Bar Charts

Overview

A bar chart is a graphical representation of data where rectangular bars are used to show the frequencies or values of different categories. It is a simple and effective way to compare discrete data or categorical variables.

Key Features of a Bar Chart

Bars:

• Each bar represents a category.
• The height (or length) of the bar corresponds to the value or frequency of that category.

Axes:

• Horizontal axis (x-axis): Represents the categories or groups.
• Vertical axis (y-axis): Represents the frequency or value.

Spacing:

• Bars are separated by spaces to indicate that the data categories are distinct (unlike histograms, where bars touch).

Orientation:

• Bar charts can be vertical or horizontal, depending on how the categories and values are organised.

When to Use Bar Charts

• To compare data across different categories.
• To display discrete or categorical data (e.g., favourite subjects, types of transport).

Examples

Summary

• Bar charts represent data using rectangular bars, where the height (or length) corresponds to the value or frequency.
• Bars are separated to indicate distinct categories.
• Useful for comparing discrete or categorical data.
• Steps to create a bar chart: 9. Identify the categories and values. 10. Set up axes with appropriate labels and scales. 11. Draw bars for each category based on its value.
• Bar charts can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the data.