second strip is one fourth of an inch longer. How long is it?

4 – Bean plants [2 pts]

Now, the line plot shows the heights of sunflower seedlings.

Sunflower Heights123Length (inches)
Line plot for Question 4.
  1. How many seedlings are 2 inches tall?
  2. How many seedlings are shorter than 2 inches?

5 – Club members [3 pts]

Also, the table shows how many students joined each club.

Club Students
Chess 20
Art 35
Drama 15
Band 30

Make a bar graph for the data. Use a scale that counts by 5. Give the graph a title and label the bars.

Question 6 and after

6 – Stars for students [2 pts]

First, in a picture graph, each star stands for 10 students.

  1. How many stars show 60 students?
  2. Also, how can 45 students be shown?

7 – Bakery sales [2 pts]

Next, each star stands for 6 muffins and a half star stands for 3. On Saturday the bakery sold 4 whole stars and 1 half star. On Sunday it sold 3 whole stars.

  1. Also, how many more muffins were sold on Saturday?
  2. How many muffins were sold on both days?

8 – Pencil stubs [3 pts]

Then, nine pencil stubs have these lengths in inches: \(2\frac{1}{4}\), \(2\frac{1}{2}\), \(2\frac{1}{4}\), \(3\), \(2\frac{3}{4}\), \(2\frac{1}{4}\), \(3\), \(2\frac{1}{2}\), \(3\frac{1}{4}\). Make a line plot of the data.

See the solutions: Scaled Graphs and Line Plots test solutions

Key facts behind this 3rd grade bar graphs test

Key facts
  • The key tells what one symbol is worth; a half symbol is worth half.
  • Next, on a bar graph, read the scale before reading a bar.
  • A bar halfway between two lines is halfway between their values.
  • Then, a ruler is marked in inches, halves, and fourths.
  • On a line plot, each X is one measurement.

Common mistakes with this 3rd grade bar graphs test

  • When reading a picture graph, students count each star as one. Read the key first, then skip count by its value.
  • Also, when reading a bar graph, students guess the value of a bar between lines. Then, find the halfway value and read the scale carefully.
  • When making a line plot, students put the Xs at the wrong marks. Next, check each measurement against the number line as you place its X.

Test-taking strategy

  • Read the title, key, and scale before every graph question. It takes ten seconds and prevents common errors. Then check the result once more before moving on.
  • When drawing a graph, choose a scale that fits the largest number. Also label the graph with a title and axis labels.
  • Also, parents can practice measuring household objects to the nearest fourth inch with a ruler. In other words, slow and careful work pays off here.

Download the 3rd grade bar graphs test as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.

3rd grade bar graphs test: frequently asked questions

How should a student choose a scale for a bar graph?

Look at the greatest number in the data and pick a scale that counts evenly and fits it, such as by 2s, 5s, or 10s. Then draw each bar to the correct height. Also, label the scale and give the graph a title.

How can students check that a line plot is correct?

Count the Xs and compare with the number of measurements. They should match. Then check that each X sits above the correct mark on the number line. As a result, small mistakes are easier to catch.

What should a student do with a half symbol in a picture graph?

Use half of the key value. If each star is 8 muffins, a half star is 4. Then, add the full stars and the half star to find the row total. Also, saying the steps aloud helps you spot a slip.

All Grade 3 chapters: Grade 3 math.

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3rd Grade Scaled Graphs and Line Plots Test with Answer Key

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