GMAT DI – Graphic Interpretation

Understanding Graphic Interpretation

Graphic Interpretation questions in the GMAT Data Insights (DI) section test your ability to analyze and extract information from visual data representations, such as:

  • Bar graphs
  • Line charts
  • Scatter plots
  • Pie charts
  • Tables

Each question presents a visual data representation followed by fill-in-the-blank style statements where you must select the correct answer from a dropdown menu.

Top Tips for GMAT Graphic Interpretation

1. Read the Title and Labels First

– Always start by understanding what the chart or graph represents.

– Identify the axes, units, and trends before analyzing details.

2. Identify Trends and Relationships

– Look for increasing/decreasing patterns, fluctuations, and peak values.

– If it’s a **scatter plot**, identify correlations (positive, negative, or none).

3. Approximate When Necessary

– Exact calculations may not be needed—estimate values if possible.

– Use benchmarks (e.g., 50%, 25%) to quickly gauge proportions.

4. Watch for Misleading Scales

– Check whether the scale starts at **zero** or has gaps.

– Look for different measurement units across axes or multiple charts.

5. Be Precise in Answer Selection

– GMAT Graphic Interpretation questions often include close answer choices. Verify that your selection is **fully supported by the graph**.

Here are some Practice Questions to test your understanding.

Question # 01

Refer to the above Venn diagram summarizing the online shopping behavior of customers during the holiday season. Customers are categorized by their shopping category sets (Set 1: Electronics, Set 2: Clothing, and Set 3: Did Not Shop Online). The total customer population is 500.

Question #01

What is the probability that a randomly selected customer purchased Electronics and Clothing?

  • A. 1 out of 5
  • B. 1 out of 10
  • C. 1 out of 4
  • D. 3 out of 25

Question #02

What is the probability that a randomly selected customer purchased Clothing and Did Not Shop Online?

  • A. 1 out of 2
  • B. 1 out of 4
  • C. 1 out of 5
  • D. 3 out of 20

Question #03

If a randomly selected customer purchased Clothing, what is the probability that the customer will also purchase Electronics?

  • A. 1 out of 2
  • B. 1 out of 3
  • C. 1 out of 4
  • D. 2 out of 5

Question # 02

The graph models the hypothetical population of a certain bird species (in thousands) in a specific habitat over a period of 50 years. Points A, B, and C represent the population at years 15, 30, and 45, respectively.

Question #01

For the populations at integer values of the year from 15 to 50, the average (arithmetic mean) population falls approximately between ___________ thousand birds.

  • A. 50
  • B. 70
  • C. 90

Question #02

The percent change in the population from year 15 to year 30 is approximately ____________ the percent change in the population from year 30 to year 45.

  • A. 1.5 times
  • B. 2 times
  • C. Equal to