How To Construct a Line Graph On Paper

Step

What To Do

How To Do It

1

Identify the variables

1. Independent Variable -
   (controlled by the experimenter)
• Goes on the X axis (horizontal)
• Should be on the left side of a data table
2. Dependent Variable -
   (changes with the independent variable)
• Goes on the Y axis (vertical)
• Should be on the right side of a data table

2

Determine the variable range.

1. Subtract the lowest data value from the highest data value.
2. Do each variable separately. 

3

Determine the scale of the graph.

1. Determine a scale.
   (the numerical value for each square),
   that best fits the range of each variable.
2. Spread the graph to use MOST of the available space.

4

Number and label each axis.

• This tells what data the lines on your graph represent.

5

Plot the data points.

1. Plot each data value on the graph with a dot.
2. You can put the data number by the dot, if it does not clutter your graph.

6

Draw the graph.

1. Draw a curve or a line that best fits the data points.
2. Most graphs of experimental data are not drawn as "connect-the-dots".

7

Title the graph.

1. Your title should clearly tell what the graph is about.
2. If your graph has more than one set of data, provide a "key" to identify the different lines.