Venn Diagram: GCSE Maths Definition

What are Venn diagrams?

In GCSE maths, a Venn diagram is a way of sorting items (called elements) into groups (called sets). A Venn diagram is made up of intersecting circles within a rectangle. Each circle represents a group and the circles can overlap. All the items that are in a group are put inside the corresponding circle. If an item belongs in multiple groups then it is put in the region where those corresponding circles overlap. Any items that do not belong to any of the groups are put outside the circles but within the rectangle.

For example, a Venn diagram can be used to sort a set of numbers based on whether they are even and whether they are multiples of seven. All the numbers in the list that are even and also multiples of seven go into the region where the two circles overlap. The numbers that are even and not multiples of seven go into the remaining part of one of the circles (the circle labelled A in the diagram). And the numbers that are multiples of seven and not even go into the remaining part of the other circle (the circle labelled B in the diagram). Any numbers that are not even and are not multiples of seven go outside both of the circles.

Sometimes the frequency or proportion of the items in each region in a Venn diagram is shown instead of the individual items.

Venn diagram revision resources to ace your exams

Learn more about Venn diagrams with our revision notes. To test your knowledge, try our exam questions for simple probability diagrams which include Venn diagrams.

For quick-fire GCSE maths revision use our collection of interactive flashcards for GCSE maths. We also have past papers for your exam practice.

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