kinds of graphical presentation

Graphical Representation of Data

Graphical representation of data is an attractive method of showcasing numerical data that help in analyzing and representing quantitative data visually. A graph is a kind of a chart where data are plotted as variables across the coordinate. It became easy to analyze the extent of change of one variable based on the change of other variables. Graphical representation of data is done through different mediums such as lines, plots, diagrams, etc. Let us learn more about this interesting concept of graphical representation of data, the different types, and solve a few examples.

Definition of Graphical Representation of Data

A graphical representation is a visual representation of data statistics-based results using graphs, plots, and charts. This kind of representation is more effective in understanding and comparing data than seen in a tabular form. Graphical representation helps to qualify, sort, and present data in a method that is simple to understand for a larger audience. Graphs enable in studying the cause and effect relationship between two variables through both time series and frequency distribution. The data that is obtained from different surveying is infused into a graphical representation by the use of some symbols, such as lines on a line graph, bars on a bar chart, or slices of a pie chart. This visual representation helps in clarity, comparison, and understanding of numerical data.

Representation of Data

The word data is from the Latin word Datum, which means something given. The numerical figures collected through a survey are called data and can be represented in two forms - tabular form and visual form through graphs. Once the data is collected through constant observations, it is arranged, summarized, and classified to finally represented in the form of a graph. There are two kinds of data - quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative data is more structured, continuous, and discrete with statistical data whereas qualitative is unstructured where the data cannot be analyzed.

Principles of Graphical Representation of Data

The principles of graphical representation are algebraic. In a graph, there are two lines known as Axis or Coordinate axis. These are the X-axis and Y-axis. The horizontal axis is the X-axis and the vertical axis is the Y-axis. They are perpendicular to each other and intersect at O or point of Origin. On the right side of the Origin, the Xaxis has a positive value and on the left side, it has a negative value. In the same way, the upper side of the Origin Y-axis has a positive value where the down one is with a negative value. When -axis and y-axis intersect each other at the origin it divides the plane into four parts which are called Quadrant I, Quadrant II, Quadrant III, Quadrant IV. This form of representation is seen in a frequency distribution that is represented in four methods, namely Histogram, Smoothed frequency graph, Pie diagram or Pie chart, Cumulative or ogive frequency graph, and Frequency Polygon.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Graphical Representation of Data

Listed below are some advantages and disadvantages of using a graphical representation of data:

• It improves the way of analyzing and learning as the graphical representation makes the data easy to understand.
• It can be used in almost all fields from mathematics to physics to psychology and so on.
• It is easy to understand for its visual impacts.
• It shows the whole and huge data in an instance.
• It is mainly used in statistics to determine the mean, median, and mode for different data

The main disadvantage of graphical representation of data is that it takes a lot of effort as well as resources to find the most appropriate data and then represent it graphically.

Rules of Graphical Representation of Data

While presenting data graphically, there are certain rules that need to be followed. They are listed below:

• Suitable Title: The title of the graph should be appropriate that indicate the subject of the presentation.
• Measurement Unit: The measurement unit in the graph should be mentioned.
• Proper Scale: A proper scale needs to be chosen to represent the data accurately.
• Index: For better understanding, index the appropriate colors, shades, lines, designs in the graphs.
• Data Sources: Data should be included wherever it is necessary at the bottom of the graph.
• Simple: The construction of a graph should be easily understood.
• Neat: The graph should be visually neat in terms of size and font to read the data accurately.

Uses of Graphical Representation of Data

The main use of a graphical representation of data is understanding and identifying the trends and patterns of the data. It helps in analyzing large quantities, comparing two or more data, making predictions, and building a firm decision. The visual display of data also helps in avoiding confusion and overlapping of any information. Graphs like line graphs and bar graphs, display two or more data clearly for easy comparison. This is important in communicating our findings to others and our understanding and analysis of the data.

Types of Graphical Representation of Data

Data is represented in different types of graphs such as plots, pies, diagrams, etc. They are as follows,

Related Topics

Listed below are a few interesting topics that are related to the graphical representation of data, take a look.

• x and y graph
• Frequency Polygon
• Cumulative Frequency

Examples on Graphical Representation of Data

Example 1 : A pie chart is divided into 3 parts with the angles measuring as 2x, 8x, and 10x respectively. Find the value of x in degrees.

We know, the sum of all angles in a pie chart would give 360º as result. ⇒ 2x + 8x + 10x = 360º ⇒ 20 x = 360º ⇒ x = 360º/20 ⇒ x = 18º Therefore, the value of x is 18º.

Example 2: Ben is trying to read the plot given below. His teacher has given him stem and leaf plot worksheets. Can you help him answer the questions? i) What is the mode of the plot? ii) What is the mean of the plot? iii) Find the range.

Solution: i) Mode is the number that appears often in the data. Leaf 4 occurs twice on the plot against stem 5.

Hence, mode = 54

ii) The sum of all data values is 12 + 14 + 21 + 25 + 28 + 32 + 34 + 36 + 50 + 53 + 54 + 54 + 62 + 65 + 67 + 83 + 88 + 89 + 91 = 958

To find the mean, we have to divide the sum by the total number of values.

Mean = Sum of all data values ÷ 19 = 958 ÷ 19 = 50.42

iii) Range = the highest value - the lowest value = 91 - 12 = 79

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Practice Questions on Graphical Representation of Data

Faqs on graphical representation of data, what is graphical representation.

Graphical representation is a form of visually displaying data through various methods like graphs, diagrams, charts, and plots. It helps in sorting, visualizing, and presenting data in a clear manner through different types of graphs. Statistics mainly use graphical representation to show data.

What are the Different Types of Graphical Representation?

The different types of graphical representation of data are:

• Stem and leaf plot
• Scatter diagrams
• Frequency Distribution

Is the Graphical Representation of Numerical Data?

Yes, these graphical representations are numerical data that has been accumulated through various surveys and observations. The method of presenting these numerical data is called a chart. There are different kinds of charts such as a pie chart, bar graph, line graph, etc, that help in clearly showcasing the data.

What is the Use of Graphical Representation of Data?

Graphical representation of data is useful in clarifying, interpreting, and analyzing data plotting points and drawing line segments , surfaces, and other geometric forms or symbols.

What are the Ways to Represent Data?

Tables, charts, and graphs are all ways of representing data, and they can be used for two broad purposes. The first is to support the collection, organization, and analysis of data as part of the process of a scientific study.

What is the Objective of Graphical Representation of Data?

The main objective of representing data graphically is to display information visually that helps in understanding the information efficiently, clearly, and accurately. This is important to communicate the findings as well as analyze the data.

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Graphical Representation of Data

Graphical Representation of Data: Graphical Representation of Data,” where numbers and facts become lively pictures and colorful diagrams . Instead of staring at boring lists of numbers, we use fun charts, cool graphs, and interesting visuals to understand information better. In this exciting concept of data visualization, we’ll learn about different kinds of graphs, charts, and pictures that help us see patterns and stories hidden in data.

There is an entire branch in mathematics dedicated to dealing with collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting numerical data in visual form in such a way that it becomes easy to understand and the data becomes easy to compare as well, the branch is known as Statistics .

The branch is widely spread and has a plethora of real-life applications such as Business Analytics, demography, Astro statistics, and so on . In this article, we have provided everything about the graphical representation of data, including its types, rules, advantages, etc.

Table of Content

What is Graphical Representation

Types of graphical representations, line graphs, histograms , stem and leaf plot , box and whisker plot .

• Graphical Representations used in Maths

Value-Based or Time Series Graphs 

Frequency based, principles of graphical representations, advantages and disadvantages of using graphical system, general rules for graphical representation of data, frequency polygon, solved examples on graphical representation of data.

Graphics Representation is a way of representing any data in picturized form . It helps a reader to understand the large set of data very easily as it gives us various data patterns in visualized form.

There are two ways of representing data,

• Pictorial Representation through graphs.

They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words”.  It’s always better to represent data in a graphical format. Even in Practical Evidence and Surveys, scientists have found that the restoration and understanding of any information is better when it is available in the form of visuals as Human beings process data better in visual form than any other form.

Does it increase the ability 2 times or 3 times? The answer is it increases the Power of understanding 60,000 times for a normal Human being, the fact is amusing and true at the same time.

Check: Graph and its representations

Comparison between different items is best shown with graphs, it becomes easier to compare the crux of the data about different items. Let’s look at all the different types of graphical representations briefly: 

A line graph is used to show how the value of a particular variable changes with time. We plot this graph by connecting the points at different values of the variable. It can be useful for analyzing the trends in the data and predicting further trends. 

A bar graph is a type of graphical representation of the data in which bars of uniform width are drawn with equal spacing between them on one axis (x-axis usually), depicting the variable. The values of the variables are represented by the height of the bars. 

This is similar to bar graphs, but it is based frequency of numerical values rather than their actual values. The data is organized into intervals and the bars represent the frequency of the values in that range. That is, it counts how many values of the data lie in a particular range. 

It is a plot that displays data as points and checkmarks above a number line, showing the frequency of the point.  

This is a type of plot in which each value is split into a “leaf”(in most cases, it is the last digit) and “stem”(the other remaining digits). For example: the number 42 is split into leaf (2) and stem (4).  

These plots divide the data into four parts to show their summary. They are more concerned about the spread, average, and median of the data. 

It is a type of graph which represents the data in form of a circular graph. The circle is divided such that each portion represents a proportion of the whole. 

Graphical Representations used in Math’s

Graphs in Math are used to study the relationships between two or more variables that are changing. Statistical data can be summarized in a better way using graphs. There are basically two lines of thoughts of making graphs in maths: 

• Value-Based or Time Series Graphs

These graphs allow us to study the change of a variable with respect to another variable within a given interval of time. The variables can be anything. Time Series graphs study the change of variable with time. They study the trends, periodic behavior, and patterns in the series. We are more concerned with the values of the variables here rather than the frequency of those values. 

Example: Line Graph

These kinds of graphs are more concerned with the distribution of data. How many values lie between a particular range of the variables, and which range has the maximum frequency of the values. They are used to judge a spread and average and sometimes median of a variable under study.

Also read: Types of Statistical Data

• All types of graphical representations follow algebraic principles.
• When plotting a graph, there’s an origin and two axes.
• The x-axis is horizontal, and the y-axis is vertical.
• The axes divide the plane into four quadrants.
• The origin is where the axes intersect.
• Positive x-values are to the right of the origin; negative x-values are to the left.
• Positive y-values are above the x-axis; negative y-values are below.

• It gives us a summary of the data which is easier to look at and analyze.
• It saves time.
• We can compare and study more than one variable at a time.

Disadvantages

• It usually takes only one aspect of the data and ignores the other. For example, A bar graph does not represent the mean, median, and other statistics of the data. 
• Interpretation of graphs can vary based on individual perspectives, leading to subjective conclusions.
• Poorly constructed or misleading visuals can distort data interpretation and lead to incorrect conclusions.

Check : Diagrammatic and Graphic Presentation of Data

We should keep in mind some things while plotting and designing these graphs. The goal should be a better and clear picture of the data. Following things should be kept in mind while plotting the above graphs: 

• Whenever possible, the data source must be mentioned for the viewer.
• Always choose the proper colors and font sizes. They should be chosen to keep in mind that the graphs should look neat.
• The measurement Unit should be mentioned in the top right corner of the graph.
• The proper scale should be chosen while making the graph, it should be chosen such that the graph looks accurate.
• Last but not the least, a suitable title should be chosen.

A frequency polygon is a graph that is constructed by joining the midpoint of the intervals. The height of the interval or the bin represents the frequency of the values that lie in that interval. 

Question 1: What are different types of frequency-based plots? 

Types of frequency-based plots:  Histogram Frequency Polygon Box Plots

Question 2: A company with an advertising budget of Rs 10,00,00,000 has planned the following expenditure in the different advertising channels such as TV Advertisement, Radio, Facebook, Instagram, and Printed media. The table represents the money spent on different channels. 

Draw a bar graph for the following data. 

• Put each of the channels on the x-axis
• The height of the bars is decided by the value of each channel.

Question 3: Draw a line plot for the following data 

• Put each of the x-axis row value on the x-axis
• joint the value corresponding to the each value of the x-axis.

Question 4: Make a frequency plot of the following data: 

• Draw the class intervals on the x-axis and frequencies on the y-axis.
• Calculate the midpoint of each class interval.

Now join the mid points of the intervals and their corresponding frequencies on the graph. 

This graph shows both the histogram and frequency polygon for the given distribution.

Related Article:

Graphical Representation of Data| Practical Work in Geography Class 12 What are the different ways of Data Representation What are the different ways of Data Representation? Charts and Graphs for Data Visualization

Conclusion of Graphical Representation

Graphical representation is a powerful tool for understanding data, but it’s essential to be aware of its limitations. While graphs and charts can make information easier to grasp, they can also be subjective, complex, and potentially misleading . By using graphical representations wisely and critically, we can extract valuable insights from data, empowering us to make informed decisions with confidence.

Graphical Representation of Data – FAQs

What are the advantages of using graphs to represent data.

Graphs offer visualization, clarity, and easy comparison of data, aiding in outlier identification and predictive analysis.

What are the common types of graphs used for data representation?

Common graph types include bar, line, pie, histogram, and scatter plots , each suited for different data representations and analysis purposes.

How do you choose the most appropriate type of graph for your data?

Select a graph type based on data type, analysis objective, and audience familiarity to effectively convey information and insights.

How do you create effective labels and titles for graphs?

Use descriptive titles, clear axis labels with units, and legends to ensure the graph communicates information clearly and concisely.

How do you interpret graphs to extract meaningful insights from data?

Interpret graphs by examining trends, identifying outliers, comparing data across categories, and considering the broader context to draw meaningful insights and conclusions.

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Guide On Graphical Representation of Data – Types, Importance, Rules, Principles And Advantages

What are Graphs and Graphical Representation?

Graphs, in the context of data visualization, are visual representations of data using various graphical elements such as charts, graphs, and diagrams. Graphical representation of data , often referred to as graphical presentation or simply graphs which plays a crucial role in conveying information effectively.

Principles of Graphical Representation

Effective graphical representation follows certain fundamental principles that ensure clarity, accuracy, and usability:Clarity : The primary goal of any graph is to convey information clearly and concisely. Graphs should be designed in a way that allows the audience to quickly grasp the key points without confusion.

• Simplicity: Simplicity is key to effective data visualization. Extraneous details and unnecessary complexity should be avoided to prevent confusion and distraction.
• Relevance: Include only relevant information that contributes to the understanding of the data. Irrelevant or redundant elements can clutter the graph.
• Visualization: Select a graph type that is appropriate for the supplied data. Different graph formats, like bar charts, line graphs, and scatter plots, are appropriate for various sorts of data and relationships.

Rules for Graphical Representation of Data

Creating effective graphical representations of data requires adherence to certain rules:

• Select the Right Graph: Choosing the appropriate type of graph is essential. For example, bar charts are suitable for comparing categories, while line charts are better for showing trends over time.
• Label Axes Clearly: Axis labels should be descriptive and include units of measurement where applicable. Clear labeling ensures the audience understands the data’s context.
• Use Appropriate Colors: Colors can enhance understanding but should be used judiciously. Avoid overly complex color schemes and ensure that color choices are accessible to all viewers.
• Avoid Misleading Scaling: Scale axes appropriately to prevent exaggeration or distortion of data. Misleading scaling can lead to incorrect interpretations.
• Include Data Sources: Always provide the source of your data. This enhances transparency and credibility.

Importance of Graphical Representation of Data

Graphical representation of data in statistics is of paramount importance for several reasons:

• Enhances Understanding: Graphs simplify complex data, making it more accessible and understandable to a broad audience, regardless of their statistical expertise.
• Helps Decision-Making: Visual representations of data enable informed decision-making. Decision-makers can easily grasp trends and insights, leading to better choices.
• Engages the Audience: Graphs capture the audience’s attention more effectively than raw data. This engagement is particularly valuable when presenting findings or reports.
• Universal Language: Graphs serve as a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers. They can convey information to a global audience without the need for translation.

