What Type of Graph Should I Use?
There are many different types of graphs. Each type has a
unique characteristic and best use.
Line Graphs
A line graph is useful for displaying data or
information that changes continuously over time.
Better than bar graphs for small intervals. A line
graph that shows information that is connected in
some way (such as change over time).
Pie Charts or Circle Graphs
Used to compare parts to a whole. Great to use
when one or more parts makes up a substantial
portion of the whole. Percentages are compared in
pie charts.
Bar Graphs
Best used to compare data that is between
different parties or groups. Can be used to track
changes, but best used when the changes are
drastic.
Scatterplots
Used to determine if a relation or relationship
belongs to different things. We look to see if they
follow a trend. For example, does one go up when
the other goes down.
Stem and Leaf
Stem-and-leaf plots are a method for showing the
frequency with which certain classes of values
occur. You could make a frequency distribution
table or a histogram for the values, or you can use
a stem-and-leaf plot. Useful when you do have a
lot of data.
Box Plot (Box and Whisker)
The box plot is a way of displaying the distribution
of data based on the five number summary:
minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile, and
maximum.
There are many different types of graphs. Each type has a
unique characteristic and best use.
Line Graphs
A line graph is useful for displaying data or
information that changes continuously over time.
Better than bar graphs for small intervals. A line
graph that shows information that is connected in
some way (such as change over time).
Pie Charts or Circle Graphs
Used to compare parts to a whole. Great to use
when one or more parts makes up a substantial
portion of the whole. Percentages are compared in
pie charts.
Bar Graphs
Best used to compare data that is between
different parties or groups. Can be used to track
changes, but best used when the changes are
drastic.
Scatterplots
Used to determine if a relation or relationship
belongs to different things. We look to see if they
follow a trend. For example, does one go up when
the other goes down.
Stem and Leaf
Stem-and-leaf plots are a method for showing the
frequency with which certain classes of values
occur. You could make a frequency distribution
table or a histogram for the values, or you can use
a stem-and-leaf plot. Useful when you do have a
lot of data.
Box Plot (Box and Whisker)
The box plot is a way of displaying the distribution
of data based on the five number summary:
minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile, and
maximum.
