Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Common Charts and Graphs
Myriad graphs can be used, depending on the data you want to show. Regardless of the
type of graph you use or how much detail you need to show, the principle is always the
same: Make it as clear as possible. Let's look at just a few of the more common types
of charts and graphs used in business and academia.
Pie charts
Pie charts show the relative size of parts to the whole. They are perhaps the most used,
and the most misused, of all graphical displays. The problem with pie charts is that we
are not very good at accurately gauging the differences in size among the slices. If the
size difference is very small, it is nearly impossible.
In addition, if you have many values, the slices become so thin that the pie chart format
becomes impractical. In this case, it is better to use a bar graph. Many researchers
avoid pie charts altogether. While pie charts may not be as good as bar charts for
accurately displaying differences among values, what pie charts have going for them is
familiarity. When you do use pie charts, keep the following things in mind:
• No 3-D effects.
• No legend—put labels inside or next to the chart.
• Highlight what's important.
Bar graphs
Bar graphs are good for showing comparisons among values. The bars may be
horizontal or vertical. Vertical bar charts, also called column charts, are good for
displaying values across a category. When the number of variables across the x-axis
becomes large, however, it is difficult to label them in a manner that can be easily seen
from the audience (without setting the labels at an angle). In this case, a horizontal bar
chart may offer more room for writing the labels clearly.
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