3rd Grade · Measurement & Data
3.MD.B.3: Read bar graphs and picture graphs to answer "how many more?"
3.MD.B.3 is a 3rd grade Common Core math standard in Measurement & Data. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step "how many more" and "how many less" problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets.
In plain words
Read bar graphs and picture graphs to answer "how many more?"
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Look at the bar graph. How many more students chose Green as their favorite color than Blue?
- 10
- 4
- 6
Where students can get stuck
- Ignoring the key and counting each picture as one, so 4 stars worth 5 books each reads as 4 books instead of 20.
- Guessing at a bar that ends between lines, reading halfway between 10 and 20 as 11 or 19 instead of 15.
- Adding when the question asks how many more, so 30 books and 20 books gives 50 instead of 10.
Effective teaching strategies
- Start every graph by reading the key and the scale out loud, such as one picture stands for 5 books.
- Have students decide what the halfway mark is worth before they read a bar that ends between two lines.
- Ask students to say whether a question wants the total or the difference, and write the matching equation, such as 30 - 20 for how many more.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 3.MD.B.3 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Zearn Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Reading picture graphs and bar graphs for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice measurement and data at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.