How to Label a Graph

Graphs are a staple part of any science or social science class because they help interpret information and relationships between an independent variable and a dependent variable. In fact, knowing how to label a graph is so crucial for college and future careers that it often crops up on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. By learning how to correctly label a graph, you can avoid losing points on assignments and develop problem solving skills that will be useful for a long time to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by labeling the bottom and side (the axes or variables) of your graph. To do this, you have to know that the independent variable goes on the bottom and that the dependent variable goes on the side. The bottom variable or independent variable is like the x axis in algebra. This is the "input" or the thing that the experimenter is changing. So, think about the information. Which variable "depends" on the other and is the output? This one is the dependent variable and goes on the side. It is often easier to figure out the dependent variable first. For example, if the amount of sunlight available to a plant is changed, and one measured the different heights of the plant, you would write "Amount of sunlight" on the bottom of your graph, and "Height of the plant" on the side. Capitalize the first word (and only the first word) of each variable label.

2. Next, you need to write the units that the independent variable was measured in and the units that the dependent variable was measured in. This goes in parentheses immediately after the variable label itself. For instance, "Amount of sunlight (hours)" or "Amount of sunlight in hours"

3. Then, do the same for the dependent variable. Write its unit of measurement in parentheses after the label or as part of the description such as "in ________." For example, "Height of plant (inches)" or "Height of plant in inches."

4. Finally, now that you have learned how to label a graph with independent variable and the dependent variable, you need to put the title at the top. The title should express a relationship between the two variables. You can do this by putting "vs" or "in terms of" between them or by using the word relationship. You also must include a reference to the units and all of the main words should be capitalized. Here are some examples titles:
   
   Plant Height in Inches vs. Amount of Sunlight in Hours
   or
   Plant Height (inches) in Terms of Amount of Sunlight (hours)
   or
   Relationship Between Plant Height (inches) and Amount of Sunlight (hours)

Tips & Warnings

• When learning how to label a graph, try to think about the dependent variable (output) first and then the independent variable.
• Make sure to capitalize all of the main words in the title and the first words in the independent variable and dependent variable labels of your graph.

Resources

• How to Get Math Homework Help

[dlcass]

on 5/9/2009 Thanks for the tips. Labeling correctly is very important.