A bar chart has innumerable uses but is most commonly used to track various items across their numeric value in order to compare each value. For instance, they can show the temperature of different areas, the money brought in during different months by a certain product, the number of years various companies have existed, etc.

Typical Uses

It is best used when comparing many different items to each other in one way. In other words, bar graphs show different values of different things in one specific category. It is an excellent tool in comparing and analyzing differences between things.

Best Practices

• Determine the purpose. Decide what the bar chart will be showing. Place the name at the top of the chart.
• Create a table. Create a table with an x and y plane, or one horizontal line, connected to a vertical line.
• Label each axis. With most bar charts, the names of what each of the bars are representing will be spread out evenly along the horizontal x axis. Along the vertical y axis the numeric system being used should be labeled and divided evenly into applicable increments. (Some bar charts are created in the opposite fashion with bars extending from the chart horizontally, but this is much less common.)
• Create bars. Create a bar for each of the categories or sections you already created and allow it to extend up to whatever value on the y axis it can be represented by. Do the same for each section. You may if you choose also place the exact value of the bar above it since this chart is not used for accuracy as much as for a more broad view used in comparisons.
• Create a key. If the information you are displaying is complicated or simply needs added clarification you may choose to color each of your bars differently so as to distinguish between them and you can use a key to allow a reader to know what each color stands for.
• Verify accuracy and share. Consult with others to be sure your information is all accurate and show your chart to others to make a point or share information with them.