The Graphics Glossary

Bar Chart

A Bar Chart has innumerable uses but is most commonly used to track the numeric value of various items 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, and more.

Typical Uses

Best Practices

• Determine the purpose. Decide what the Bar Chart will be showing. Place a descriptive title at the top of the chart.
• Create a graph. Create a graph with an x- and y-axis by drawing a horizontal line intersecting a vertical line (the bottom of the vertical line should intersect with the left end of the horizontal line).
• Label each axis. With most Bar Charts, the names of what each of the bars are representing are distributed 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 y-axis horizontally, but this is 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 holds. Do the same for each section. The exact value of the bar may be placed slightly above it since it may be difficult to read the exact value based solely upon the bar's height.
• Create a key. If the information being displayed is complicated or simply needs added clarification each bar may be colored differently in order to distinguish between them, using a key to inform the viewer what each color represents.
• Verify accuracy and share. Consult with others to be sure the Bar Chart is accurate. The Bar Chart can be shown to others in order to make a point or share information with them.