3rd Grade Scaled Graphs and Line Plots Test with Answer Key (Free PDF)
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
- 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]
- How many students chose cats?
- Also, how many more students chose dogs than fish?
- Also, how many students answered in all?
2 – Hot chocolate [3 pts]
- Also, how many cups were sold on Wednesday?
- Also, how many more cups were sold on Tuesday than on Thursday?
- How many cups were sold on the four days?
3 – Measure the strip [2 pts]
- Write the length of the strip to the nearest fourth of an inch.
- A second strip is one fourth of an inch longer. How long is it?
4 – Bean plants [2 pts]
- How many seedlings are 2 inches tall?
- How many seedlings are shorter than 2 inches?
5 – Club members [3 pts]
| 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]
- How many stars show 60 students?
- Also, how can 45 students be shown?
7 – Bakery sales [2 pts]
- Also, how many more muffins were sold on Saturday?
- How many muffins were sold on both days?
8 – Pencil stubs [3 pts]
Key facts behind this 3rd grade bar graphs test
- 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.
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