How Do I Use the New Create a Graph?
How to Choose Which Type of Graph to Use?
Definitions
Building Bar Graphs
Learning Line Graphs
Perfecting Pie Charts
Analyzing Area Graphs
Examining X-Y (Scatter) Plots
What are Independent and Dependant Variables?
Fun Graphing Exercise!
Printable PDF (735 k)
HOW TO CHOOSE WHICH TYPE OF GRAPH TO USE?
When to Use . . .
. . . a Line graph.
Line graphs are used to track changes over short and long periods of time. When smaller changes exist, line graphs are better to use than bar graphs. Line graphs can also be used to compare changes over the same period of time for more than one group.
. . . a Pie Chart.
Pie charts are best to use when you are trying to compare parts of a whole. They do not show changes over time.
. . . a Bar Graph.
Bar graphs are used to compare things between different groups or to track changes over time. However, when trying to measure change over time, bar graphs are best when the changes are larger.
. . . an Area Graph.
Area graphs are very similar to line graphs. They can be used to track changes over time for one or more groups. Area graphs are good to use when you are tracking the changes in two or more related groups that make up one whole category (for example public and private groups).