Advantages of Graphical Representation

The advantages of graphical representation of data extend to various aspects of communication and analysis:

• Clarity: Data is presented visually, improving clarity and reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation.
• Efficiency: Graphs enable the quick absorption of information. Key insights can be found in seconds, saving time and effort.
• Memorability: Visuals are more memorable than raw data. Audiences are more likely to retain information presented graphically.
• Problem-Solving: Graphs help in identifying and solving problems by revealing trends, correlations, and outliers that may require further investigation.

Use of Graphical Representations

Graphical representations find applications in a multitude of fields:

• Business: In the business world, graphs are used to illustrate financial data, track performance metrics, and present market trends. They are invaluable tools for strategic decision-making.
• Science: Scientists employ graphs to visualize experimental results, depict scientific phenomena, and communicate research findings to both colleagues and the general public.
• Education: Educators utilize graphs to teach students about data analysis, statistics, and scientific concepts. Graphs make learning more engaging and memorable.
• Journalism: Journalists rely on graphs to support their stories with data-driven evidence. Graphs make news articles more informative and impactful.

Types of Graphical Representation

There exists a diverse array of graphical representations, each suited to different data types and purposes. Common types include:

1.Bar Charts:

Used to compare categories or discrete data points, often side by side.

2. Line Charts:

Ideal for showing trends and changes over time, such as stock market performance or temperature fluctuations.

3. Pie Charts:

Display parts of a whole, useful for illustrating proportions or percentages.

4. Scatter Plots:

Reveal relationships between two variables and help identify correlations.

5. Histograms:

Depict the distribution of data, especially in the context of continuous variables.

In conclusion, the graphical representation of data is an indispensable tool for simplifying complex information, aiding in decision-making, and enhancing communication across diverse fields. By following the principles and rules of effective data visualization, individuals and organizations can harness the power of graphs to convey their messages, support their arguments, and drive informed actions.

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FAQs on Graphical Representation of Data

What is the purpose of graphical representation.

Graphical representation serves the purpose of simplifying complex data, making it more accessible and understandable through visual means.

Why are graphs and diagrams important?

Graphs and diagrams are crucial because they provide visual clarity, aiding in the comprehension and retention of information.

How do graphs help learning?

Graphs engage learners by presenting information visually, which enhances understanding and retention, particularly in educational settings.

Who uses graphs?

Professionals in various fields, including scientists, analysts, educators, and business leaders, use graphs to convey data effectively and support decision-making.

Where are graphs used in real life?

Graphs are used in real-life scenarios such as business reports, scientific research, news articles, and educational materials to make data more accessible and meaningful.

Why are graphs important in business?

In business, graphs are vital for analyzing financial data, tracking performance metrics, and making informed decisions, contributing to success.

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• Graphic Presentation of Data

Apart from diagrams, Graphic presentation is another way of the presentation of data and information. Usually, graphs are used to present time series and frequency distributions. In this article, we will look at the graphic presentation of data and information along with its merits, limitations , and types.

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Construction of a graph.

The graphic presentation of data and information offers a quick and simple way of understanding the features and drawing comparisons. Further, it is an effective analytical tool and a graph can help us in finding the mode, median, etc.

We can locate a point in a plane using two mutually perpendicular lines – the X-axis (the horizontal line) and the Y-axis (the vertical line). Their point of intersection is the Origin .

We can locate the position of a point in terms of its distance from both these axes. For example, if a point P is 3 units away from the Y-axis and 5 units away from the X-axis, then its location is as follows:

Browse more Topics under Descriptive Statistics

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• Importance and Functions of Statistics
• Nature of Statistics – Science or Art?
• Application of Statistics
• Law of Statistics and Distrust of Statistics
• Meaning and Types of Data
• Methods of Collecting Data
• Sample Investigation
• Classification of Data
• Tabulation of Data
• Frequency Distribution of Data
• Diagrammatic Presentation of Data
• Measures of Central Tendency
• Mean Median Mode
• Measures of Dispersion
• Standard Deviation
• Variance Analysis

Some points to remember:

• We measure the distance of the point from the Y-axis along the X-axis. Similarly, we measure the distance of the point from the X-axis along the Y-axis. Therefore, to measure 3 units from the Y-axis, we move 3 units along the X-axis and likewise for the other coordinate .
• We then draw perpendicular lines from these two points.
• The point where the perpendiculars intersect is the position of the point P.
• We denote it as follows (3,5) or (abscissa, ordinate). Together, they are the coordinates of the point P.
• The four parts of the plane are Quadrants.
• Also, we can plot different points for a different pair of values.

General Rules for Graphic Presentation of Data and Information

There are certain guidelines for an attractive and effective graphic presentation of data and information. These are as follows:

• Suitable Title – Ensure that you give a suitable title to the graph which clearly indicates the subject for which you are presenting it.
• Unit of Measurement – Clearly state the unit of measurement below the title.
• Suitable Scale – Choose a suitable scale so that you can represent the entire data in an accurate manner.
• Index – Include a brief index which explains the different colors and shades, lines and designs that you have used in the graph. Also, include a scale of interpretation for better understanding.
• Data Sources – Wherever possible, include the sources of information at the bottom of the graph.
• Keep it Simple – You should construct a graph which even a layman (without any exposure in the areas of statistics or mathematics) can understand.
• Neat – A graph is a visual aid for the presentation of data and information. Therefore, you must keep it neat and attractive. Choose the right size, right lettering, and appropriate lines, colors, dashes, etc.

Merits of a Graph

• The graph presents data in a manner which is easier to understand.
• It allows us to present statistical data in an attractive manner as compared to tables. Users can understand the main features, trends, and fluctuations of the data at a glance.
• A graph saves time.
• It allows the viewer to compare data relating to two different time-periods or regions.
• The viewer does not require prior knowledge of mathematics or statistics to understand a graph.
• We can use a graph to locate the mode, median, and mean values of the data.
• It is useful in forecasting, interpolation, and extrapolation of data.

Limitations of a Graph

• A graph lacks complete accuracy of facts.
• It depicts only a few selected characteristics of the data.
• We cannot use a graph in support of a statement.
• A graph is not a substitute for tables.
• Usually, laymen find it difficult to understand and interpret a graph.
• Typically, a graph shows the unreasonable tendency of the data and the actual values are not clear.

Types of Graphs

Graphs are of two types:

• Time Series graphs
• Frequency Distribution graphs

Time Series Graphs

A time series graph or a “ histogram ” is a graph which depicts the value of a variable over a different point of time. In a time series graph, time is the most important factor and the variable is related to time. It helps in the understanding and analysis of the changes in the variable at a different point of time. Many statisticians and businessmen use these graphs because they are easy to understand and also because they offer complex information in a simple manner.

Further, constructing a time series graph does not require a user with technical skills. Here are some major steps in the construction of a time series graph:

• Represent time on the X-axis and the value of the variable on the Y-axis.
• Start the Y-value with zero and devise a suitable scale which helps you present the whole data in the given space.
• Plot the values of the variable and join different point with a straight line.
• You can plot multiple variables through different lines.

You can use a line graph to summarize how two pieces of information are related and how they vary with each other.

• You can compare multiple continuous data-sets easily
• You can infer the interim data from the graph line

Disadvantages

• It is only used with continuous data.

Use of a false Base Line

Usually, in a graph, the vertical line starts from the Origin. However, in some cases, a false Base Line is used for a better representation of the data. There are two scenarios where you should use a false Base Line:

• To magnify the minor fluctuation in the time series data
• To economize the space

Net Balance Graph

If you have to show the net balance of income and expenditure or revenue and costs or imports and exports, etc., then you must use a net balance graph. You can use different colors or shades for positive and negative differences.

Frequency Distribution Graphs

Let’s look at the different types of frequency distribution graphs.

A histogram is a graph of a grouped frequency distribution. In a histogram, we plot the class intervals on the X-axis and their respective frequencies on the Y-axis. Further, we create a rectangle on each class interval with its height proportional to the frequency density of the class.

Frequency Polygon or Histograph

A frequency polygon or a Histograph is another way of representing a frequency distribution on a graph. You draw a frequency polygon by joining the midpoints of the upper widths of the adjacent rectangles of the histogram with straight lines.

Frequency Curve

When you join the verticals of a polygon using a smooth curve, then the resulting figure is a Frequency Curve. As the number of observations increase, we need to accommodate more classes. Therefore, the width of each class reduces. In such a scenario, the variable tends to become continuous and the frequency polygon starts taking the shape of a frequency curve.

Cumulative Frequency Curve or Ogive

A cumulative frequency curve or Ogive is the graphical representation of a cumulative frequency distribution. Since a cumulative frequency is either of a ‘less than’ or a ‘more than’ type, Ogives are of two types too – ‘less than ogive’ and ‘more than ogive’.

Scatter Diagram

A scatter diagram or a dot chart enables us to find the nature of the relationship between the variables. If the plotted points are scattered a lot, then the relationship between the two variables is lesser.

Solved Question

Q1. What are the general rules for the graphic presentation of data and information?

Answer: The general rules for the graphic presentation of data are:

• Use a suitable title
• Clearly specify the unit of measurement
• Ensure that you choose a suitable scale
• Provide an index specifying the colors, lines, and designs used in the graph
• If possible, provide the sources of information at the bottom of the graph
• Keep the graph simple and neat.

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Home » Graphical Methods – Types, Examples and Guide

Graphical Methods – Types, Examples and Guide

Table of Contents

Graphical Methods

Definition:

Graphical methods refer to techniques used to visually represent data, relationships, or processes using charts, graphs, diagrams, or other graphical formats. These methods are widely used in various fields such as science, engineering, business, and social sciences, among others, to analyze, interpret and communicate complex information in a concise and understandable way.

Types of Graphical Methods

Here are some of the most common types of graphical methods for data analysis and visual presentation:

Line Graphs

These are commonly used to show trends over time, such as the stock prices of a particular company or the temperature over a certain period. They consist of a series of data points connected by a line that shows the trend of the data over time. Line graphs are useful for identifying patterns in data, such as seasonal changes or long-term trends.

These are commonly used to compare values of different categories, such as sales figures for different products or the number of students in different grade levels. Bar charts use bars that are either horizontal or vertical and represent the data values. They are useful for comparing data visually and identifying differences between categories.

These are used to show how a whole is divided into parts, such as the percentage of students in a school who are enrolled in different programs. Pie charts use a circle that is divided into sectors, with each sector representing a portion of the whole. They are useful for showing proportions and identifying which parts of a whole are larger or smaller.

Scatter Plots

These are used to visualize the relationship between two variables, such as the correlation between a person’s height and weight. Scatter plots consist of a series of data points that are plotted on a graph and connected by a line or curve. They are useful for identifying trends and relationships between variables.

These are used to show the distribution of data across a two-dimensional plane, such as a map of a city showing the density of population in different areas. Heat maps use color-coded cells to represent different levels of data, with darker colors indicating higher values. They are useful for identifying areas of high or low density and for highlighting patterns in data.

These are used to show the distribution of data in a single variable, such as the distribution of ages of a group of people. Histograms use bars that represent the frequency of each data value, with taller bars indicating a higher frequency. They are useful for identifying the shape of a distribution and for identifying outliers or unusual data values.

Network Diagrams

These are used to show the relationships between different entities or nodes, such as the relationships between people in a social network. Network diagrams consist of nodes that are connected by lines that represent the relationship. They are useful for identifying patterns in complex data and for understanding the structure of a network.

Box plots, also known as box-and-whisker plots, are a type of graphical method used to show the distribution of data in a single variable. They consist of a box with whiskers extending from the top and bottom of the box. The box represents the middle 50% of the data, with the median value indicated by a line inside the box. The whiskers represent the range of the data, with any data points outside the whiskers indicated as outliers. Box plots are useful for identifying the spread and shape of a distribution and for identifying outliers or unusual data values.

Applications of Graphical Methods

Graphical methods have a wide range of applications in various fields, including:

• Business : Graphical methods are commonly used in business to analyze sales data, financial data, and other types of data. They are useful for identifying trends, patterns, and outliers, as well as for presenting data in a clear and concise manner to stakeholders.
• Science and engineering: Graphical methods are used extensively in scientific and engineering fields to analyze data and to present research findings. They are useful for visualizing complex data sets and for identifying relationships between variables.
• Social sciences: Graphical methods are used in social sciences to analyze and present data related to human behavior, such as demographics, survey results, and statistical analyses. They are useful for identifying trends and patterns in large data sets and for communicating findings to a broader audience.
• Education : Graphical methods are used in education to present information to students and to help them understand complex concepts. They are useful for visualizing data and for presenting information in a way that is easy to understand.
• Healthcare : Graphical methods are used in healthcare to analyze patient data, to track disease outbreaks, and to present medical information to patients. They are useful for identifying patterns and trends in patient data and for communicating medical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Sports : Graphical methods are used in sports to analyze and present data related to player performance, team statistics, and game outcomes. They are useful for identifying trends and patterns in player and team data and for communicating this information to coaches, players, and fans.

Examples of Graphical Methods

Here are some examples of real-time applications of graphical methods:

• Stock Market: Line graphs, candlestick charts, and bar charts are widely used in real-time trading systems to display stock prices and trends over time. Traders use these charts to analyze historical data and make informed decisions about buying and selling stocks in real-time.
• Weather Forecasting : Heat maps and radar maps are commonly used in weather forecasting to display current weather conditions and to predict future weather patterns. These maps are useful for tracking the movement of storms, identifying areas of high and low pressure, and predicting the likelihood of severe weather events.
• Social Media Analytics: Scatter plots and network diagrams are commonly used in social media analytics to track the spread of information across social networks. Analysts use these graphs to identify patterns in user behavior, to track the popularity of specific topics or hashtags, and to monitor the influence of key opinion leaders.
• Traffic Analysis: Heat maps and network diagrams are used in traffic analysis to visualize traffic flow patterns and to identify areas of congestion or accidents. These graphs are useful for predicting traffic patterns, optimizing traffic flow, and improving transportation infrastructure.
• Medical Diagnostics: Box plots and histograms are commonly used in medical diagnostics to display the distribution of patient data, such as blood pressure, heart rate, or blood sugar levels. These graphs are useful for identifying patterns in patient data, diagnosing medical conditions, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments in real-time.
• Cybersecurity: Heat maps and network diagrams are used in cybersecurity to visualize network traffic patterns and to identify potential security threats. These graphs are useful for identifying anomalies in network traffic, detecting and mitigating cyber attacks, and improving network security protocols.

How to use Graphical Methods

Here are some general steps to follow when using graphical methods to analyze and present data:

• Identify the research question: Before creating any graphs, it’s important to identify the research question or hypothesis you want to explore. This will help you select the appropriate type of graph and ensure that the data you collect is relevant to your research question.
• Collect and organize the data: Collect the data you need to answer your research question and organize it in a way that makes it easy to work with. This may involve sorting, filtering, or cleaning the data to ensure that it is accurate and relevant.
• Select the appropriate graph : There are many different types of graphs available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Select the appropriate graph based on the type of data you have and the research question you are exploring. For example, a scatterplot may be appropriate for exploring the relationship between two continuous variables, while a bar chart may be appropriate for comparing categorical data.
• Create the graph: Once you have selected the appropriate graph, create it using software or a tool that allows you to customize the graph based on your needs. Be sure to include appropriate labels and titles, and ensure that the graph is clearly legible.
• Analyze the graph: Once you have created the graph, analyze it to identify patterns, trends, and relationships in the data. Look for outliers or other anomalies that may require further investigation.
• Draw conclusions: Based on your analysis of the graph, draw conclusions about the research question you are exploring. Use the graph to support your conclusions and to communicate your findings to others.
• Iterate and refine: Finally, refine your graph or create additional graphs as needed to further explore your research question. Iteratively refining and revising your graphs can help to ensure that you are accurately representing the data and that you are drawing the appropriate conclusions.

