Photosynthesis Diagram

Free printable photosynthesis diagram — a labeled illustration showing how a plant uses sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to make glucose and release oxygen. Download PDF or PNG for Letter paper.

Photosynthesis Diagram
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The ingredients and products of photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is how green plants make their own food, using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. Here is what happens at each labeled part of the diagram:

PartWhat it does
SunlightThe energy the leaf captures to power photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxideA gas the plant takes in from the air.
WaterAbsorbed by the roots and carried up to the leaves.
GlucoseThe sugar (food) the plant makes and uses for energy and growth.
OxygenA gas the plant releases into the air as a by-product.

Companion worksheet

A free fill-in worksheet with an answer key, built from the labels above — students match each part to its description, then answer a couple of short questions. Great for a quick check after using the diagram.

How to print

Choose Download PDF for a ready-to-print file that fits US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape, or Download PNG for the high-resolution image.

Frequently asked questions

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process green plants use to turn sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into glucose (their food), releasing oxygen as a by-product.

What does a plant need for photosynthesis?

A plant needs sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. It uses these to make glucose and gives off oxygen.

What paper size should I print this on?

The diagram is sized for standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape orientation. Use "Download PDF" for a print-ready file that fits the page automatically.