1. Line Graphs, Columns, Pie Charts and X-Y, Oh My! An overview of graph types and when to use them

2. Line Graphs When comparing changes over time When comparing changes amongst two or more variables over the same amount of time Examples include growth, rates, etc…

3. Line Graphs

4. Assumptions in Excel That all time comparisons are on equal interval. So there needs to be an equal amount of time between reporting results. If not, you can see standardized time intervals that shouldn’t be represented…

6. Use x-y scatter plots for non-uniform time intervals

7. Colums Graphs Used in a comparison of data Can show differences in such factors that are usually not time dependent Should include pertinent comparisons (i.e., results of a survey, data totals, etc…

8. Column Graphs

9. Pie Charts Useful to breakdown a cluster of data that equals a total sum (into portions or percentages) This graph is a good way to show proportions Examples include percentages of a total population that comprise certain species, etc…

10. Pie Charts

11. Pie Chart Examples

12. X-Y Scatter Plots A direct comparison between two variables (how one variable may affect another) These show a cause and effect relationship in a graphical format The more independent variable is on the x axis (controlled variable) with the experimental variable on the y axis

13. X-Y Scatter Plots

15. Error Bars Error bars are important to account for the range of error in a data set In column graphs, they could be denoted as 5% error, or Standard Deviation, or Standard Error We will cover this aspect more in depth, but I will show you how to use these on column graphs

16. Error Bars What is missing from this column graph? The error bars here represent a 5% error