In tables, data is given in rows and columns. In DI questions based on tables, we are required to read data from a table/s, and answer the given questions on the basis of the data.

What does a Data Interpretation Table represent?

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Data Interpretation questions on Tables are very common in competitive exams. The boxes of the table consist of different type of information like facts and figures, etc. Generally the first row and column of the table denote the titles. Unlike other DI questions such as Pie Charts or Bar Graphs it is more difficult and time consuming to interpret data in tabular form.

Thus we bring to you tips to crack Data Interpretation Tables questions.

• Before solving a question, read the table very carefully as even minute detail may change the question entirely. Understand the instructions carefully to avoid wastage of time while calculating data.
• Try to use approximation technique i.e. if the answer options are wide then time should not be wasted to calculate exact figures. But if one of the options is 'none of the above' a close approximation is required.
• Be attentive about the units present in the Table and those asked in answer options. A mistake in units may yield in different answers.
• Also keep in mind whether the answer options are given in decimal or percentage. Such type of errors easily occurs in DI - Tables and is avoidable.

The kind of questions that appear from this area will be better understood with the help of the following example.

Data Interpretation Tables: Solved Examples

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DIRECTIONS: Read the table given below and answer the questions accordingly.

Shares traded on Bangalore, Madras, Bombay Stock Exchanges

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(In Rupees)

	Bangalore		Madras		Bombay		Total
Name of the company	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low
Colgate	438	396	420	395	452.5	413.75	1310.5	1204.75
L & T	148	140	189.5	180	190	180	527.5	500
NEPC Tea	28	22.75	28.25	23	29	24.5	85.25	70.25
Reliance	190.5	177	189	177.5	191.25	177.5	570.75	532
Tata Steel	160	143	158	140.5	161.25	142.5	479.25	426

Example 1: The average of the high rates of share in all the three Stock Exchanges for NEPC Tea is

Solution: The last column is the total of all three stock exchanges (high rates and low rates, resp.) for every company. So, the average for NEPC high rates = 85.25/3= Rs. 28.42. Hence, the answer is 1st option.

Alternatively, We know that, average has to lie somewhere in between the two extreme values. Here, the values are 28, 28.25 and 29. The second and third options are out of this range and fourth option is too close to the higher end. Thus, the only option left is the first one and hence, that is the answer.

Example 2: For Reliance, the low rate of share is less than the average of the low rates of shares of the same company, in the Stock Exchange at

Solution: Average of low rates of shares of Reliance = (177.5+177.5+177)/3> 177, which is the low rate of share of Reliance at Bangalore stock exchange. So, the correct option is 3.

Alternatively, We know that, the city having the smallest value will be lesser than the average and the city having the largest value will be definitely more than the average. Using this logic, the answer can be marked as Bangalore.

Example 3: For Tata Steel, the ratio of the high rate of share to the low rate is maximum in the Stock Exchange at

Solution: At Bangalore Stock Exchange, ratio of high rate to low rate = (160/143) = 1.11;

At Madras Stock Exchange, ratio of high rate to low rate = (158/140.5) = 1.12; At Bombay Stock Exchange, ratio of high rate to low rate = (161.25/142.5) = 1.13. As the maximum ratio is in Bombay, it will be the answer. Hence, the answer option is 3.

Example 4: The low rate of share in L & T at Madras Stock Exchange bears a ratio, to the total low rate of share of the same company, of

Solution: Low rate of share of L & T at Madras Stock Exchange = Rs. 180.

Total of low rate of share of L & T in all three Stock Exchanges = Rs. 500. Ratio of (i)/(ii)= 180/500 = 9/25. Hence, the answer is 4^th option.

Data Interpretation-Tables: Key Learning

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• In this article, you learned what a Data Interpretation Table represents and what are the things to keep in mind while solving Data Interpretation Tables.
• An expertise in solving Data Interpretation Tables will give you an edge over other students as Data Interpretation sets are the most commonly asked questions in many competitive exams.

For any query about the topic or any other information, do write in the comment box given below.

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