When to use Graphical Methods

Graphical methods can be used in a variety of situations to help analyze, interpret, and communicate data. Here are some general guidelines on when to use graphical methods:

• To identify patterns and trends: Graphical methods are useful for identifying patterns and trends in data, which may be difficult to see in raw data tables or spreadsheets. Graphs can reveal trends that may not be immediately apparent in the data, making it easier to draw conclusions and make predictions.
• To compare data: Graphs can be used to compare data from different sources or over different time periods. Graphical comparisons can make it easier to identify differences or similarities in the data, which can be useful for making decisions and taking action.
• To summarize data : Graphs can be used to summarize large amounts of data in a single visual display. This can be particularly useful when presenting data to a broad audience, as it can help to simplify complex data sets and make them more accessible.
• To communicate data: Graphs can be used to communicate data and findings to a variety of audiences, including stakeholders, colleagues, and the general public. Graphs can be particularly useful in situations where data needs to be presented quickly and in a way that is easy to understand.
• To identify outliers: Graphical methods are useful for identifying outliers or anomalies in the data. Outliers can be indicative of errors or unusual events, and may warrant further investigation.

Purpose of Graphical Methods

The purpose of graphical methods is to help people analyze, interpret, and communicate data in a way that is both accurate and understandable. Graphical methods provide visual representations of data that can be easier to interpret than tables of numbers or raw data sets. Graphical methods help to reveal patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent in the data, making it easier to draw conclusions and make predictions. They can also help to identify outliers or unusual data points that may warrant further investigation.

In addition to helping people analyze and interpret data, graphical methods also serve an important communication function. Graphs can be used to present data to a wide range of audiences, including stakeholders, colleagues, and the general public. Graphs can help to simplify complex data sets, making them more accessible and easier to understand. By presenting data in a clear and concise way, graphical methods can help people make informed decisions and take action based on the data.

Overall, the purpose of graphical methods is to provide a powerful tool for analyzing, interpreting, and communicating data. Graphical methods help people to better understand the data they are working with, to identify patterns and trends, and to make informed decisions based on the data.

Characteristics of Graphical Methods

Here are some characteristics of graphical methods:

• Visual Representation: Graphical methods provide a visual representation of data, which can be easier to interpret than tables of numbers or raw data sets. Graphs can help to reveal patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent in the data.
• Simplicity : Graphical methods simplify complex data sets, making them more accessible and easier to understand. By presenting data in a clear and concise way, graphical methods can help people make informed decisions and take action based on the data.
• Comparability : Graphical methods can be used to compare data from different sources or over different time periods. This can help to identify differences or similarities in the data, which can be useful for making decisions and taking action.
• Flexibility : Graphical methods can be adapted to different types of data, including continuous, categorical, and ordinal data. Different types of graphs can be used to display different types of data, depending on the characteristics of the data and the research question.
• Accuracy : Graphical methods should accurately represent the data being analyzed. Graphs should be properly scaled and labeled to avoid distorting the data or misleading viewers.
• Clarity : Graphical methods should be clear and easy to read. Graphs should be designed with the viewer in mind, using appropriate colors, labels, and titles to ensure that the message of the graph is conveyed effectively.

Advantages of Graphical Methods

Graphical methods offer several advantages for analyzing and presenting data, including:

• Clear visualization: Graphical methods provide a clear and intuitive visual representation of data that can help people understand complex relationships, trends, and patterns in the data. This can be particularly useful when dealing with large and complex data sets.
• Efficient communication: Graphical methods can help to communicate complex data sets in an efficient and accessible way. Visual representations can be easier to understand than numerical data alone, and can help to convey key messages quickly.
• Effective comparison: Graphical methods allow for easy comparison between different data sets, making it easier to identify trends, patterns, and differences. This can help in making decisions, identifying areas for improvement, or developing new insights.
• Improved decision-making: Graphical methods can help to inform decision-making by presenting data in a clear and easy-to-understand format. They can also help to identify key areas of focus, enabling individuals or teams to make more informed decisions.
• Increased engagement: Graphical methods can help to engage audiences by presenting data in an engaging and interactive way. This can be particularly useful in presentations or reports, where visual representations can help to maintain audience attention and interest.
• Better understanding: Graphical methods can help individuals to better understand the data they are working with, by providing a clear and intuitive visual representation of the data. This can lead to improved insights and decision-making, as well as better understanding of the implications of the data.

Limitations of Graphical Methods

Here are a few limitations to consider:

• Misleading representation: Graphical methods can potentially misrepresent data if they are not designed properly. For example, inappropriate scaling or labeling of the axes or the use of certain types of graphs can create a distorted view of the data.
• Limited scope: Graphical methods can only display a limited amount of data, which can make it difficult to capture the full complexity of a data set. Additionally, some types of data may be difficult to represent visually.
• Time-consuming : Creating graphs can be a time-consuming process, particularly if multiple graphs need to be created and analyzed. This can be a limitation in situations where time is limited or resources are scarce.
• Technical skills: Some graphical methods require technical skills to create and interpret. For example, certain types of graphs may require knowledge of specialized software or programming languages.
• Interpretation : Interpreting graphs can be subjective, and the same graph can be interpreted in different ways by different people. This can lead to confusion or disagreements when using graphs to communicate data.
• Accessibility : Some graphical methods may not be accessible to all audiences, particularly those with visual impairments. Additionally, some types of graphs may not be accessible to those with limited literacy or numeracy skills.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Graphical Representation

Graphical representation definition.

Graphical representation refers to the use of charts and graphs to visually display, analyze, clarify, and interpret numerical data, functions, and other qualitative structures. ‍

What is Graphical Representation?

Graphical representation refers to the use of intuitive charts to clearly visualize and simplify data sets. Data is ingested into graphical representation of data software and then represented by a variety of symbols, such as lines on a line chart, bars on a bar chart, or slices on a pie chart, from which users can gain greater insight than by numerical analysis alone. 

Representational graphics can quickly illustrate general behavior and highlight phenomenons, anomalies, and relationships between data points that may otherwise be overlooked, and may contribute to predictions and better, data-driven decisions. The types of representational graphics used will depend on the type of data being explored.

Types of Graphical Representation

Data charts are available in a wide variety of maps, diagrams, and graphs that typically include textual titles and legends to denote the purpose, measurement units, and variables of the chart. Choosing the most appropriate chart depends on a variety of different factors -- the nature of the data, the purpose of the chart, and whether a graphical representation of qualitative data or a graphical representation of quantitative data is being depicted. There are dozens of different formats for graphical representation of data. Some of the most popular charts include:

• Bar Graph -- contains a vertical axis and horizontal axis and displays data as rectangular bars with lengths proportional to the values that they represent; a useful visual aid for marketing purposes
• Choropleth -- thematic map in which an aggregate summary of a geographic characteristic within an area is represented by patterns of shading proportionate to a statistical variable
• Flow Chart -- diagram that depicts a workflow graphical representation with the use of arrows and geometric shapes; a useful visual aid for business and finance purposes
• Heatmap -- a colored, two-dimensional matrix of cells in which each cell represents a grouping of data and each cell’s color indicates its relative value
• Histogram – frequency distribution and graphical representation uses adjacent vertical bars erected over discrete intervals to represent the data frequency within a given interval; a useful visual aid for meteorology and environment purposes
• Line Graph – displays continuous data; ideal for predicting future events over time;  a useful visual aid for marketing purposes
• Pie Chart -- shows percentage values as a slice of pie; a useful visual aid for marketing purposes
• Pointmap -- CAD & GIS contract mapping and drafting solution that visualizes the location of data on a map by plotting geographic latitude and longitude data
• Scatter plot -- a diagram that shows the relationship between two sets of data, where each dot represents individual pieces of data and each axis represents a quantitative measure
• Stacked Bar Graph -- a graph in which each bar is segmented into parts, with the entire bar representing the whole, and each segment representing different categories of that whole; a useful visual aid for political science and sociology purposes
• Timeline Chart -- a long bar labelled with dates paralleling it that display a list of events in chronological order, a useful visual aid for history charting purposes
• Tree Diagram -- a hierarchical genealogical tree that illustrates a family structure; a useful visual aid for history charting purposes
• Venn Diagram -- consists of multiple overlapping usually circles, each representing a set; the default inner join graphical representation

Proprietary and open source software for graphical representation of data is available in a wide variety of programming languages. Software packages often provide spreadsheets equipped with built-in charting functions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Graphical Representation of Data

Tabular and graphical representation of data are a vital component in analyzing and understanding large quantities of numerical data and the relationship between data points. Data visualization is one of the most fundamental approaches to data analysis, providing an intuitive and universal means to visualize, abstract, and share complex data patterns. The primary advantages of graphical representation of data are:

• Facilitates and improves learning: graphics make data easy to understand and eliminate language and literacy barriers
• Understanding content: visuals are more effective than text in human understanding
• Flexibility of use: graphical representation can be leveraged in nearly every field involving data
• Increases structured thinking: users can make quick, data-driven decisions at a glance with visual aids
• Supports creative, personalized reports for more engaging and stimulating visual  presentations 
• Improves communication: analyzing graphs that highlight relevant themes is significantly faster than reading through a descriptive report line by line
• Shows the whole picture: an instantaneous, full view of all variables, time frames, data behavior and relationships

Disadvantages of graphical representation of data typically concern the cost of human effort and resources, the process of selecting the most appropriate graphical and tabular representation of data, greater design complexity of visualizing data, and the potential for human bias.

Why Graphical Representation of Data is Important

Graphic visual representation of information is a crucial component in understanding and identifying patterns and trends in the ever increasing flow of data. Graphical representation enables the quick analysis of large amounts of data at one time and can aid in making predictions and informed decisions. Data visualizations also make collaboration significantly more efficient by using familiar visual metaphors to illustrate relationships and highlight meaning, eliminating complex, long-winded explanations of an otherwise chaotic-looking array of figures. 

Data only has value once its significance has been revealed and consumed, and its consumption is best facilitated with graphical representation tools that are designed with human cognition and perception in mind. Human visual processing is very efficient at detecting relationships and changes between sizes, shapes, colors, and quantities. Attempting to gain insight from numerical data alone, especially in big data instances in which there may be billions of rows of data, is exceedingly cumbersome and inefficient.

Does HEAVY.AI Offer a Graphical Representation Solution?

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Home Blog Design How to Make a Presentation Graph

How to Make a Presentation Graph

Visuals are a core element of effective communication, and regardless of the niche, graphs facilitate understanding data and trends. Data visualization techniques aim to make data engaging, easy to recall and contextualize while posing as a medium to simplify complex concepts .

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a presentation graph, briefly covering the types of graphs you can use in presentations, and how to customize them for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, you can find references on how to narrate your graphs while delivering a presentation.

Table of Contents

What is a Presentation Graph?

Types of graphs commonly used in presentations, how to select a presentation graph type, design principles for effective presentation graphs, working with presentation graph templates, integrating the graph into your presentation, common mistakes to avoid when making a presentation graph, final words.

A presentation graph is a visual representation of data, crafted in either 2D or 3D format, designed to illustrate relationships among two or more variables. Its primary purpose is to facilitate understanding of complex information, trends, and patterns, making it easier for an audience to grasp insights during a presentation. 

By visually encoding data, presentation graphs help highlight correlations, distributions, and anomalies within the dataset, thereby supporting more informed decision-making and discussion. 

Various types of graphs are commonly used in presentations. Each type serves specific purposes, allowing presenters to choose the most suitable format for conveying their data accurately. Here, we’ll discuss some common examples of presentation graphs.

Check our guide for more information about the differences between charts vs. graphs .

A bar chart is a visual tool that represents data using horizontal bars, where the length of each bar correlates with the data value it represents. This type of chart is used to compare discrete categories or groups, highlighting differences in quantities or frequencies across these categories. 

For more information check our collection of bar chart PowerPoint templates .

Column Graphs

Column graphs are a variation of bar charts. They display data through vertical columns, allowing for comparing values across different categories or over time. Each column’s height indicates the data value, making it straightforward to observe differences and trends.

Line Graphs

Line graphs depict information as a series of data points connected by straight lines. They are primarily used to show trends over time or continuous data, with the x-axis typically representing time intervals and the y-axis representing the measured values. Line graphs highlight the rate of change between the data points, indicating trends and fluctuations.

For more information check our collection of line chart PowerPoint templates .

Circle Graphs

Circle graphs, commonly known as pie charts or donut charts, present the data distribution as fractions of an entity. They provide a quick understanding of the relative sizes of each component within a dataset. Pie charts are particularly effective when the goal is to highlight the contribution of each part to the whole data.

For more information check our collection of circle diagram templates .

Area Graphs

Area graphs are similar to line graphs, but the space below the line is filled in, emphasizing the volume beneath the curve. They represent cumulative totals over time through the use of sequential data points, making it easier to see total values and the relative significance of different parts of the data.

For more information check our collection of area chart PowerPoint templates .

Cone, Cylinder, and Pyramid Graphs

Three-dimensional graphs, such as cones, cylinders, and pyramids, create a dynamic visual impact on presentations. While not as common as the other types, they are used for their ability to add depth and dimension to data representation. These graphs create a visually engaging experience for the audience, although sometimes they sacrifice accuracy for the sake of visuals.

For more information check our collection of pyramid diagram PowerPoint templates .

As a presenter, you must be aware of both the topic’s requirements to discuss and your audience’s needs. Different graphs fulfill distinct purposes, and selecting the right one is critical for effective communication.

Line Graphs for Trends Over Time

A line graph is effective when you want to present trends or changes over a continuous period, like sales performance over months. Each point on the line represents a specific time, offering a clear visual representation of the data’s progression.

Bar Graphs for Comparing Quantities

If your goal is to compare quantities or values across different categories, such as sales figures for various products, a bar graph is suitable. The varying lengths of bars make it easy to compare the magnitudes of different categories.

Pie Charts for Showing Proportions

Use pie charts when you want to illustrate parts of a whole. For example, to represent the percentage distribution of expenses in a budget, a pie chart divides the total into segments, each corresponding to a category.

Follow these guidelines to create your presentation graph for the data you intend to represent. 

How to Make a Presentation Graph in PowerPoint

Start by opening your presentation slide deck. For this tutorial’s purpose, we’ll work with a blank slide.

Switch to the Insert tab and click on Chart . 

A new dialogue window will open, where you have to select the chart type and the specific representation type—i.e., for area charts, you can choose from 2D or 3D area charts and their distribution method.

If you hover over the selected chart, it will zoom in to check the details. Double-click to insert the chosen graph into the slide.

As we can see, a spreadsheet to edit the data is now available. If you accidentally close it, go to Chart Design > Edit Data.

Replace the data in the numbers to reflect the data you need to showcase. The columns’ titles indicate the text the legend shows for each series. Then, we can close the spreadsheet and continue customizing it.

By clicking on the paintbrush, we access the Style options for the graph. We can change the background color, layout style, and more.

If we switch to the Color tab inside of Style , we can modify the color scheme for the presentation graph. And as simple as that is how to make a graph in PowerPoint.

How to Make a Presentation Graph in Google Slides

Now, let’s see how to create a graph in Google Slides. We start once again from a blank slide.

Go to Insert > Chart . Select your desired presentation graph option. In our case, we will work with a Pie Chart.

To change the placeholder data, click on Edit Data .

If you missed the emergent tab, you can go to the three points in the graph, click on them, and select Open Source .

The graph will most likely cover the data spreadsheet, so move it to one side to see the entire data range. In this case, the auto-generated graph is wrong as the sum gives 110%. We’ll correct that now.

And this is how it looks with the corrected data.

Next, we click on the three dots on the chart and select Edit the Chart . This shall open all customization options.

At the Setup tab, we can change the chart style and select from various options. 

The data will refresh in that case and adapt its representation to the new style.

If we switch to the Customize tab (it says Customise, as the selected language is UK English), we can fine-tune our presentation graph starting from the background color.

Activate the 3D checkbox to change to a 3D pie chart (applicable to any graph).

We can find tailored settings for the Pie Chart to convert it to a donut chart, with settings like the donut hole size.

