Grade 6 Math · Topic 69

Dot Plots

A dot plot (also called a line plot) shows each data value as a dot above a number line. Dot plots make it easy to spot the mode, range, gaps, and clusters at a glance.

Lesson alignment: 6.SP.B.4 · Take your time. You can return to this lesson whenever you need it.

Explore visually

Build a dot plot from a data set

Place one dot for each observation. Switch to fractional measurements to see how equal eighth-inch intervals place values between whole numbers.

Think first: Where do you expect the dots to stack, and what does each dot represent?

Ready? Reveal the model and try your prediction

Swipe horizontally to see the full diagram.

Turn on JavaScript to adjust this model. The examples and practice below work without it.

Prerequisite connection · Measurement data

Place fractional measurements on a line plot

Measurements can fall between whole numbers. Keep the axis intervals equal, and choose a scale fine enough to include every value. On an axis marked in eighths, 3/8 inch sits one tick after 1/4 and one tick before 1/2.

Leaf lengths (inches): 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 1/2, 3/4, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4.

There are 8 leaves. The modes are 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch; the range is 1 1/4 − 1/4 = 1 inch. In the model above, choose Fractional measurements to see each leaf as one dot.

Follow the worked examples

Read each step, then cover the explanation and see if you can explain why it works.

Worked example 1

A dot plot of pets owned shows: 0:1, 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1 dots. How many students were surveyed?

Total dots = 1+4+3+2+1 = 11 students.

Answer: 11

Worked example 2

From the same dot plot, find the mode and range.

Tallest stack is at 1, so mode = 1. Range = 4 - 0 = 4.

Answer: Mode = 1, Range = 4

Try a few on your own

Work these on paper first. Open “Check” when you are ready to compare your answer.

  1. Total students =
    Check

    15

  2. Mode =
    Check

    2

  3. Range =
    Check

    4

  4. Number who chose 2 =
    Check

    5

  5. Number who chose 4 =
    Check

    1

  6. How many chose at most 1? =
    Check

    5

  7. How many chose at least 3? =
    Check

    5

  8. Sum of all values =
    Check

    29

Try this situation 1

A dot plot shows hours of homework per night: 0:1, 1:3, 2:5, 3:2, 4:1. Find the mode.

Show a worked solution

Answer: 2 hours.

The tallest stack is at 2 with 5 dots.

Try this situation 2

Using the same plot, find the total number of students surveyed.

Show a worked solution

Answer: 12 students.

Start by writing the calculation clearly: 1+3+5+2+1 = 12.

Fresh questions · saved on this device

Practice this skill

11 question pool

Try a fresh set each time. Answer one question, check your thinking, and read the explanation. If you miss one, return to the visual model and try another round.

Choose a session length

Your practice results stay in this browser and appear in the course progress report.

Check what you learned

Answer these five questions on your own. You can review the explanations after you submit and try again whenever you like. This short check is for practice, not a grade.

1. A dot plot shows the number of pets per household. There are 3 dots at 0, 5 dots at 1, 4 dots at 2, and 2 dots at 3. How many households were surveyed in total?

2. A dot plot has 2 dots at 0 books, 3 dots at 1 book, and 1 dot at 2 books. How many students are shown?

3. A dot plot has 2 dots at 0, 5 dots at 1, and 4 dots at 2. What is the mode?

4. The data shown by a dot plot are 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5. What is the median?

5. A leaf-length line plot is marked in eighths. It has 1 dot at 1/4 inch, 1 at 3/8 inch, 2 at 1/2 inch, 2 at 3/4 inch, 1 at 1 inch, and 1 at 1 1/4 inches. What is the range?

Practice and finish

Try the linked topic quiz for more practice. If something is tricky, return to the example and look for the step that changes the numbers or representation.

Open the practice quiz

Your checkmark, skill-practice sessions, and best exit-check score are saved on this browser and device. The course page can download a progress report to share with a tutor or teacher.

More Grade 6 resources

Use these free materials if you want another explanation, extra paper practice, or a broader review.

Browse free Grade 6 topic lessons ↗Print Grade 6 worksheets ↗Review Grade 6 flashcards ↗Open the formula review ↗Try the Statistics & Data quiz ↗Try a full practice test ↗