1. Graphs and Charts
Theory

2. Graphs
A GRAPH (or Line Graph) connects a series of plotted points. The graph depicts trends or movement over a period of time.
WHEN TO USE:
To show trends or movements rather than amounts
To Illustrate long series of data
To compare series of data
To predict trends or movement
WHEN NOT TO USE:
When the emphasis is on amounts
When relative size or difference is required

3. Enhancing Graphs

4. BAR CHARTS
A BAR CHART compares qualities or values which are not time related.
Physical qualities such as size or weight work best vertically.
Comparison of the magnitude of a number of items work best horizontally.
WHEN TO USE:
To compare the magnitude or size.
WHEN NOT TO USE:
To illustrate trends or movement

5. Enhancing Bar Charts

6. PIE CHARTS A PIE CHART is used to show relative values as a whole
Charts with 7 or more components are usually confusing and difficult to interpret
WHEN TO USE:
To show approximate relative values of component parts of a whole.
WHEN NOT TO USE:
To compare component parts
To show large numbers of components in a part.
When the values of a number of component parts are small

7. Enhancing Pie Charts

8. PICTOGRAM Pictograms may be considered a type of BAR graph
Values or sizes are represented by symbols or pictures directly related to the information being conveyed.
WHEN TO USE:
When items by be represented by symbols or pictures.
WHEN NOT TO USE:
When symbols or pictures are unclear or obscure.

9. Enhancing Pictograms