The Pie Slice section helps us change the color scheme for each one of the slices.

We can change the title and axis titles in the Chart and axis titles section.

Finally, the Legend section offers many customization options to alter the legend’s format.

Once the customization process is completed, close the Google Spreadsheets tab, go to your presentation chart, and click Update .

Google Slides will refresh the data for your created presentation graph with the last synced data.

Adhering to certain design principles is imperative for creating graphs and communicating information effectively.

Simplicity and Clarity

A graph should be clean and free from unnecessary details. Clear graphs have visible data points and helpful short texts for better understanding. Even if it looks simple, it can still show important information. To make it easy to understand, avoid adding distortions, shading, weird perspectives, too many colors, unnecessary decorations, or 3D effects [2]. It is also essential to ensure the plotted data points are clear, not hidden or covered.

Use of Color and Contrast

Thoughtful use of color and contrast enhances visual appeal and distinguishes different elements within the graph. Colors can effectively improve the chart presentation in three ways: highlighting specific data, grouping items, and encoding quantitative values. However, do not use fancy or varying colors in the background. We suggest resisting decorating graphs excessively, as it can hinder clear data presentation [4]. Only use different colors when they highlight important differences in the data.

Labeling and Legends

Accurate labeling is crucial to provide context and understanding. While designing graphs, we don’t expect the viewer to guess. Instead, we clearly label titles and axes.  Clear labeling means displaying both axes on your graph, including measurement units if needed. Identify symbols and patterns in a legend or caption [3]. Legends explain symbols and patterns in a graph.

Scale and Proportion

For more clarity, we keep the measurement scales consistent and avoid distortions for accuracy. This ensures the exact difference between all the values. It will present data relationships and prevent misinterpretation due to skewed visual perceptions.

Tips for Customizing Graphs

PowerPoint provides various customization options—Right-click on elements like axes, data points, or legends to format them. You can also change colors, fonts, and styles to match your presentation’s look.

Coloring Your Data

When you want to make different parts of your chart stand out, click on a bar or line. Then, right-click and choose “Format Data Series.” Here, you can pick a color that helps each set of data pop. Do this for each part of your chart to make it visually appealing.

Changing the Chart Background

If you want to change the background color around your chart, right-click on the white space. Choose “Format Chart Area” and change the background color to something that complements your data.

Customizing Line Styles

Change the appearance of your lines for a unique look. Click on a line in your chart, right-click, and select “Format Data Series.” Experiment with different line styles, such as solid, dashed, or dotted.

Fine-tuning Axis Appearance

To make your chart axes look polished, right-click on the X or Y axis and choose “Format Axis.” Adjust properties like line color, tick marks, and label font to suit your design.

Perfecting Legends

Legends can be tweaked for a more integrated look. Right-click on the legend, select “Format Legend,” and adjust options like placement, font size, and background color to enhance the overall appearance.

Creating graphs in PowerPoint or Google Slides from scratch can be time-consuming, and ultimately, it won’t yield the same results as professional-made designs. We invite you to discover some cool designs for presentation graphs PPT templates made by SlideModel.

1. Dashboard Presentation Graph for PowerPoint & Google Slides

Don’t worry about how to make a graph in PowerPoint – let’s us bring the resources in the shape of a cool dashboard layout. Ideal for any kind of e-commerce business, you can track expenses or income, evaluate metrics, and much more.

Use This Template

2. Infographic Donut Chart Presentation Template

Explain concepts in different hierarchy levels, or processes that require a set of sequential steps by implementing this donut chart PPT template. Each segment has a bubble callout to expand further information for the areas required.

3. Presentation Graph Slide Deck PPT Template

All that’s required to create a data-driven presentation is here. Customize donut charts, funnels, histograms, point & figure charts, and more to create professionally-designed presentation slides.

4. PowerPoint Charts Slide Deck

If you’re looking for clean layouts for column graphs, area charts, line graphs and donut charts, this is the template you need in your toolbox. Perfect for marketing, financial and academic reports.

Consider its relevance to the content when incorporating your graph into the presentation. Insert the graph in a slide where it logically fits within the flow of information.

Positioning the Graph Appropriately in the Presentation

Deciding where to put your graph in the presentation is essential. You want it to be where everyone can see it easily and where it makes sense. Usually, you place the graph on a slide that talks about the data or topic related to the graph. This way, people can look at the graph simultaneously when you talk about it. Make sure it is not too small. If needed, you can make it bigger or smaller to fit nicely on the slide. The goal is to position the graph so that it helps your audience understand your information better.

Ensuring Consistency with the Overall Design of the Presentation

Align the graph with the overall design of your presentation to maintain a cohesive visual appeal. You can use consistent colors, fonts, and styles to integrate the graph seamlessly. The graph must complement the theme and tone of your slides. Therefore, you should avoid flashy or distracting elements that may deviate from the established design. The goal is to create a harmonious and professional presentation where the graph blends naturally without causing visual disruptions. However, we recommend you use bar chart templates already available for presentation.

Narrating Your Graph

When explaining your graph during the presentation, start by providing context. Clearly state what the graph illustrates and its significance to the audience. Use simple and direct language, avoiding unnecessary jargon. It is important to walk through the axes, data points, and any trends you want to highlight. Speaking moderately allows the audience to absorb the information without feeling rushed. You can take pause when needed to emphasize crucial points or transitions.

You can learn more about creative techniques to narrate your graph in our data storytelling guide.

Overloading with Information

One common mistake is presenting too much information on a single graph. Avoid filling the graph with excessive data points or unnecessary details.

Misleading Scales or Axes

Scale mistakes, such as uneven intervals or a bar chart with zero baselines, are common graphical mistakes [5]. Misleading scales can distort the interpretation of the graph and lead to incorrect conclusions. Scales should accurately present the data without exaggerating certain aspects.

Inappropriate Graph Types for the Data

Selecting an inappropriate graph type for your data is a mistake to avoid. Choose a graph type that effectively communicates the nature of your data. For instance, a pie chart for time-based trends might not be the most suitable choice. Match the graph type to the data characteristics to convey information accurately.

Working with presentation graphs may feel challenging for a beginner in presentation design software. Still, practice makes the master. Start by clearly stating your objectives in terms of data representation—this will make the presentation graph-type selection process much easier. Customize the graph by working with appropriate color combinations (you can learn more about this in our color theory guide), as this can also help highlight relevant data sections that may influence an informed decision.

Everything depends on your creative skills and how you want to showcase information. As a final piece of advice, we highly recommend working with one graph per slide, unless you opted for a dashboard layout. Ideally, graphs should be seen from a distance, and working with reduced sizes may hinder accurate data representation.

[1] https://uogqueensmcf.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/BA Modules/Medical Laboratory/Medical Laboratory Courses PPT/Year III Sem II/Biostatistics/lecture 1.pdf (Accessed: 06 March 2024).

[2] Five Principles of Good Graphs. https://scc.ms.unimelb.edu.au/resources/data-visualisation-and-exploration/data-visualisation

[3} Guide to fairly good graphs. Statistics LibreTexts. https://stats.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Applied_Statistics/Biological_Statistics_(McDonald)/07%3A_Miscellany/7.02%3A_Guide_to_Fairly_Good_Graphs

[4] Practical rules for using color in charts. https://nbisweden.github.io/Rcourse/files/rules_for_using_color.pdf

[5] https://iase-web.org/islp/documents/Media/How%20To%20Avoid.pdf [6] Duquia, R.P. et al. (2014) Presenting data in tables and charts , Anais brasileiros de dermatologia . 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143388

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Blog Data Visualization 10 Data Presentation Examples For Strategic Communication

10 Data Presentation Examples For Strategic Communication

Written by: Krystle Wong Sep 28, 2023

Knowing how to present data is like having a superpower. 

Data presentation today is no longer just about numbers on a screen; it’s storytelling with a purpose. It’s about captivating your audience, making complex stuff look simple and inspiring action. 

To help turn your data into stories that stick, influence decisions and make an impact, check out Venngage’s free chart maker or follow me on a tour into the world of data storytelling along with data presentation templates that work across different fields, from business boardrooms to the classroom and beyond. Keep scrolling to learn more! 

Click to jump ahead:

10 Essential data presentation examples + methods you should know

What should be included in a data presentation, what are some common mistakes to avoid when presenting data, faqs on data presentation examples, transform your message with impactful data storytelling.

Data presentation is a vital skill in today’s information-driven world. Whether you’re in business, academia, or simply want to convey information effectively, knowing the different ways of presenting data is crucial. For impactful data storytelling, consider these essential data presentation methods:

1. Bar graph

Ideal for comparing data across categories or showing trends over time.

Bar graphs, also known as bar charts are workhorses of data presentation. They’re like the Swiss Army knives of visualization methods because they can be used to compare data in different categories or display data changes over time. 

In a bar chart, categories are displayed on the x-axis and the corresponding values are represented by the height of the bars on the y-axis. 

It’s a straightforward and effective way to showcase raw data, making it a staple in business reports, academic presentations and beyond.

Make sure your bar charts are concise with easy-to-read labels. Whether your bars go up or sideways, keep it simple by not overloading with too many categories.

2. Line graph

Great for displaying trends and variations in data points over time or continuous variables.

Line charts or line graphs are your go-to when you want to visualize trends and variations in data sets over time.

One of the best quantitative data presentation examples, they work exceptionally well for showing continuous data, such as sales projections over the last couple of years or supply and demand fluctuations. 

The x-axis represents time or a continuous variable and the y-axis represents the data values. By connecting the data points with lines, you can easily spot trends and fluctuations.

A tip when presenting data with line charts is to minimize the lines and not make it too crowded. Highlight the big changes, put on some labels and give it a catchy title.

3. Pie chart

Useful for illustrating parts of a whole, such as percentages or proportions.

Pie charts are perfect for showing how a whole is divided into parts. They’re commonly used to represent percentages or proportions and are great for presenting survey results that involve demographic data. 

Each “slice” of the pie represents a portion of the whole and the size of each slice corresponds to its share of the total. 

While pie charts are handy for illustrating simple distributions, they can become confusing when dealing with too many categories or when the differences in proportions are subtle.

Don’t get too carried away with slices — label those slices with percentages or values so people know what’s what and consider using a legend for more categories.

4. Scatter plot

Effective for showing the relationship between two variables and identifying correlations.

Scatter plots are all about exploring relationships between two variables. They’re great for uncovering correlations, trends or patterns in data. 

In a scatter plot, every data point appears as a dot on the chart, with one variable marked on the horizontal x-axis and the other on the vertical y-axis.

By examining the scatter of points, you can discern the nature of the relationship between the variables, whether it’s positive, negative or no correlation at all.

If you’re using scatter plots to reveal relationships between two variables, be sure to add trendlines or regression analysis when appropriate to clarify patterns. Label data points selectively or provide tooltips for detailed information.

5. Histogram

Best for visualizing the distribution and frequency of a single variable.

Histograms are your choice when you want to understand the distribution and frequency of a single variable. 

They divide the data into “bins” or intervals and the height of each bar represents the frequency or count of data points falling into that interval. 

Histograms are excellent for helping to identify trends in data distributions, such as peaks, gaps or skewness.

Here’s something to take note of — ensure that your histogram bins are appropriately sized to capture meaningful data patterns. Using clear axis labels and titles can also help explain the distribution of the data effectively.

6. Stacked bar chart

Useful for showing how different components contribute to a whole over multiple categories.

Stacked bar charts are a handy choice when you want to illustrate how different components contribute to a whole across multiple categories. 

Each bar represents a category and the bars are divided into segments to show the contribution of various components within each category. 

This method is ideal for highlighting both the individual and collective significance of each component, making it a valuable tool for comparative analysis.

Stacked bar charts are like data sandwiches—label each layer so people know what’s what. Keep the order logical and don’t forget the paintbrush for snazzy colors. Here’s a data analysis presentation example on writers’ productivity using stacked bar charts:

7. Area chart

Similar to line charts but with the area below the lines filled, making them suitable for showing cumulative data.

Area charts are close cousins of line charts but come with a twist. 

Imagine plotting the sales of a product over several months. In an area chart, the space between the line and the x-axis is filled, providing a visual representation of the cumulative total. 

This makes it easy to see how values stack up over time, making area charts a valuable tool for tracking trends in data.

For area charts, use them to visualize cumulative data and trends, but avoid overcrowding the chart. Add labels, especially at significant points and make sure the area under the lines is filled with a visually appealing color gradient.

8. Tabular presentation

Presenting data in rows and columns, often used for precise data values and comparisons.

Tabular data presentation is all about clarity and precision. Think of it as presenting numerical data in a structured grid, with rows and columns clearly displaying individual data points. 

A table is invaluable for showcasing detailed data, facilitating comparisons and presenting numerical information that needs to be exact. They’re commonly used in reports, spreadsheets and academic papers.

When presenting tabular data, organize it neatly with clear headers and appropriate column widths. Highlight important data points or patterns using shading or font formatting for better readability.

9. Textual data

Utilizing written or descriptive content to explain or complement data, such as annotations or explanatory text.

Textual data presentation may not involve charts or graphs, but it’s one of the most used qualitative data presentation examples. 

It involves using written content to provide context, explanations or annotations alongside data visuals. Think of it as the narrative that guides your audience through the data. 

Well-crafted textual data can make complex information more accessible and help your audience understand the significance of the numbers and visuals.

Textual data is your chance to tell a story. Break down complex information into bullet points or short paragraphs and use headings to guide the reader’s attention.

10. Pictogram

Using simple icons or images to represent data is especially useful for conveying information in a visually intuitive manner.

Pictograms are all about harnessing the power of images to convey data in an easy-to-understand way. 

Instead of using numbers or complex graphs, you use simple icons or images to represent data points. 

For instance, you could use a thumbs up emoji to illustrate customer satisfaction levels, where each face represents a different level of satisfaction. 

Pictograms are great for conveying data visually, so choose symbols that are easy to interpret and relevant to the data. Use consistent scaling and a legend to explain the symbols’ meanings, ensuring clarity in your presentation.

Looking for more data presentation ideas? Use the Venngage graph maker or browse through our gallery of chart templates to pick a template and get started! 

A comprehensive data presentation should include several key elements to effectively convey information and insights to your audience. Here’s a list of what should be included in a data presentation:

1. Title and objective

• Begin with a clear and informative title that sets the context for your presentation.
• State the primary objective or purpose of the presentation to provide a clear focus.

2. Key data points

• Present the most essential data points or findings that align with your objective.
• Use charts, graphical presentations or visuals to illustrate these key points for better comprehension.

3. Context and significance

• Provide a brief overview of the context in which the data was collected and why it’s significant.
• Explain how the data relates to the larger picture or the problem you’re addressing.

4. Key takeaways

• Summarize the main insights or conclusions that can be drawn from the data.
• Highlight the key takeaways that the audience should remember.

5. Visuals and charts

• Use clear and appropriate visual aids to complement the data.
• Ensure that visuals are easy to understand and support your narrative.

6. Implications or actions

• Discuss the practical implications of the data or any recommended actions.
• If applicable, outline next steps or decisions that should be taken based on the data.

7. Q&A and discussion

• Allocate time for questions and open discussion to engage the audience.
• Address queries and provide additional insights or context as needed.

Presenting data is a crucial skill in various professional fields, from business to academia and beyond. To ensure your data presentations hit the mark, here are some common mistakes that you should steer clear of:

Overloading with data

Presenting too much data at once can overwhelm your audience. Focus on the key points and relevant information to keep the presentation concise and focused. Here are some free data visualization tools you can use to convey data in an engaging and impactful way. 

Assuming everyone’s on the same page

It’s easy to assume that your audience understands as much about the topic as you do. But this can lead to either dumbing things down too much or diving into a bunch of jargon that leaves folks scratching their heads. Take a beat to figure out where your audience is coming from and tailor your presentation accordingly.

Misleading visuals

Using misleading visuals, such as distorted scales or inappropriate chart types can distort the data’s meaning. Pick the right data infographics and understandable charts to ensure that your visual representations accurately reflect the data.

