A Venn Diagram is a visual depiction of the similarities and differences between two different items and its structure allows it to organize a wide variety of information.

Typical Uses

It is best put to use when two different items need to be compared to each other. There should be sufficient information supporting their differences as well as their similarities. However, it is only capable of comparing a few items to one another, normally no more than three.

Best Practices

• Determine the purpose. Decide what it is that you are comparing and place a title at the top of your page.
• Create the diagram. Make a circle for each of the items you will be comparing. Every circle should be linked to every other circle, unless there is some reason that two of the circles are not supposed to be compared to one another.
• Label each circle. At the top of each circle place the name of what topic or item the circle represents, but make sure that the name is inside the corresponding circle only.
• Come up with differences. Inside each circle place characteristics that are unique to that specific item or idea, and are not true of any of the other topics.
• Come up with similarities. Look at each overlapping section. Whichever two or more circles are overlapping there, place similarities between the two inside it. Do this for all overlapping areas.
• Verify accuracy and draw conclusions. Consult with coworkers, employees, or team members to confirm the information in your diagram. Then you may use it to draw any necessary conclusions from the information you've accumulated.