Quantitative Aptitude
Data Interpretation
Data Interpretation
Data Interpretation (DI) involves reading and analysing data presented as tables, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, or text caselets. Exam questions test speed and accuracy in extracting the right numbers and applying basic percentage, ratio, or change formulas.
Key Idea
Identify the 'total' and the 'unit' of the data before touching the options — 90 % of DI errors come from reading the wrong row, column, or scale.
Core Formulas
Percentage Share (Table / Bar DI)
Percentage = (Part / Whole) × 100
When asked what share a row or bar holds in the overall total — identify the correct 'whole' from headers first.
Bar Chart Visual Ratio
Ratio = Height of Bar A : Height of Bar B (no absolute values needed)
For ratio or comparison questions from bar charts; read relative heights visually and avoid computing absolute figures when both bars share the same scale.
Pie Chart Sector Value
Sector Value = (Angle / 360) × Total | Percentage = Angle / 3.6
Convert a pie sector's angle to an absolute value or a percentage; compute the total once and reuse it for every question in the set.
Percentage Change (Line Graph DI)
% Change = ((New − Old) / Old) × 100
For trend or growth-rate questions on line graphs; check the sign first — a negative result means decrease, which immediately eliminates any option greater than the original value.
Caselet — Extract & Label
Convert text → table: rows = entities, columns = attributes; mark given vs. computed values
Before solving any paragraph-based DI set; writing out the extracted numbers as a mini-table prevents misreads and saves time across all sub-questions.
Relevant Exams
DI is the single highest-weightage section in banking (IBPS PO / SBI PO Prelims & Mains) and carries 15–20 marks in SSC CGL Tier 2. Speed on approximation and ratio shortcuts directly determines the score.