FastChomp
Practice · Learn · Achieve

Florida Grade 6 Math · Data Analysis and Probability

MA.6.DP.1.3: Reading Box Plots

What this Grade 6 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

Download Free Worksheet (PDF)See worked examples

What Is Benchmark MA.6.DP.1.3?

A box plot shows five numbers: the minimum, lower quartile (Q1), median, upper quartile (Q3), and maximum. Students read these from a box plot and use them to describe the spread of the data.

Each section holds about a quarter of the data. The box shows the middle 50%, from Q1 to Q3. The range is maximum − minimum, and the interquartile range (IQR) is Q3 − Q1.

Official benchmarkGiven a box plot within a real-world context, determine the minimum, the lower quartile, the median, the upper quartile and the maximum. Use this summary of the data to describe the spread and distribution of the data.

On the FAST test: part of the Grade 6 reporting category Geometric Reasoning, Data Analysis, and Probability, which is about 25–36% of the test.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Reading the Five Numbers

A box plot of test scores shows minimum 10, Q1 15, median 22, Q3 30, and maximum 45. Find the range and the IQR.
  1. 1Range: 45 − 10 = 35
  2. 2IQR: 30 − 15 = 15
  3. 3The middle 50% of scores are between 15 and 30.
Answer: Range 35; IQR 15

Worked Example 2

Quarters of the Data

Using the same box plot, about what percent of scores are below 15?
  1. 115 is the lower quartile.
  2. 2About one quarter of the data are below Q1.
Answer: About 25%

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Reading the median as the middle of the box

Wrong:The median is halfway between Q1 and Q3.

The median is the line inside the box, and it is not always in the center.

Thinking a longer section has more data

Wrong:The section from 30 to 45 has more scores because it is longer.

Each section has about 25% of the data. A longer section means those values are more spread out.

Helpful Math Tip

Have your child point to each of the five numbers on a box plot and say what fraction of the data is on each side.

Related Grade 6 Skills

MA.6.DP.1.5

Making Box Plots and Histograms

MA.6.DP.1.2

Mean, Median, Mode, and Range

Make Florida Math Practice More Fun

Help your child build math confidence with original interactive questions aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Mathematics Standards.

Start Practicing Free

Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.