# GMAT Graphics Interpretation: Method and Traps | topin

GMAT guidesGraphics Interpretation

Section

Data Insights

Graphics

Bar and line charts, scatter plots, pie charts, Venn diagrams, flow charts and more

Format

Sentences with drop-down blanks, each with several options

Scoring

No partial credit; every blank must be right

Calculator

On-screen calculator available

## How it works

Each blank has its own short list of options, and you choose one per blank. The sentences often ask for a percentage change, a ratio, a trend or the point where something happens. Because answers are drop-down options, you can often estimate and still land on the right one.

## Worked example

A bar chart shows the number of cups of coffee a café sold each month: January 2,400; February 2,000; March 2,300; April 2,700; May 3,100; June 3,500\. Complete each statement from the chart. 1\. Sales in June were \[43% / 46% / 75% / 175%\] higher than sales in February. 2\. The largest percentage increase from one month to the next came in \[March / April / May / June\].

Show the answer

1: 75% 2: April

1: (3,500 - 2,000) / 2,000 = 1,500 / 2,000 = 75%. 43% divides by June instead of February, 46% compares June with January, and 175% is June as a percentage of February. 2: The monthly rises are March +300 on 2,000 (15%), April +400 on 2,300 (about 17.4%), May +400 on 2,700 (about 14.8%) and June +400 on 3,100 (about 12.9%). April is largest. The trap is picking a month with an equal absolute rise; the same rise on a bigger base is a smaller percentage.

## A method for Graphics Interpretation

1. 1  
### Read the graphic's labels first  
Note the title, axis labels, units and scale, and any legend. Check whether values are totals, percentages or indexed figures.
2. 2  
### Read the whole sentence  
Understand what each blank needs, such as 'percent higher than' or 'the earliest month', before looking at the options.
3. 3  
### Check the options before calculating  
If the options are far apart, estimate from the chart. If they are close, calculate with the on-screen calculator.
4. 4  
### Solve each blank separately  
Blanks are usually independent, so finish one before starting the next, and check both before you submit.

## Traps to avoid

* Using the wrong base for a percentage change, such as dividing by the later value.
* Confusing an absolute change with a percentage change.
* Misreading a scale that does not start at zero, which makes differences look larger than they are.
* Reading from the wrong series in a chart with several lines or bar colours.

## Graphics Interpretation FAQs

What kinds of charts appear in GMAT Graphics Interpretation?

Bar and line charts, scatter plots, pie charts, Venn diagrams, flow charts and similar graphics. The method is the same for all: read the labels, units and scale first.

Is there partial credit on Graphics Interpretation?

No. Every drop-down blank must be right for the question to count as correct.

How do I get faster at GMAT Graphics Interpretation?

Look at the options before calculating. When they are far apart, a rough reading of the chart is enough, which saves calculator time for close calls.

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