How to Make a Line Graph

10 authors | 23 revisions | Last updated: November 26, 2012

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Line graphs provide a visual representation of the relationship between variables and how that relationship changes. For example, you might make a line graph to show how an animal's growth rate varies over time, or how a city's average high temperature varies from month to month. You can also graph more than one data set on the same line graph, as long as it relates the same two variables. For example: You could graph the average monthly high temperature and the average low temperature for a given city on the same graph, because all the data still applies to the same two variables: temperature and month.
EditSteps

1. 1
Draw a large cross in the middle of your graph paper. This represents the two axes -- one vertical, one horizontal. The vertical axis is designated the Y-axis and the horizontal as the X-axis. The place where the lines cross is called the origin. Ads by Google

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The areas below the X-axis and to the left of the Y-axis represent negative numbers. If your data set doesn't include negative numbers, you can omit those portions of the graph.

2. 2

Label each axis with the variable it represents. To continue the temperature-time example from the introduction, you would label the x-axis as months during the year, and the y-axis as temperature.

3. 3
Identify the range of data you have to include for each variable. To continue the temperature-time example, you'd select a range that was large enough to include the highest and lowest temperatures you plan to graph.

4. 4
Decide how many units every line on the graph represents for each of your variables. You might designate a scale of 10 degrees Fahrenheit (12.22 degrees Celsius) per line to measure temperature along the Y-axis, and a scale of one month per line to measure time along the X-axis.
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Label several of the lines along each axis with the scale measurements. You don't need to label every line, but you should space the labeled line at regular intervals along the axis.

5. 5
Plot your data on the graph. For example: If the high temperature in your hometown was 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 degrees Celsius) in January, locate the "January" line on the X-axis and the "40 degrees" line on the Y-axis. Trace both lines to the point where they intersect. Place a dot on the intersection. Repeat for all your other data.

6. 6
Connect the left-most dot and the dot to its right with a straight line. Continue connecting the dots, one by one, working from left to right.
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If you're graphing multiple data sets on the graph, use a distinctive color of pen, or style of line, for the first data set. Place an example of the color/line style off to the side of the graph and label it with the name of the information being displayed. For example: "High Temperatures." Repeat steps 8 and 9 for the next data set, using a different-color pen or a different style of line for each data set.

Place an example of the second line color/style in the margin and label it, too. For example, you could use a red pen to graph high temperatures, then use a blue pen to graph low temperatures over the same period on the same graph. Continue repeating steps 8 and 9 for each remaining data set you want to include on the graph.

7. 7
Write the graph's title at the top of the page. For example: Average Monthly High and Low Temperatures in Seattle, 2009. Ads by Google

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EditThings

You'll Need

Graph paper Pen or pencil Ruler Ads by Google

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EditSources

and Citations

http://www.saburchill.com/facts/facts0013.html

http://staff.tuhsd.k12.az.us/gfoster/standard/bgraph.htm

Making scientific graphs with Microsoft Excel

Making scientific graphs on graph paper

Graphs are a useful tool in science. The visual characteristics of a graph make trends in data easy to see. One of the most valuable uses for graphs is to "predict" data that is not measured on the graph.

Extrapolate: extending the graph, along the same slope, above or below measured data. example Interpolate: predicting data between two measured points on the graph. example

How To Construct a Line Graph On Paper

Step What To Do How To Do It
a. Independent Variable (controlled by the experimentor)

Goes on the X axis (horizontal)

Should be on the left side of a data table.

Identify the
1

b. Dependent Variable -

variables

(changes with the independent variable)

Goes on the Y axis (vertical)

Should be on the right side of a data table.

Determine the
2

variable range.

a. Subtract the lowest data value from the highest data value. b. Do each variable separately.

a. Determine a scale,

Determine the
3

(the numerical value for each square) ,

scale of the graph.

that best fits the range of each variable. b. Spread the graph to use MOST of the available space.

Number and

label each axis.

This tells what data the lines on your graph represent.

Plot the data

5

points.

a. Plot each data value on the graph with a dot. b. You can put the data number by the dot, if it does not clutter your graph. a. Draw a curve or a line that best fits the data points. b. Most graphs of experimental data are not drawn as "connect-the-dots". a. Your title should clearly tell what the graph is about. b. If your graph has more than one set of data, provide a "key" to identify the different lines.

Draw the
6

graph.

Title the
7

graph.

Graphing resources:

Practice for Graphing and Interpreting Data Graph Paper Science Graph Evaluation Rubrics

Research Links:

More about graphs

- Honolulu Community College