Not providing context

Data without context is like a puzzle piece with no picture on it. Without proper context, data may be meaningless or misinterpreted. Explain the background, methodology and significance of the data.

Not citing sources properly

Neglecting to cite sources and provide citations for your data can erode its credibility. Always attribute data to its source and utilize reliable sources for your presentation.

Not telling a story

Avoid simply presenting numbers. If your presentation lacks a clear, engaging story that takes your audience on a journey from the beginning (setting the scene) through the middle (data analysis) to the end (the big insights and recommendations), you’re likely to lose their interest.

Infographics are great for storytelling because they mix cool visuals with short and sweet text to explain complicated stuff in a fun and easy way. Create one with Venngage’s free infographic maker to create a memorable story that your audience will remember.

Ignoring data quality

Presenting data without first checking its quality and accuracy can lead to misinformation. Validate and clean your data before presenting it.

Simplify your visuals

Fancy charts might look cool, but if they confuse people, what’s the point? Go for the simplest visual that gets your message across. Having a dilemma between presenting data with infographics v.s data design? This article on the difference between data design and infographics might help you out. 

Missing the emotional connection

Data isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people and real-life situations. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some human touch, whether it’s through relatable stories, examples or showing how the data impacts real lives.

Skipping the actionable insights

At the end of the day, your audience wants to know what they should do with all the data. If you don’t wrap up with clear, actionable insights or recommendations, you’re leaving them hanging. Always finish up with practical takeaways and the next steps.

Can you provide some data presentation examples for business reports?

Business reports often benefit from data presentation through bar charts showing sales trends over time, pie charts displaying market share,or tables presenting financial performance metrics like revenue and profit margins.

What are some creative data presentation examples for academic presentations?

Creative data presentation ideas for academic presentations include using statistical infographics to illustrate research findings and statistical data, incorporating storytelling techniques to engage the audience or utilizing heat maps to visualize data patterns.

What are the key considerations when choosing the right data presentation format?

When choosing a chart format , consider factors like data complexity, audience expertise and the message you want to convey. Options include charts (e.g., bar, line, pie), tables, heat maps, data visualization infographics and interactive dashboards.

Knowing the type of data visualization that best serves your data is just half the battle. Here are some best practices for data visualization to make sure that the final output is optimized. 

How can I choose the right data presentation method for my data?

To select the right data presentation method, start by defining your presentation’s purpose and audience. Then, match your data type (e.g., quantitative, qualitative) with suitable visualization techniques (e.g., histograms, word clouds) and choose an appropriate presentation format (e.g., slide deck, report, live demo).

For more presentation ideas , check out this guide on how to make a good presentation or use a presentation software to simplify the process.  

How can I make my data presentations more engaging and informative?

To enhance data presentations, use compelling narratives, relatable examples and fun data infographics that simplify complex data. Encourage audience interaction, offer actionable insights and incorporate storytelling elements to engage and inform effectively.

The opening of your presentation holds immense power in setting the stage for your audience. To design a presentation and convey your data in an engaging and informative, try out Venngage’s free presentation maker to pick the right presentation design for your audience and topic. 

What is the difference between data visualization and data presentation?

Data presentation typically involves conveying data reports and insights to an audience, often using visuals like charts and graphs. Data visualization , on the other hand, focuses on creating those visual representations of data to facilitate understanding and analysis. 

Now that you’ve learned a thing or two about how to use these methods of data presentation to tell a compelling data story , it’s time to take these strategies and make them your own. 

But here’s the deal: these aren’t just one-size-fits-all solutions. Remember that each example we’ve uncovered here is not a rigid template but a source of inspiration. It’s all about making your audience go, “Wow, I get it now!”

Think of your data presentations as your canvas – it’s where you paint your story, convey meaningful insights and make real change happen. 

So, go forth, present your data with confidence and purpose and watch as your strategic influence grows, one compelling presentation at a time.

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Graphical Representation

Graphical Representation is a way of analysing numerical data. It exhibits the relation between data, ideas, information and concepts in a diagram. It is easy to understand and it is one of the most important learning strategies. It always depends on the type of information in a particular domain. There are different types of graphical representation. Some of them are as follows:

• Line Graphs – Line graph or the linear graph is used to display the continuous data and it is useful for predicting future events over time.
• Bar Graphs – Bar Graph is used to display the category of data and it compares the data using solid bars to represent the quantities.
• Histograms – The graph that uses bars to represent the frequency of numerical data that are organised into intervals. Since all the intervals are equal and continuous, all the bars have the same width.
• Line Plot – It shows the frequency of data on a given number line. ‘ x ‘ is placed above a number line each time when that data occurs again.
• Frequency Table – The table shows the number of pieces of data that falls within the given interval.
• Circle Graph – Also known as the pie chart that shows the relationships of the parts of the whole. The circle is considered with 100% and the categories occupied is represented with that specific percentage like 15%, 56%, etc.
• Stem and Leaf Plot – In the stem and leaf plot, the data are organised from least value to the greatest value. The digits of the least place values from the leaves and the next place value digit forms the stems.
• Box and Whisker Plot – The plot diagram summarises the data by dividing into four parts. Box and whisker show the range (spread) and the middle ( median) of the data.

General Rules for Graphical Representation of Data

There are certain rules to effectively present the information in the graphical representation. They are:

• Suitable Title: Make sure that the appropriate title is given to the graph which indicates the subject of the presentation.
• Measurement Unit: Mention the measurement unit in the graph.
• Proper Scale: To represent the data in an accurate manner, choose a proper scale.
• Index: Index the appropriate colours, shades, lines, design in the graphs for better understanding.
• Data Sources: Include the source of information wherever it is necessary at the bottom of the graph.
• Keep it Simple: Construct a graph in an easy way that everyone can understand.
• Neat: Choose the correct size, fonts, colours etc in such a way that the graph should be a visual aid for the presentation of information.

Graphical Representation in Maths

In Mathematics, a graph is defined as a chart with statistical data, which are represented in the form of curves or lines drawn across the coordinate point plotted on its surface. It helps to study the relationship between two variables where it helps to measure the change in the variable amount with respect to another variable within a given interval of time. It helps to study the series distribution and frequency distribution for a given problem.  There are two types of graphs to visually depict the information. They are:

• Time Series Graphs – Example: Line Graph
• Frequency Distribution Graphs – Example: Frequency Polygon Graph

Principles of Graphical Representation

Algebraic principles are applied to all types of graphical representation of data. In graphs, it is represented using two lines called coordinate axes. The horizontal axis is denoted as the x-axis and the vertical axis is denoted as the y-axis. The point at which two lines intersect is called an origin ‘O’. Consider x-axis, the distance from the origin to the right side will take a positive value and the distance from the origin to the left side will take a negative value. Similarly, for the y-axis, the points above the origin will take a positive value, and the points below the origin will a negative value.

Generally, the frequency distribution is represented in four methods, namely

• Smoothed frequency graph
• Pie diagram
• Cumulative or ogive frequency graph
• Frequency Polygon

Merits of Using Graphs

Some of the merits of using graphs are as follows:

• The graph is easily understood by everyone without any prior knowledge.
• It saves time
• It allows us to relate and compare the data for different time periods
• It is used in statistics to determine the mean, median and mode for different data, as well as in the interpolation and the extrapolation of data.

Example for Frequency polygonGraph

Here are the steps to follow to find the frequency distribution of a frequency polygon and it is represented in a graphical way.

• Obtain the frequency distribution and find the midpoints of each class interval.
• Represent the midpoints along x-axis and frequencies along the y-axis.
• Plot the points corresponding to the frequency at each midpoint.
• Join these points, using lines in order.
• To complete the polygon, join the point at each end immediately to the lower or higher class marks on the x-axis.

Draw the frequency polygon for the following data

Mark the class interval along x-axis and frequencies along the y-axis.

Let assume that class interval 0-10 with frequency zero and 90-100 with frequency zero.

Now calculate the midpoint of the class interval.

Using the midpoint and the frequency value from the above table, plot the points A (5, 0), B (15, 4), C (25, 6), D (35, 8), E (45, 10), F (55, 12), G (65, 14), H (75, 7), I (85, 5) and J (95, 0).

To obtain the frequency polygon ABCDEFGHIJ, draw the line segments AB, BC, CD, DE, EF, FG, GH, HI, IJ, and connect all the points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of graphical representation.

Some of the various types of graphical representation include:

• Line Graphs
• Frequency Table
• Circle Graph, etc.

Read More:  Types of Graphs

What are the Advantages of Graphical Method?

Some of the advantages of graphical representation are:

• It makes data more easily understandable.
• It saves time.
• It makes the comparison of data more efficient.

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Very useful for understand the basic concepts in simple and easy way. Its very useful to all students whether they are school students or college sudents

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18 Best Types of Charts and Graphs for Data Visualization [+ Guide]

Published: May 22, 2024

As a writer for the marketing blog, I frequently use various types of charts and graphs to help readers visualize the data I collect and better understand their significance. And trust me, there's a lot of data to present.

In fact, the volume of data in 2025 will be almost double the data we create, capture, copy, and consume today.

This makes data visualization essential for businesses. Different types of graphs and charts can help you:

• Motivate your team to take action.
• Impress stakeholders with goal progress.
• Show your audience what you value as a business.

Data visualization builds trust and can organize diverse teams around new initiatives. So, I'm going to talk about the types of graphs and charts that you can use to grow your business.

And, if you still need a little more guidance by the end of this post, check out our data visualization guide for more information on how to design visually stunning and engaging charts and graphs.  

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Charts vs Graphs: What's the Difference?

A lot of people think charts and graphs are synonymous (I know I did), but they're actually two different things.

Charts visually represent current data in the form of tables and diagrams, but graphs are more numerical in data and show how one variable affects another.

For example, in one of my favorite sitcoms, How I Met Your Mother, Marshall creates a bunch of charts and graphs representing his life. One of these charts is a Venn diagram referencing the song "Cecilia" by Simon and Garfunkle. 

Marshall says, "This circle represents people who are breaking my heart, and this circle represents people who are shaking my confidence daily. Where they overlap? Cecilia."

The diagram is a chart and not a graph because it doesn't track how these people make him feel over time or how these variables are influenced by each other.

It may show where the two types of people intersect but not how they influence one another.

Later, Marshall makes a line graph showing how his friends' feelings about his charts have changed in the time since presenting his "Cecilia diagram.

Note: He calls the line graph a chart on the show, but it's acceptable because the nature of line graphs and charts makes the terms interchangeable. I'll explain later, I promise.

The line graph shows how the time since showing his Cecilia chart has influenced his friends' tolerance for his various graphs and charts. 

Image source

I can't even begin to tell you all how happy I am to reference my favorite HIMYM joke in this post.

Now, let's dive into the various types of graphs and charts. 

Different Types of Graphs for Data Visualization

1. bar graph.

I strongly suggest using a bar graph to avoid clutter when one data label is long or if you have more than 10 items to compare. Also, fun fact: If the example below was vertical it would be a column graph.

Best Use Cases for These Types of Graphs

Bar graphs can help track changes over time. I've found that bar graphs are most useful when there are big changes or to show how one group compares against other groups.

The example above compares the number of customers by business role. It makes it easy to see that there is more than twice the number of customers per role for individual contributors than any other group.

A bar graph also makes it easy to see which group of data is highest or most common.

For example, at the start of the pandemic, online businesses saw a big jump in traffic. So, if you want to look at monthly traffic for an online business, a bar graph would make it easy to see that jump.

Other use cases for bar graphs include:

• Product comparisons.
• Product usage.
• Category comparisons.
• Marketing traffic by month or year.
• Marketing conversions.

Design Best Practices for Bar Graphs

• Use consistent colors throughout the chart, selecting accent colors to highlight meaningful data points or changes over time.

You should also use horizontal labels to improve its readability, and start the y-axis at 0 to appropriately reflect the values in your graph.

2. Line Graph

A line graph reveals trends or progress over time, and you can use it to show many different categories of data. You should use it when you track a continuous data set.

This makes the terms line graphs and line charts interchangeable because the very nature of both is to track how variables impact each other, particularly how something changes over time. Yeah, it confused me, too.

Line graphs help users track changes over short and long periods. Because of this, I find these types of graphs are best for seeing small changes.

Line graphs help me compare changes for more than one group over the same period. They're also helpful for measuring how different groups relate to each other.

A business might use this graph to compare sales rates for different products or services over time.

These charts are also helpful for measuring service channel performance. For example, a line graph that tracks how many chats or emails your team responds to per month.

Design Best Practices for Line Graphs

• Use solid lines only.
• Don't plot more than four lines to avoid visual distractions.
• Use the right height so the lines take up roughly 2/3 of the y-axis' height.

3. Bullet Graph

A bullet graph reveals progress towards a goal, compares this to another measure, and provides context in the form of a rating or performance.

In the example above, the bullet graph shows the number of new customers against a set customer goal. Bullet graphs are great for comparing performance against goals like this.

These types of graphs can also help teams assess possible roadblocks because you can analyze data in a tight visual display.

For example, I could create a series of bullet graphs measuring performance against benchmarks or use a single bullet graph to visualize these KPIs against their goals:

• Customer satisfaction.
• Average order size.
• New customers.

Seeing this data at a glance and alongside each other can help teams make quick decisions.

Bullet graphs are one of the best ways to display year-over-year data analysis. YBullet graphs can also visualize:

• Customer satisfaction scores.
• Customer shopping habits.
• Social media usage by platform.

Design Best Practices for Bullet Graphs

• Use contrasting colors to highlight how the data is progressing.
• Use one color in different shades to gauge progress.

4. Column + Line Graph

Column + line graphs are also called dual-axis charts. They consist of a column and line graph together, with both graphics on the X axis but occupying their own Y axis.

Download our FREE Excel Graph Templates for this graph and more!

Best Use Cases

These graphs are best for comparing two data sets with different measurement units, such as rate and time. 

As a marketer, you may want to track two trends at once.

Design Best Practices 

Use individual colors for the lines and colors to make the graph more visually appealing and to further differentiate the data. 

The Four Basic Types of Charts

Before we get into charts, I want to touch on the four basic chart types that I use the most. 

1. Bar Chart

Bar charts are pretty self-explanatory. I use them to indicate values by the length of bars, which can be displayed horizontally or vertically. Vertical bar charts, like the one below, are sometimes called column charts. 

2. Line Chart 

I use line charts to show changes in values across continuous measurements, such as across time, generations, or categories. For example, the chart below shows the changes in ice cream sales throughout the week.

3. Scatter Plot

A scatter plot uses dotted points to compare values against two different variables on separate axes. It's commonly used to show correlations between values and variables. 

4. Pie Chart

Pie charts are charts that represent data in a circular (pie-shaped) graphic, and each slice represents a percentage or portion of the whole. 

Notice the example below of a household budget. (Which reminds me that I need to set up my own.)

Notice that the percentage of income going to each expense is represented by a slice. 

Different Types of Charts for Data Visualization

To better understand chart types and how you can use them, here's an overview of each:

1. Column Chart

Use a column chart to show a comparison among different items or to show a comparison of items over time. You could use this format to see the revenue per landing page or customers by close date.

Best Use Cases for This Type of Chart

I use both column charts to display changes in data, but I've noticed column charts are best for negative data. The main difference, of course, is that column charts show information vertically while bar charts  show data horizontally.

For example, warehouses often track the number of accidents on the shop floor. When the number of incidents falls below the monthly average, a column chart can make that change easier to see in a presentation.

In the example above, this column chart measures the number of customers by close date. Column charts make it easy to see data changes over a period of time. This means that they have many use cases, including:

• Customer survey data, like showing how many customers prefer a specific product or how much a customer uses a product each day.
• Sales volume, like showing which services are the top sellers each month or the number of sales per week.
• Profit and loss, showing where business investments are growing or falling.

Design Best Practices for Column Charts

• Use horizontal labels to improve readability.
• Start the y-axis at 0 to appropriately reflect the values in your chart .

