Creating Graphs


Types of graphs and pictograms

This video shows different types of graphs you might want to use in your presentation:


Graphing tools and websites

Here are some websites you might want to use for creating your graphs:


Examples of good graphs and bad graphs

Bar graph:

A good bar graph has clear labels, bars of the same width, and different colours to represent different data. Avoid squishing bars together or forgetting to label what they show.

Example of a good bar graph
Example of a good bar graph (source)
Example of a bad bar graph
Example of a bad bar graph (source)

Pie chart:

A good pie chart has neat, colourful slices that add up to whole pie (circle). Having up to 5 sections makes the pie chart easier to read. Avoid using too many slices and creating them in 3D.

Example of a good pie chart
Example of a good pie chart (source)
Example of a bad pie chart
Example of a bad pie chart (source)

Pictograph:

A good pictograph uses clear, simple pictures with a key that shows what each picture stands for. Avoid using pictures that are too small, unclear or missing a key.

Example of a good pictograph
Example of a good pictograph (source)
Example of a bad pictograph
Example of a bad pictograph (source)

Line graph:

A good line graph has points joined in order with straight lines and clearly labelled axes. Avoid messy lines or skipping numbers on the scale.

Example of a good line graph
Example of a good line graph (source)
Example of a bad line graph
Example of a bad line graph (source)