DfE statement S2 · Statistics
Tables, charts and diagrams for data
Tables, charts and diagrams for data is content statement S2 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the statistics area. It is on both tiers, and it appears on both the calculator and the non-calculator papers. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 4 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.
What the specification says
The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Interpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams, including frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data, tables and line graphs for time series data, and know their appropriate use." (statement S2). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
Tier
Both tiers. This statement is Foundation content, which means Higher students are examined on it too — Higher is Foundation plus more, never instead of it.
Calculator
This turns up on both the non-calculator and the calculator papers, so practise it both ways — the written method for Paper 1 and the efficient calculator route for Papers 2 and 3.
Common mistakes
- Calculating pie chart angles as the frequency itself rather than frequency ÷ total × 360°.
- Drawing a bar chart with unequal bar widths or with no scale on the frequency axis.
- Ignoring the key on a pictogram, so half a symbol is counted as one item.
- Leaving gaps between bars for continuous data, or joining points on a bar chart that should not be joined.
Sample questions (10 of 30)
Nearby statements
Questions people ask
Is tables, charts and diagrams for data on Foundation or Higher?
Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.
Can I use a calculator for tables, charts and diagrams for data?
It depends on the paper. Paper 1 is non-calculator; Papers 2 and 3 allow one, and this topic is asked on both kinds.
What is the single most common mistake here?
Calculating pie chart angles as the frequency itself rather than frequency ÷ total × 360°.
Are these past paper questions?
No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.
Back to Statistics at Foundation or at Higher.