2. Area Chart

Okay, an area chart is basically a line chart, but I swear there's a meaningful difference.

The space between the x-axis and the line is filled with a color or pattern. It is useful for showing part-to-whole relations, like showing individual sales reps’ contributions to total sales for a year.

It helps me analyze both overall and individual trend information.

Best Use Cases for These Types of Charts

Area charts help show changes over time. They work best for big differences between data sets and help visualize big trends.

For example, the chart above shows users by creation date and life cycle stage.

A line chart could show more subscribers than marketing qualified leads. But this area chart emphasizes how much bigger the number of subscribers is than any other group.

These charts make the size of a group and how groups relate to each other more visually important than data changes over time.

Area charts  can help your business to:

• Visualize which product categories or products within a category are most popular.
• Show key performance indicator (KPI) goals vs. outcomes.
• Spot and analyze industry trends.

Design Best Practices for Area Charts

• Use transparent colors so information isn't obscured in the background.
• Don't display more than four categories to avoid clutter.
• Organize highly variable data at the top of the chart to make it easy to read.

3. Stacked Bar Chart

I suggest using this chart to compare many different items and show the composition of each item you’re comparing.

These charts  are helpful when a group starts in one column and moves to another over time.

For example, the difference between a marketing qualified lead (MQL) and a sales qualified lead (SQL) is sometimes hard to see. The chart above helps stakeholders see these two lead types from a single point of view — when a lead changes from MQL to SQL.

Stacked bar charts are excellent for marketing. They make it simple to add a lot of data on a single chart or to make a point with limited space.

These charts  can show multiple takeaways, so they're also super for quarterly meetings when you have a lot to say but not a lot of time to say it.

Stacked bar charts are also a smart option for planning or strategy meetings. This is because these charts can show a lot of information at once, but they also make it easy to focus on one stack at a time or move data as needed.

You can also use these charts to:

• Show the frequency of survey responses.
• Identify outliers in historical data.
• Compare a part of a strategy to its performance as a whole.

Design Best Practices for Stacked Bar Charts

• Best used to illustrate part-to-whole relationships.
• Use contrasting colors for greater clarity.
• Make the chart scale large enough to view group sizes in relation to one another.

4. Mekko Chart

Also known as a Marimekko chart, this type of chart  can compare values, measure each one's composition, and show data distribution across each one.

It's similar to a stacked bar, except the Mekko's x-axis can capture another dimension of your values — instead of time progression, like column charts often do. In the graphic below, the x-axis compares the cities to one another.

Image Source

I typically use a Mekko chart to show growth, market share, or competitor analysis.

For example, the Mekko chart above shows the market share of asset managers grouped by location and the value of their assets. This chart clarifies which firms manage the most assets in different areas.

It's also easy to see which asset managers are the largest and how they relate to each other.

Mekko charts can seem more complex than other types of charts, so it's best to use these in situations where you want to emphasize scale or differences between groups of data.

Other use cases for Mekko charts include:

• Detailed profit and loss statements.
• Revenue by brand and region.
• Product profitability.
• Share of voice by industry or niche.

Design Best Practices for Mekko Charts

• Vary your bar heights if the portion size is an important point of comparison.
• Don't include too many composite values within each bar. Consider reevaluating your presentation if you have a lot of data.
• Order your bars from left to right in such a way that exposes a relevant trend or message.

5. Pie Chart

Remember, a pie chart represents numbers in percentages, and the total sum of all segments needs to equal 100%.

The image above shows another example of customers by role in the company.

The bar chart  example shows you that there are more individual contributors than any other role. But this pie chart makes it clear that they make up over 50% of customer roles.

Pie charts make it easy to see a section in relation to the whole, so they are good for showing:

• Customer personas in relation to all customers.
• Revenue from your most popular products or product types in relation to all product sales.
• Percent of total profit from different store locations.

Design Best Practices for Pie Charts

• Don't illustrate too many categories to ensure differentiation between slices.
• Ensure that the slice values add up to 100%.
• Order slices according to their size.

6. Scatter Plot Chart

As I said earlier, a scatter plot or scattergram chart will show the relationship between two different variables or reveal distribution trends.

Use this chart when there are many different data points, and you want to highlight similarities in the data set. This is useful when looking for outliers or understanding your data's distribution.

Scatter plots are helpful in situations where you have too much data to see a pattern quickly. They are best when you use them to show relationships between two large data sets.

In the example above, this chart shows how customer happiness relates to the time it takes for them to get a response.

This type of chart  makes it easy to compare two data sets. Use cases might include:

• Employment and manufacturing output.
• Retail sales and inflation.
• Visitor numbers and outdoor temperature.
• Sales growth and tax laws.

Try to choose two data sets that already have a positive or negative relationship. That said, this type of chart  can also make it easier to see data that falls outside of normal patterns.

Design Best Practices for Scatter Plots

• Include more variables, like different sizes, to incorporate more data.
• Start the y-axis at 0 to represent data accurately.
• If you use trend lines, only use a maximum of two to make your plot easy to understand.

7. Bubble Chart

A bubble chart is similar to a scatter plot in that it can show distribution or relationship. There is a third data set shown by the size of the bubble or circle.

In the example above, the number of hours spent online isn't just compared to the user's age, as it would be on a scatter plot chart.

Instead, you can also see how the gender of the user impacts time spent online.

This makes bubble charts useful for seeing the rise or fall of trends over time. It also lets you add another option when you're trying to understand relationships between different segments or categories.

For example, if you want to launch a new product, this chart could help you quickly see your new product's cost, risk, and value. This can help you focus your energies on a low-risk new product with a high potential return.

You can also use bubble charts for:

• Top sales by month and location.
• Customer satisfaction surveys.
• Store performance tracking.
• Marketing campaign reviews.

Design Best Practices for Bubble Charts

• Scale bubbles according to area, not diameter.
• Make sure labels are clear and visible.
• Use circular shapes only.

8. Waterfall Chart

I sometimes use a waterfall chart to show how an initial value changes with intermediate values — either positive or negative — and results in a final value.

Use this chart to reveal the composition of a number. An example of this would be to showcase how different departments influence overall company revenue and lead to a specific profit number.

The most common use case for a funnel chart is the marketing or sales funnel. But there are many other ways to use this versatile chart.

If you have at least four stages of sequential data, this chart can help you easily see what inputs or outputs impact the final results.

For example, a funnel chart can help you see how to improve your buyer journey or shopping cart workflow. This is because it can help pinpoint major drop-off points.

Other stellar options for these types of charts include:

• Deal pipelines.
• Conversion and retention analysis.
• Bottlenecks in manufacturing and other multi-step processes.
• Marketing campaign performance.
• Website conversion tracking.

Design Best Practices for Funnel Charts

• Scale the size of each section to accurately reflect the size of the data set.
• Use contrasting colors or one color in graduated hues, from darkest to lightest, as the size of the funnel decreases.

10. Heat Map

A heat map shows the relationship between two items and provides rating information, such as high to low or poor to excellent. This chart displays the rating information using varying colors or saturation.

Best Use Cases for Heat Maps

In the example above, the darker the shade of green shows where the majority of people agree.

With enough data, heat maps can make a viewpoint that might seem subjective more concrete. This makes it easier for a business to act on customer sentiment.

There are many uses for these types of charts. In fact, many tech companies use heat map tools to gauge user experience for apps, online tools, and website design .

Another common use for heat map charts  is location assessment. If you're trying to find the right location for your new store, these maps can give you an idea of what the area is like in ways that a visit can't communicate.

Heat maps can also help with spotting patterns, so they're good for analyzing trends that change quickly, like ad conversions. They can also help with:

• Competitor research.
• Customer sentiment.
• Sales outreach.
• Campaign impact.
• Customer demographics.

Design Best Practices for Heat Map

• Use a basic and clear map outline to avoid distracting from the data.
• Use a single color in varying shades to show changes in data.
• Avoid using multiple patterns.

11. Gantt Chart

The Gantt chart is a horizontal chart that dates back to 1917. This chart maps the different tasks completed over a period of time.

Gantt charting is one of the most essential tools for project managers. It brings all the completed and uncompleted tasks into one place and tracks the progress of each.

While the left side of the chart displays all the tasks, the right side shows the progress and schedule for each of these tasks.

This chart type allows you to:

• Break projects into tasks.
• Track the start and end of the tasks.
• Set important events, meetings, and announcements.
• Assign tasks to the team and individuals.

I use donut charts for the same use cases as pie charts, but I tend to prefer the former because of the added benefit that the data is easier to read.

Another benefit to donut charts is that the empty center leaves room for extra layers of data, like in the examples above. 

Design Best Practices for Donut Charts 

Use varying colors to better differentiate the data being displayed, just make sure the colors are in the same palette so viewers aren't put off by clashing hues. 

14. Sankey Diagram

A Sankey Diagram visually represents the flow of data between categories, with the link width reflecting the amount of flow. It’s a powerful tool for uncovering the stories hidden in your data.

As data grows more complex, charts must evolve to handle these intricate relationships. Sankey Diagrams excel at this task.

With ChartExpo , you can create a Sankey Chart with up to eight levels, offering multiple perspectives for analyzing your data. Even the most complicated data sets become manageable and easy to interpret.

You can customize your Sankey charts and every component including nodes, links, stats, text, colors, and more. ChartExpo is an add-in in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Power BI, you can create beautiful Sankey diagrams while keeping your data safe in your favorite tools.

Sankey diagrams can be used to visualize all types of data which contain a flow of information. It beautifully connects the flows and presents the data in an optimum way.

Here are a few use cases:

• Sankey diagrams are widely used to visualize energy production, consumption, and distribution. They help in tracking how energy flows from one source (like oil or gas) to various uses (heating, electricity, transportation).
• Businesses use Sankey diagrams to trace customer interactions across different channels and touchpoints. It highlights the flow of users through a funnel or process, revealing drop-off points and success paths.
• I n supply chain management, these diagrams show how resources, products, or information flow between suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

Design Best Practices for Sankey Diagrams 

When utilizing a Sankey diagram, it is essential to maintain simplicity while ensuring accuracy in proportions. Clear labeling and effective color usage are key factors to consider. Emphasizing the logical flow direction and highlighting significant flows will enhance the visualization.

How to Choose the Right Chart or Graph for Your Data

Channels like social media or blogs have multiple data sources, and managing these complex content assets can get overwhelming. What should you be tracking? What matters most?

How do you visualize and analyze the data so you can extract insights and actionable information?

1. Identify your goals for presenting the data.

Before creating any data-based graphics, I ask myself if I want to convince or clarify a point. Am I trying to visualize data that helped me solve a problem? Or am I trying to communicate a change that's happening?

A chart or graph can help compare different values, understand how different parts impact the whole, or analyze trends. Charts and graphs can also be useful for recognizing data that veers away from what you’re used to or help you see relationships between groups.

So, clarify your goals then use them to guide your chart selection.

2. Figure out what data you need to achieve your goal.

Different types of charts and graphs use different kinds of data. Graphs usually represent numerical data, while charts are visual representations of data that may or may not use numbers.

So, while all graphs are a type of chart, not all charts are graphs. If you don't already have the kind of data you need, you might need to spend some time putting your data together before building your chart.

3. Gather your data.

Most businesses collect numerical data regularly, but you may need to put in some extra time to collect the right data for your chart.

Besides quantitative data tools that measure traffic, revenue, and other user data, you might need some qualitative data.

These are some other ways you can gather data for your data visualization:

• Interviews 
• Quizzes and surveys
• Customer reviews
• Reviewing customer documents and records
• Community boards

Fill out the form to get your templates.

4. select the right type of graph or chart..

Choosing the wrong visual aid or defaulting to the most common type of data visualization could confuse your viewer or lead to mistaken data interpretation.

But a chart is only useful to you and your business if it communicates your point clearly and effectively.

Ask yourself the questions below to help find the right chart or graph type.

Download the Excel templates mentioned in the video here.

5 Questions to Ask When Deciding Which Type of Chart to Use

1. do you want to compare values.

Charts and graphs are perfect for comparing one or many value sets, and they can easily show the low and high values in the data sets. To create a comparison chart, use these types of graphs:

• Scatter plot

2. Do you want to show the composition of something?

Use this type of chart to show how individual parts make up the whole of something, like the device type used for mobile visitors to your website or total sales broken down by sales rep.

To show composition, use these charts:

• Stacked bar

3. Do you want to understand the distribution of your data?

Distribution charts help you to understand outliers, the normal tendency, and the range of information in your values.

Use these charts to show distribution:

4. Are you interested in analyzing trends in your data set?

If you want more information about how a data set performed during a specific time, there are specific chart types that do extremely well.

You should choose one of the following:

• Dual-axis line

5. Do you want to better understand the relationship between value sets?

Relationship charts can show how one variable relates to one or many different variables. You could use this to show how something positively affects, has no effect, or negatively affects another variable.

When trying to establish the relationship between things, use these charts:

Featured Resource: The Marketer's Guide to Data Visualization

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44 Types of Graphs Perfect for Every Top Industry

Written by: Samantha Lile

Graphs are a great way to visualize data and display numbers and statistics. In fact, they're essential to help your audience understand your points or key findings. 

They can help you visualize growth in a sales report , showcase demographics in a pitch deck or share industry statistics in an infographic . 

But with so many popular types of charts and graphs including line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, bubble charts, scatter plots, and histograms, how do you know what are the best options for your industry, project, or data?

Picking the right chart or graph  doesn't have to be difficult. To help make your choice easier we’ve compiled a list of 44 types of graphs and charts, many of which can be made right in Visme. 

Find your industry below and check out the graph options available to you, then click the button below each template to start inputting your data and customizing it for your project.

Table of Contents

• Business & Finance

Engineering and Technology

Political science and sociology, meteorology and environment.

And, if you’re short on time check out this  video tutorial on the ultimate guide to data visualization

44 Types of Graphs and Charts

Line graphs.

Line charts, or line graphs, are powerful visual tools that illustrate trends in data over a period of time or a particular correlation. For example, one axis of the graph might represent a variable value, while the other axis often displays a timeline.

Each value is plotted on the chart, then the points are connected to display a trend over the compared time span. Multiple trends can be compared by plotting lines of various colors.

For example, the interest of digital marketing over time can be visually shown with ease through the use of a line graph. Simply plot each number of searches along the timeline to view the trend.

The simplest and most straightforward way to compare various categories is the classic bar graph. The universally-recognized graph features a series of bars of varying lengths.

One axis of a bar graph features the categories being compared, while the other axis represents the value of each. The length of each bar is proportionate to the numerical value or percentage that it represents. 

For example, in the template below, each social media platform is represented by a bar. With just one quick glance, audiences can learn exactly which social media platform has the highest and lowest usage during the allotted time frame.

Bar graphs work great for visually presenting nearly any type of data, but they hold particular power in the marketing industry. The graphs are ideal for comparing any sort of numeric value, including group sizes, inventories, ratings and survey responses.

If you like this chart but you want to make it your own, you can easily customize your charts with your personal or company brand. You can use the AI-powered Brand Wizard : simply input your URL, and the wizard will create a brand kit of your colors, logos, and fonts, which you can easily access in any Visme project. 

Alternatively, you can add them manually. The upside to the wizard is that it also provides templates that match your brand, making it faster to find a chart that aligns with your brand.

Customize this pie chart template and make it your own! Edit and Download

Pie charts are the simplest and most efficient visual tool for comparing parts of a whole. For example, a pie chart can quickly and effectively compare various budget allocations, population segments or market-research question responses.

Marketing content designers frequently rely on pie charts to compare the size of market segments. For example, a simple pie graph can clearly illustrate how the most popular mobile-phone manufacturers compare based on the sizes of their user-bases.

Audiences are able to quickly understand that stock photography is the most-used visual in marketing, with original graphics – like those that can be created with Visme – coming in as a close second.  The beauty of using Visme is that you can create animated charts to engage your audience and make complex information digestible.

Mosaic or Mekko Charts

Basic line, bar and pie charts are excellent tools for comparing one or two variables in a few categories, but what happens when you need to compare multiple variables or multiple categories at the same time?

What if all those variables aren’t numeric even? A mosaic – or Mekko – chart plot might be the better choice.

Perhaps a production analyst wants to compare the amount of furniture produced, analyze the production percentages for multiple best-selling types of furniture, review their year-over-year growth of sales to decide how to allocate their production budget effectively.

A mosaic chart would allow said analysts to illustrate all the variables in a clear and straightforward manner.

In the above example, one axis of the chart represents the categories being compared – Tables, chairs, sofas, beds, bedroom sets, the year over year review – while the other axis lists various percentages.

The size and color of each cross-section of the chart corresponds with the market segment it represents, as depicted in the chart's legend.

Population Pyramids

Create your own charts and graphs with Visme! Try It For Free

Market segments are often divided based on age and gender, and a population pyramid is an ideal visual representation of the two groups.

The graph classically takes on the shape of a pyramid when a population is healthy and growing -- the largest groups are the youngest, and each gender dwindles somewhat equally as the population ages, leaving the smallest groups at the top of the graph.

A population pyramid that veers away from its classic shape might indicate an irregularity in a population during a particular period, such as a famine or an economic boom that led to an increase in deaths or births.

Of course, population pyramids aren’t always used to compare populations by age, and therefore don’t always take on the graph’s namesake shape.

A marketer, for example, might use the design to compare a population by income, weight or IQ, in which the smallest groups will often be at both the top and bottom. Regardless, the graph clearly depicts population trends, while it compares the sizes of two related groups.

Spider Charts

Create your own spider chart with Visme! Try It For Free

When a statistician needs to visually compare three or more quantitative variables, he or she might choose to use a  radar chart , also known as a spider or star chart.

The chart usually consists of a series of radii, each representing a different category, that splay out from a center point like spokes.

The length of each “spoke” is proportionate to the value being compared. For each category, the spokes are then connected with a line of a designated pattern or color, forming a star-like shape with points equal to the number of categories.

The result is a graphic representation that can reveal trends and compare categories all at the same time.

With Visme, you can not only easily populate your charts with pre-existing data from your Google Sheets, but also ensure that when values change in your Google Sheet, your Visme chart will be updated whenever the project is refreshed. This not only helps keep your charts up to date but also allows seamless design collaboration between team members in or outside of Visme.

Want to create your own radar chart?

• Upload an Excel file or sync with live data from Google sheets
• Choose from 16+ types of charts, from bar and line graphs to pyramid and Mekko charts
• Customize anything, from backgrounds and placement of labels to font style and color

Business and Finance

Stock charts.

Image source

One of the most vital of all financial graphs, stock charts help investors track the markets to determine profits and loss, as well as make buying and selling decisions.

While a variety of graphs are used to represent market changes, the most common is likely the basic line graph turned histogram.

The lines simply tracks changes in a particular stock’s or overall market’s value over a period of time. Multiple stocks can be tracked and compared at the same time by transforming the line graph into a stacked area chart or simply using multiple lines of various colors.

Whether you need to create stock charts for potential shareholders or whip up a quick visualization for your team, you can add hotspots or link documents to your charts to add additional reports. This lets you share more information at once rather than sending long emails or cluttering your chart design. 

This is just one of the many all-in-one approaches Visme provides that most data visualization tools fail to offer. Not only does it allow you to create professionally designed charts or graphs with little to no design experience, but it expands its use case to help you work more efficiently. 

But don’t take our word for it, see what MacKenzie Stonis, Economic Research Analyst at Greater Memphis Chamber had to say:

MacKenzie Stonis

Economic Research Analyst

Flow Charts

Oftentimes in business – as well as other industries – a process must be diagrammed. A flow chart allows a process to be sequenced step-by-step, from beginning to end, for the purpose of analyzing, designing, documenting or managing it.

These flow charts can even feature multiple beginnings and ends, with countless pathways and journeys in between.

While a simple flow chart can certainly document a basic process from A to B to C, the diagrams are more frequently used to illustrate more complex sequences with multiple decisions or conditions along the way.

Each time a condition is met, the chart diagrams the various options, then the path continues following each choice.

Flowcharts are commonly used for organizational charts, training materials, customer onboarding, planning and execution, as well as SOPs, and more. 

So, whether you plan to share your flowcharts internally or externally, Visme allows you to publish and share them as live links. This means that viewers can review your charts like a website. And if you make any edits to your chart, simply refresh the page, and the changes are updated instantly.

Want to create your own flowchart?

• Get a head start with pre-made flowchart blocks
• Easily snap lines and objects together
• Dozens of shapes and lines styles to choose from

Gantt Charts

Gantt charts are special types of bar graphs used to diagram projects and schedules. The use of colored bars of varying lengths reflect not only a project’s start and end dates, but also important events, tasks, milestones and their timeframes.

Modern Gantt charts can also illustrate activities’ dependency relationships.

If Team 3’s completion of task C, for example, is dependent upon the prior completion of task B by Team 2, the chart can not only reflect that relationship but also the scheduled dates and deadlines for each. Easily create beautiful Gantt charts to visualize your project schedule and streamline project management with Visme's Gantt Chart Maker .

Control Charts

Also commonly known as a process-behavior chart, a control chart helps determine if a data set falls within a mean or predetermined control range.

Frequently used in quality control processes, a typical control chart consists of points plotted on two axes, representing sample measurements.

The mean of each point is calculated, and a center line across the graph at the mean value. Then, a standard deviation from the mean is calculated using each sample.

Finally, upper and lower control limits are determined and diagrammed to reflect the points at which deviation is beyond the expected standard.

Waterfall Charts

Waterfall is one of the most commonly used data visualization techniques used in business. This chart is particularly useful in accounting and qualitative analysis; waterfall charts illustrate how an initial value is affected positively and negatively by various factors.

For example, a waterfall chart could clearly and efficiently communicate how an opening balance changes month by month over the course of a year.

Because they often appear as though bars are floating throughout the graph, waterfall charts are sometimes referred to as floating bricks or Mario charts.  

If your team uses a wide range of tools to gather data for charts like these, keep in mind that Visme offers a more integrated approach for all your data visualization needs. Integrate with apps like Tableau, Salesforce, Hubspot and Google Analytics and so much more. 

Hierarchy Diagrams

Similar in appearance to a flow chart, a hierarchical diagram, also known as an organizational chart or an organigram, illustrates the structure of an organization, as well as the relationships within it.

A typical company organigram, for example, lists the CEO at the top, followed by presidents, vice presidents, managers and so on.

An organizational chart can illustrate the chain of command from any employee all the way to the top. Hierarchy diagrams are similarly used to represent pedigrees, scientific classifications, demographics and any data set with a similar breakdown.

Take the above diagram as an example, where a project team is organized in an organizational hierarchy chart so that everyone knows who their supervisor is in a project.

Remember that if you’re using this for organizational purposes, it has to be updated regularly. To assist with this, you can add dynamic fields in Visme, for top positions in your hierarchy diagrams. 

With dynamic fields, you can instantly update names, positions, or business information across all projects with just one click. This significantly cuts down on the time that would otherwise be spent manually editing your chart .

Want to create your own organizational diagram?

• Get a head start with pre-made diagram blocks

Scatter Plots

Also known as a scattergram , the graph consists of two axes, each representing a set of data. For example, o ne axis might represent the percentage of profits , while the second axis displays the total budget in millions.

For each budget and profit made is represented by a dot and plotted onto the graph. Once multiple dots are plotted, trends can be spotted and samples can be compared. The chart ultimately states that higher the budget the greater the possibility of increased profits.

A bubble chart is another variation of scatter plots. While both of them visualize relationships between two variables, a bubble chart adds an extra dimension by incorporating the size of the bubbles to represent a third variable.

Trellis Plots

Sometimes a statistician will need to compare more data sets than can be  represented by a single graph. What if, for example, a graph needs to compare not only miles driven and gallons used, but also the number of gears and cylinders contained in each vehicle sample?

A trellis plot, also called a lattice graph or plot, can display and compare all of those variables. While the above example uses a series of scatter charts, trellis plots commonly feature series of bar or line graphs, as well.

Function Plots

Mathematicians, engineers and statisticians often need to determine the value of an equation by graphing its result. The graph of a function is the set of all points whose coordinates satisfy the equation.  

Therefore, the function of an equation with variables of x and y would be drawn on a graph with an x and y axis. Likewise, an equation that also included a variable of z would need to be drawn on a three-dimensional graph with a third axis.

Function graphs of common shapes are visually associated with their corresponding algebraic formulas.

Binary Decision Diagrams

A binary decision is a choice between two alternatives, so a binary-decision diagram illustrates the path from one decision to another.

In computer science, binary decisions make up the Boolean data type, in which two values are associated with different actions within a process flow.

Outside of computer science, a binary-decision diagram can still be used to illustrate any process by which actions are based on a decision between two values, whether those conditions be yes or no, true or false, 1 or 0 or any other opposing choices.

Ultimately, the path taken will diagram how the process flowed, from beginning to end.

Circuit Diagrams

Just as its name implies, a circuit diagram is a visual representation of an electrical circuit. Using simple shapes and images, the diagram illustrates the components and interconnections of a circuit, from start to finish.

While the pathways and connections are accurate, the diagram does not necessarily represent a proportionate spatial construction of the circuit. In computer science, circuit diagrams are useful in depicting data related to both hardware and software.

The graphics not only visualize the pathways of a circuit in the literal sense, but they are also closely related to the aforementioned binary-decision diagram -- both are used to diagram programming process flows.

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Customize this timeline template and make it your own! Edit and Download

Possibly the most self-explanatory of data visualizations, a timeline tracks data over a time period. Significant dates and events are highlighted at the point at which they appear on a chronological scale. Timelines can be used alone or in conjunction with other visualizations.

This History of Vincent Van Gogh timeline infographic is a great example of how you can create a timeline chart right in Visme.

Condensing historical timelines can be tough , especially when you have to cram a lot of  facts or events into a bit-sized timeline. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm your reader. To do the heavy lifting for you use Visme’s AI Writer . This tool can help you to  summarize your lengthy historical details and present them in a timeline bullet points. 

Plus, use it to proofread or revise your changes or additional writing so that it's grammatically correct and ready to be shared  with the world.

Want to create your own timeline?

Tree diagrams.

A form of hierarchical diagram, a genealogical tree illustrates the structure of a family. It can either begin with an ancestor, then diagram his or her descendants, their siblings, marriages and children, and so on.

A pedigree chart, on the other hand, begins with an individual and charts their ancestry, from parents to grandparents, and continues up.

Sunburst Charts

A type of multi-level pie chart, a sunburst chart is used to illustrate hierarchical data using concentric circles. Each ring of the “sunburst” represents a level in the hierarchy, with the root node represented by the center circle, and the hierarchy moving outward.

While a sunburst chart can be used to illustrate a familiar or company hierarchy, it can also break data down by time periods, creating a historical hierarchy.

Various branches of an organization can be represented by designated hues, with different levels often taking on varying shades of the same color family. Rings can also be divided further to represent multiple divisions within the same organizational level.

In fact, a traditional, complex color wheel, such as that used by paint stores, is another form of sunburst chart.

Customize this line graph template and make it your own! Edit and Download

If a timeline is a form of graph, then it only makes sense that historians often employ it in displaying other data. By plotting immigration levels against a timeline, the resulting histogram illustrates population trends over a century or longer with a basic line graph.

Stacked Area Charts

Stacked area charts are frequently used to diagram changes of multiple variables across time. Multiple lines can be drawn, for example, to track the population changes of various states across time.

The area below each line can be colored a different hue to represent the state it signifies, resulting in a graph that clearly represents population trends, while at the same time displaying each state’s data in order from least to most populous.

Stacked Bar Graphs

When studying groups of people, it’s common to compare multiple variables at once. After all, it’s enormously more useful to examine racial backgrounds, ages and gender in addition to total population.

A stacked bar graph combines elements of the traditional bar graph and the pie graph to communicate totals, trends and proportions in a single illustration.

Rather than simply illustrating changes in global population over time with a traditional column bar graph, a stacked bar graph can also represent the racial makeup of the population during each year and how those proportions have changed during the same period.

Want to create your own stacked bar chart?

Trellis bar graphs.

When presenting data with three variables, a designer might try and create a three-dimensional bar graph, but adding an additional axis can sometimes appear cluttered and unclear, especially in printed form.

Instead, additional variables can be presented in a trellis – or lattice – format.

By combining a series of bar graphs in a modular design, additional sets of data can be easily compared. For example, a single bar graph could illustrate the political breakdown of Poland’s national elections over a period of five years.

But a trellis bar graph could depict the same data set for 16 European nations.

Stacked area charts are ideal for comparing values that would normally require multiple line graphs. Each line represents a different category, and the area below each line is generally shaded a designated color so each data set can be easily compared.

For example, an area chart with one axis that represents a numeric value, and another axis that serves as a timeline, data for various categories over time can be tracked and compared with a single graphic. 

Multi-level Pie Charts

All too often a designer finds him or herself with more sets of data than can be presented in a single standard graph. Fortunately, in the case of a pie chart, multiple layers of data can be presented without the need for multiple images or a trellis design.

A multi-level pie chart, for example, consists of tiers, with each layer representing a separate set of data, and can be the perfect solution.

So while it would take three traditional pie graphs to illustrate the various sources of recorded words for three different decades, a multi-level pie graph can not only take the place of all three, but it also offers a clearer visual comparison of each year’s results.

Venn Diagrams

Customize this Venn diagram template and make it your own! Edit and Download

The classic Venn diagram , also known as a logic diagram, illustrates all possible logical relationships between a designated collection of sets.

For example, the overlap of two or more circles – in this case there are three – visually represents the similarities and differences between the social, economical and environmental areas of sustainable development.

The more circles used, the more logical conclusions that can be represented by their overlap. The combined set of all data in the diagram is known as the union, while the areas that overlap are called intersections.

A Venn diagram in which the relative size and area of each shape is proportional to the size of the group it represents is known as an area-proportional or scaled Venn diagram.

Scattergrams

Scattergrams, also known as scatter plots, are graphs that show the relationship between two or more variables. The plots use mathematical coordinates to represent two variables of a data set.

Data is displayed in a scattergram as a collection of points, each representing the value variables plotted on the horizontal and vertical axes. If points are color-coded, an additional variable can be represented in a single chart.

By plotting certain data sets, scientists can discover trends of which they might not otherwise be aware. For example, a scattergram might allow a doctor to plot patients’ resting heart rates against their body-mass index figures.

The resulting graph reveals that a higher heart rate correlates with a higher BMI.

Trellis Line Graphs

Trellis graphs allow scientists to examine complex, multi-variable data sets, comparing a greater deal of information at once.

While a single line graph can illustrate monthly UFO sightings in Tennessee over an 18-year period, a trellis line graph will display the same data for all 50 states in a single graphic.

A trellis line graph is based on the same principle as its simpler counterpart, plotting trends in a dataset consisting of two variables – numbers of UFO sightings and dates – through use of connecting points on two axes.

But by combining multiple line graphs in a modular format, an additional variable – location – is represented.

Pareto Charts

You might be wondering what type of graph is this ? Well, sometimes a basic graph doesn’t display enough information to draw the necessary conclusion. A Pareto chart combines a bar graph with a line graph to illustrate not only categories’ individual values, but also the cumulative total of the entire set.

Pareto charts are designed to highlight the most important of a set of factors.

In a Pareto chart that tracks the type and frequency of food defects, the bars illustrate each type of defects’ total occurrences – as reported on one of the charts’ axes – while the line charts the cumulative frequency of all categories, from most to least prevalent.

The result is a graph that clearly reflects the most common food defects and what percentage of the whole each represents.

Radar Charts

A radar chart, also commonly referred to as a spider chart or a star chart, displays data sets consisting of three or more variables on a two-dimensional graphic. Each variable’s quantitative value is reflected across an axis that usually starts in the chart’s center point.

