A Practical Course on Bar Models

The Bar Model Method

The Bar Model Method is a signature problem-solving strategy in Singapore Math.
It falls under the heuristic “Draw a Picture.”

By drawing a pictorial model, students can visualize, represent, and connect the known and unknown quantities in a word problem.
This helps them understand relationships clearly and discover solutions logically—instead of relying on guesswork.

Using bar models strengthens students’
mathematical thinking, communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

There are two main types of bar models:

• Part–Whole Model – shows how parts make up a whole.
• Comparison Model – shows how two or more quantities relate to each other.

Word problems can also be solved using variations or a combination of these two main types of bar models.

Overview and Demonstrate Videos

Here is an overview of how bar models are used to solve word problems across different math topics.
Watch how our instructors demonstrate the Bar Model Method in action, showing how students learn to turn word problems into visual stories.

3. Decimals (P4)
A fun word problem to show how to solve decimal problems using a Bar Model!

5. Percentage (P6) II
Solving the Same Percentage Problem Two Ways:
Bar Model vs. Algebra!