Common Types of Graphs

Simple Graphs

A simple graph displays a single data set.

Bar Graph

To compare two or more variables of data.

Column Graph

To compare two or more variables of data.

Line Graph

Show trends or change over time, or when order is important.
All the data on it relates to each other. 
If data is about the future, it is called projected.
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E.g. A line graph may show how the population of a place has changed over a certain period of time.

Pie Graph

Show percentages or proportions.

Complex Graphs

A complex graph displays multiple data sets.

Clustered Column Graph

To compare the values where order isn’t important.

Compound (or Stacked) Graph

​To compare parts as a whole.
To learn more about Compound Graphs, click below:
A stacked area graph visually represents the cumulative totals of multiple data series over a continuous time period or other sequential data.
​Each line in the graph represents a data series, and the area between lines is filled with colour to highlight the contribution of each series to the total.

Multi Line Graph

Show trends or changes over time, or when order is important.

Combination Graph

Display different types of data on the same graph e.g. Climate graphs.
Show differences or shortcomings.

Scattergraph (Scatterplot)

A scattergaph plots two sets of data on the same graph to see if there is a relationship or correlation between them.
The sets of data are called variables.
  • X axis (horizontal) = Independent variable (e.g. percentage access to water)
  • Y axis (vertical) = Dependent variable (e.g. life expectancy)
If the scatter of points look to form a line in a particular direction, then it indicates that there is a relationship between them.
To learn more about Scattergraphs, click below:​

Population Pyramid

Population pyramids (aka age-sex pyramids) should include:
  • X axis (horizontal) = separates females (right-hand side) and males (left-hand side)
  • Y axis (vertical) = uses five-year intervals called 'age cohorts'
To learn more about Population Pyramids, click below:

Climate Graph

Climate graphs give an indication about the usual climate of a place.
It displays temperature as a line graph and rainfall as a column graph.
​To learn more about Climate Graphs, click below: