Venn Diagrams

A Venn diagram uses circles that overlap to compare groups of things. The overlapping part shows what the groups have in common. The parts that do not overlap show what is different. They are a great way to organize information.

How to Make One

Draw two big circles that overlap in the middle. Label each circle with a group name. For example, one circle might be dogs and the other might be cats.

In the dog circle, write things only dogs do, like bark. In the cat circle, write things only cats do, like purr. In the overlap, write things both do, like have fur and are pets.

Using Venn Diagrams in Math

Venn diagrams are useful in math for sorting numbers. You can sort numbers into groups like even numbers and multiples of 3. Some numbers, like 6 and 12, go in the overlap because they are both.

You can also use three circles for three groups. The more circles you add, the more overlaps you get.

Fun Facts

• Venn diagrams are named after John Venn, a British mathematician who made them popular in the 1880s.
• A Venn diagram with two circles has 3 sections. One with three circles has 7 sections.
• Venn diagrams are used in math, science, reading, and even business.

Did You Know?

It is possible to make a Venn diagram with four or more circles, but the shapes get very complicated. Most people stick with two or three!