Calculating Standard Error Bars for a Graph

_
Step 1 Calculate the Mean ( X )

_
n
X = 1 Xi
n i=1

_
Xi
X = i=1
n

n is the sample size (how many numbers

comprise the data set)
Xi is the symbol for the value of one of the
numbers comprising the data set

This formula may also be

written in this form.
(Statistics for the Biological
Sciences 2nd ed. Schefler)

i indicates the position in which the number

is ordered in the data set

For example, in the data set below n = 4 and X3 = 13

20

10

13

16

means summation (add values)

When the summation symbol is modified as shown below, the n and i=1 simply set the
parameters for the summation. The n indicates how many numbers comprise the data set
(sample size) and i =1 indicates the number within the series at which to start the
summation.
n

i=1

Note: These statistical symbols may appear confusing. However, taking the mean
(average) is not a difficult skill. Simply add up all the numbers and divide by how many
numbers were added together.

Step 2 Calculate the Standard Deviation (S)

_
(Xi X)2
S=

n-1

To calculate standard deviation (S), follow the sequence of steps below.

Calculate the Numerator in the Equation - Take each numerical value in the data
set (Xi) and subtract the mean (X) from it. Then square each of the numbers
obtained from subtracting, and finally add them together.

Calculate the Denominator in the Equation Subtract one from the sample size (n).

Divide the Numerator by the Denominator

Take the Square Root of the Number

The standard deviation value indicates how far the data set extends beyond the mean of
the data set. In other words, it indicates where the most extreme data values (higher and
lower) than the mean are located.

3. Calculate the Error of the Mean ( SE_ )

X

S
SE_ =
X

To find the standard error, divide the standard

deviation by the square root of the sample size.

S_
X

Standard Error may

also be written with
this notation.
(Statistics for the
Biological Sciences 2nd
ed. Schefler)

4. Establish the Confidence Limits for the Mean (Average Data Point)
Use the formula below to determine the upper and lower values for the standard error bar
to be drawn through a data point.

_
X

What is the value of z?

+
-

SE_ (z)

For a large sample size (128 or higher), a

normal curve distribution exists.

Then, state the calculations using the

following expression, where X is the
data point being plotted (average data)
and the blank spaces are the values of
the upper and lower values for the
error bar.

_
____ X ____
Find the upper and lower points around
the plotted point and draw a vertical line
to connect the upper and lower limit.
This line should extend directly through
the plotted point. Finally, make small
horizontal end bars at the end of each
horizontal line to help identify the end
points of the standard error bar.

A line graph is used when two sets of

quantitative data exist in the experiment.
The model line is also called the line of
best fit and approximates ideal data.
Notice that the line of best fit extends
through either a point or error bar for
each of the data points plotted.

If a confidence level of 95% is used, z = 1.96

If a confidence level of 99% is used, z = 2.58
If the sample size is small, the degrees of
freedom for the sample must be determined
using (df = n-1). Then, a critical value chart
must be used to determine the z value at the
desired confidence level (either 95% or 99%).
For a sample size of 6 (df=5).
at a confidence level of 95%, z = 2.57
at a confidence level of 99%, z = 4.03
For a sample size of 8 (df=7)
at a confidence level of 95%, z = 2.37
at a confidence level of 99%, z = 3.50

A histogram (bar graph) is used when

only one set of quantitative data exist in the
experiment. The height to which the bar is
drawn is the based on the mean (average
data) and the error bars extend from the
midpoint of the bar.

Practice Problems
Read the document on AP Graphing and use the AP Formula Sheet as well as the
annotated document on the previous pages to make appropriate graphs for the following
experimental situations.
1. The data listed in the table below was collected during an experiment involving plant
growth at normal environmental conditions. Six trials were run simultaneously to create a
data set for analysis. Plot the average data (mean) for the data set, calculate and draw-in
the standard error bars, and construct a line of best fit.
Time
(days)
0
1
2
3

Plant 1
Growth
(cm)
0.0
3.0
6.0
10.0

Plant 2
Growth
(cm)
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0

Plant 3
Growth
(cm)
0.0
2.0
5.0
9.0

Plant 4
Growth
(cm)
0.0
2.0
5.0
11.0

Plant 5
Growth
(cm)
0.0
4.0
9.0
14.0

Plant 6
Growth
(cm)
0.0
3.0
7.0
12.0

Average
Data
(Mean)

2. The data listed in the table below was collected during an experiment involving gill
movement in fish at different environmental conditions. Six trials on six fish were run
simultaneously to create a data set for analysis. Plot the average data (mean) for the data
set, calculate and draw-in the standard error bars, and construct a line of best fit.
Temp
in
(Co)
5
15
25

Fish 1
Fish 2
Fish 3
Fish 4
Fish 5
Fish 6
Gill Mvt Gill Mvt Gill Mvt Gill Mvt Gill Mvt Gill Mvt
(#/min)
(#/min)
(#/min)
(#/min)
(#/min)
(#/min)
22
25
20
24
22
19
45
40
41
45
42
40
60
56
52
62
60
55

Average
Data
(Mean)

3. The data listed in the table below was collected during an experiment involving tomato
plant fruit production under different environmental conditions. Six trials were run at
each set of conditions (using a total of 18 plants) to create a data set for analysis. Plot the
average data (mean) for the data set, calculate and draw-in the standard error bars, and
construct a line of best fit.
Moisture
in
Environment

Dry
Normal
Wet

Plant 1
Fruit
(#)
1
8
4

Plant 2
Fruit
(#)
2
10
6

Plant 3
Fruit
(#)
0
12
7

Plant 4
Fruit
(#)
1
11
8

Plant 5
Fruit
(#)
1
9
5

Plant 6
Fruit
(#)
0
8
7

Average
Data
(Mean)