venn diagrams explained

Venn Diagrams

A Venn diagram can be used to organize groups of things in a visual way to show how the groups are similar and how they are different.

The similar objects of the groups are placed in the overlapping section of the  diagram while the objects that are only found in their own group are placed in the non-overlapping area of its group’s section.

Example>

Suppose there are 2 sets called A and B containing the numbers as follows:

Set A: { 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 }            Set B: { 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18}

The numbers found in both sets are: { 1, 2, 3, 6 }.
The rest of the numbers are unique to their own groups.

To create a Venn diagram for these 2 sets:
  • Draw 2 overlapping circles, each one labeled by its group’s name: A and B.
  • Write the contents into the circles:
    • Place the common numbers in the overlapping area.
    • Place those not common to both in their own, non-overlapping sections.

Download and print our Venn Diagram worksheets:

Fill in the Venn Diagrams (Set 1)
Fill in the Venn Diagrams (Set 2)
Fill in the Venn Diagrams (Set 3)
Fill in the Venn Diagrams (Set 4)

Download a printable version of this lesson.