As each item’s variables are charted, a line connects the points on each axis, forming an irregular polygon that may or may not resemble a star or spider web.

Multiple data sets can be compared on a single radar graph by representing each with a different color, identified by labels or in an accompanying key.

A radar chart can, for example, clearly compare and illustrate the costs and outcomes of various medical procedures as they relate to multiple conditions – all in a single graphic.

Spherical Contour Graphs

Plotting planetary conditions on a basic two-axis graph can pose a problem. The Earth, after all, is a sphere. Instead, data can be plotted on a three-axis field using variables of x, y and z. The resulting plot, if completed, will take the form of a sphere.

A spherical plot can, for example, reveal global temperature or rainfall trends by assigning each value range with a particular color, then plotting the data with points of the corresponding hue.

Health and Wellness

Multi-line graphs.

Just as medical symptoms are rarely isolated, neither is the analysis of biometric data. After all, rarely does one statistic paint the entire medical picture.

Line graphs can reflect multiple data sets with lines of varying patterns or color. For example, a multi-line graph can illustrate changes in life expectancies of not just the population in general, but for each gender and multiple racial backgrounds.

Stacked bar graphs aren’t useful only in illustrating parts of of a whole. They can also be used to display additional variables.

While a basic bar graph could represent what portion of a population is classified as overweight over a designated time period, a stacked bar graph can also track how much of the total is obese.

Customize this flow chart template and make it your own! Edit and Download

Following the proper process is probably more important in medicine than in any other field. After all, if the surgeon forgets a step, you might very well bleed to death while you sleep.

Flow charts are frequently used by hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities to ensure proper procedures are uniformly followed. There are different types of graphs that can be used but these are the most commonly used. 

In a pictogram, or pictograph, images and symbols are used to illustrate data. For example, a basic pictogram might use an image of the sun to signify each fair-weather day in a month and a rain cloud to symbolize each stormy day.

Because images are known to hold more emotional power than raw data, pictograms are often used to present medical data.

An illustration that shades five of 20 person symbols to represent a 20-percent death rate carries a more powerful message, for example, than a bar, line or pie that illustrates the same data.

Anatomical Diagrams

Customize this anatomical diagram template and make it your own! Edit and Download

Medical diagrams are often used to illustrate anatomy, treatments or disease pathology in order to explain treatments for patients and others without an extensive biomedical background.

While medical diagrams are considered a combination of science and art, they can be just as technical as any other quantitative graph. And no matter how detailed the drawing, anatomical diagrams are designed to clearly and efficiently present data.

And just as with a complex contour diagram, the diagrams focus on key information, even if it was selected from voluminous amounts of medical or scientific data.

Multi-Pie Charts

Just as in the cases of multi-level pie graphs, stacked bar graphs and trellis plots, multi-pie graphs paint a more detailed portrait of the data set it illustrates.

While a single pie chart can display what portion of the total population has a particular condition, a multi-pie graph can break those statistics down to illustrate not only the portion of men and the portion of women, but also how the two groups compare.

Want to create your own pie chart?

• Upload an Excel file or synch with live data from Google sheets

It can be difficult to graphically represent medical data sets that consist of hundreds -- or more -- patients, as is the case in most medical studies.

But a scatter plot allows for the representation of each subject, plotted on the graph according to the variables on the chart’s two axes.

The pattern formed by the plotted dots can clearly determine trends in the data. By analyzing a scatter plot, for example, a researcher could easily identify a correlation between longer life expectancy and higher household income.

Contour Plots

Contour plots allow for the analysis of three variables in a two-dimensional format. Instead of plotting data along two main axes, the graph also presents a third value that is based on shading or color.

Just as a topographical map plots longitude, latitude and elevation in a two-dimensional design, a contour graph illustrates values of x , y and z .

With a contour graph, for example, a climatologist can not only plot ocean’s salinity on different dates, but its salinity at various depths on those dates.

A type of contour graph, a heat map specifically charts varying temperatures at different geographical points. While the graph’s two axes are a map’s latitude and longitude, the third variable – temperature – is represented by a spectrum of color.

There are different types of graphs you can use to show the varying temperatures on a global scale, such as bar graphs or line graphics. However, most people find heatmaps more effective and quicker to read than bars or line graphs.

That being said, while heat maps are most commonly used to illustrate weather, they can also represent web traffic, user engagement or behavior, financial indicators, and almost any other three-dimensional data.

Scatter-Line Combo

By combining a line graph with a scatter plot, meteorologists and other statisticians can illustrate the relationship between two data sets.

For example, the high and low temperatures of each day in a month can be displayed in a scatter plot, then a line graph can be added to plot the historic average high and low temperatures over the same period.

The resulting combination graph clearly displays how the temperature range each day compares to the historic average, and it even indicates how those measurements trend over the examined time period.

Technology now allows statisticians to display multi-dimensional data sets in true form. Three-dimensional graphs created with specialized software reflect the relationship between three variables plotted across three axes.

A meteorologist can, for example, graph the wind field of a hurricane.

By definition, a histogram is a special type of vertical bar graph that presents numeric data and its frequency distribution.

As its name suggests, the distribution is often illustrated across time, but the data could also be plotted based on any chronological scale, such as temperature, elevation or monetary value.

While histograms are typically a form of bar graph, the concept can also be applied to line graphs and other designs relying on plotting two axes.

Choose From These Types of Graphs to Create

Now that we've walked through the different charts and graphs used for data visualization, you have a better idea of how to select one based on your industry or needs.

Now it's time to take the next step: create your own.

Visme goes beyond simply being a data visualization tool with over 30+ design widgets and a wide variety of data visualization templates. It's an intuitive platform that allows you to plan, strategize, and translate statistics and figures into stunning and meaningful visuals.

You can seamlessly create reports, projects, presentations, visual content, and more, all while saving on cost, empowering your team with the power of design, and streamlining your content creation process.

Interested to see what Visme can do for you and your team? Request a demo or give Visme a free test run today and begin experiencing all that you can accomplish.

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About the Author

Samantha Lile is a web content creator with a journalism and mass media degree from Missouri State University. She contributes news and feature articles to various web publications, such as the Huffington Post. Currently, she resides in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, four dogs and two cats.

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The Three States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Types of Motion: Introduction, Parameters, Examples

Understanding Frequency Polygon: Detailed Explanation

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Visual Learning Style for Students: Pros and Cons

Air Pollution: Know the Causes, Effects & More

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

Integers Introduction: Check Detailed Explanation

Human Respiratory System – Detailed Explanation

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Graphical Representation: Advantages, Types & Examples

Graphical Representation: A graph is a categorised representation of data. It helps us understand the data easily. Data is a collection of numerical figures collected through surveying. The word data came from the Latin word ‘Datum’, which means ‘something given’. After developing a research question, data is being collected constantly through observation. Then the data collected is arranged, summarised, classified, and finally represented graphically. This is the concept of graphical representation of data.

Let’s study different kinds of graphical representations with examples, the types of graphical representation, and graphical representation of data in statistics, in this article.

What Are Graphical Representations?

Graphical representation refers to the use of intuitive charts to visualise clearly and simplify data sets. Data obtained from surveying is ingested into a graphical representation of data software. Then it is represented by some symbols, such as lines on a line graph, bars on a bar chart, or slices of a pie chart. In this way, users can achieve much more clarity and understanding than by numerical study alone. 

Advantages of Graphical Representation

Some of the advantages of using graphs are listed below:

• The graph helps us understand the data or information even when we have no idea about it.
• It saves time.
• It makes it easier for us to compare the data for different time periods or different kinds.
• It is mainly used in statistics to determine the mean, median and mode for different data and interpolation and extrapolation of data.

Use of Graphical Representations

The main agenda of presenting scientific data into graphs is to provide information efficiently to utilise the power of visual display while avoiding confusion or deception. This is important in communicating our findings to others and our understanding and analysis of the data.

Graphical data representation is crucial in understanding and identifying trends and patterns in the ever-increasing data flow. Graphical representation helps in quick analysis of large quantities and can support making predictions and informed decisions.

General Rules for Graphical Representation of Data

The following are a few rules to present the information in the graphical representation:

• Suitable title:  The title of the graph should be appropriate that indicates the subject of the presentation.
• Measurement unit:  The measurement unit in the graph should be mentioned.
• Proper scale:   Choose a proper scale to represent the data accurately.
• Index:  For better understanding, index the appropriate colours, shades, lines, and designs in the graphs. 
• Data sources:  Data should be included wherever it is necessary at the bottom of the graph.
• Keep it simple:  The construction of a graph should be such a way that it is effortlessly understood.
• Neat:  The correct size, fonts, colours etc., should be chosen so that the graph should be a visual aid for presenting the information.

Types of Graphical Representation

1. Line graph 2. Histogram 3. Bar graph 4. Pie chart 5. Frequency polygon 6. Ogives or Cumulative frequency graphs

1. Line Graph

A line graph is a chart used to show information that changes over time. We plot line graphs by connecting several points with straight lines.  Another name is a line chart. The line graph contains two axes: \(x-\)axis and \(y-\)axis.

• The horizontal axis is the \(x-\)axis.
• The vertical axis is the \(y-\)axis.

Example: The following graph shows the number of motorbikes sold on different days of the week.

2. Histogram

Continuous data represented on the two-dimensional graph is called a histogram. In the histogram, the bars are placed continuously side by side without a gap between consecutive bars. In other words, rectangles are erected on the class intervals of the distribution. The areas of the rectangles formed by bars are proportional to the frequencies.

Example: Following is an example of a histogram showing the average pass percentage of students.

3. Bar Graph

Bar graphs can be of two types – horizontal bar graphs and vertical bar graphs. While a horizontal bar graph is applied for qualitative data or data varying over space, the vertical bar graph is associated with quantitative data or time-series data.

Bars are rectangles of varying lengths and of equal width usually are drawn either horizontally or vertically. We consider multiple or grouped bar graphs to compare related series. Component or sub-divided bar diagrams are applied for representing data divided into several components. 

Example:  The following graph is an example of a bar graph representing the money spent month-wise

4. Pie Chart

The sector of a circle represents various observations or components, and the whole circle represents the sum of the value of all the components. The total central angle of a circle is \({360^{\rm{o}}}\) and is divided according to the values of the components.

The central angle of a component\( = \frac{{{\rm{ value}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{the}}\,{\rm{component }}}}{{{\rm{total}}\,{\rm{value}}}} \times {360^{\rm{o}}}\)

Sometimes, the value of the components is expressed in percentages. In such cases, The central angle of a component\( = \frac{{{\rm{ percentage}}\,{\rm{value}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{the}}\,{\rm{component }}}}{{100}} \times {360^{\rm{o}}}\)

Example:  The following figure represents a pie-chart

5. Frequency Polygon

A frequency polygon is another way of representing frequency distribution graphically. Follow the steps below to make a frequency polygon:

(i) Calculate and obtain the frequency distribution and the mid-points of each class interval. (ii) Represent the mid-points along the \(x-\)axis and the frequencies along the \(y-\)axis. (iii) Mark the points corresponding to the frequency at each midpoint. (iv) Now join these points in straight lines. (v) To finish the frequency polygon, join the consecutive points at each end (as the case may be at zero frequency) on the \(x-\)axis.

Example: The following graph is the frequency polygon showing the road race results.

6. Ogives or Cumulative Frequency Graphs

By plotting cumulative frequency against the respective class intervals, we obtain ogives. There are two ogives – less than type ogives and more than type.

Less than type ogives is obtained by taking less than cumulative frequency on the vertical axis. We can obtain more than type ogives by plotting more than type cumulative frequency on the vertical axis and joining the plotted points successively by line segments.

Example: The below graph represents the less than and more than ogives for the entrance examination scores of \(60\) students.

Solved Examples – Basic Graphical Representation

Q.1. The wildlife population in the following years, \(2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018,\) and \(2019\) were \(300, 200, 400, 600, 500, 400\) and \(500,\) respectively. Represent these data using a line graph. Ans: We can represent the population for seven consecutive years by drawing a line diagram as given below. Let us consider years on the horizontal axis and population on the vertical axis.

For the year \(2013,\) the population was \(300.\) It can be written as a point \((2013, 300)\) Similarly, we can write the points for the succeeding years as follows: \((2014, 200), (2015, 400), (2016, 600), (2017, 500), (2018, 400)\) and \((2019, 500)\)

We can obtain the line graph by plotting all these points and joining them using a ruler. The following line diagram shows the population of wildlife from \(2013\) to \(2019.\)

Q.2. Draw a histogram for the following data that represents the marks scored by \(120\) students in an examination:

Ans: The class intervals are of an equal length of \(20\) marks. Let us indicate the class intervals along the \(x-\)axis and the number of students along the \(y-\)axis, with the appropriate scale. The histogram is given below.

Q.3. The total number of scoops of vanilla ice cream in the different months of a year is given below:

For the above data, draw a bar graph. Ans: The following graph represents the number of vanilla ice cream scoops sold from March to July. The month is indicated along the \(x-\)axis, and the number of scoops sold is represented along the \(y-\)axis.

Q.4. The number of hours spent by a working woman on various activities on a working day is given below. Using the angle measurement, draw a pie chart.

Ans: The central angle of a component\( = \frac{{{\rm{ value}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{the}}\,{\rm{component }}}}{{{\rm{total}}\,{\rm{value}}}} \times {360^{\rm{o}}}\). We may calculate the central angles for various components as follow:

By knowing the central angle, a pie chart is drawn,

Q.5. Draw a frequency polygon for the following data using a histogram.

Ans: To draw a frequency polygon, we take the imagined classes \(135-140\) at the beginning and \(175-180\) at the end, each with frequency zero. The following is the frequency table tabulated for the given data

Let’s mark the class intervals along the \(x-\)axis and the frequency along the \(y-\)axis.

Using the above table, plot the points on the histogram: \((137.5, 0), (142.5, 35), (147.5, 40), (152.5, 55), (157.5, 50), (162.5, 40),\) \((167.5, 35), (172.5, 20)\) and \((177.5, 0).\)

We join these points one after the other to obtain the required frequency polygon.

In this article, we have studied the details of the graphical representation of data. We learnt the meaning, uses, and advantages of using graphs . Then we studied the different types of graphs with examples. Lastly, we solved examples to help students understand the concept in a better way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Basic Graphical Representation

Q.1: What are graphical representations? Ans: Graphical representations represent given data using charts or graphs numerically and then visually analyse and interpret the information.

Q.2: What are the 6 types of graphs used? Ans: The following are the types of graphs we use commonly: 1. Line graph 2. Histogram 3. Bar graph 4. Pie chart 5. Frequency polygon 6. Ogives or cumulative frequency graphs

Q.3: What are the advantages of the graphical method? Ans: The advantages of using a graphical method are: 1. Facilitates improved learning 2. Knowing the content 3. Usage of flexibility 4. Increases thinking 5. Supports creative, personalised reports for more engaging and stimulating visual presentations 6. Better communication 7. It shows the whole picture

Q.4: What is the graphical representation of an idea? Ans: The graphical representations exhibit relationships between ideas, data, information and concepts in a visual graph or map. Graphical representations are effortless to acknowledge.

Q.5: How do you do frequency polygon? Ans: Frequency distribution is first obtained, and the midpoints of each class interval are found. Mark the midpoints along the \(x-\)axis and frequencies along the \(y-\)axis. Plot the points corresponding to the frequency. Join the points, using line segments in order.

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PowerPoint Charts, Graphs, & Tables Made Easy | Tips & Tricks

In today's digital world, effective communication is key, especially in presentations. After all, in a world saturated with information, the power to express your message clearly and impactfully can make all the difference.

We know that conveying complex information can be challenging, but guess what? It doesn't have to be! After discussing this with our 200+ expert presentation designers , I've gathered their best practices and strategies to create this comprehensive guide.

Below, you will find expert tips and tricks for making, customizing, and presenting PowerPoint charts, graphs, and tables. Stay with us!

Today, we'll explore the following topics:

• PowerPoint Charts and Graphs 

Tables in PowerPoint

Free powerpoint charts, graphs, and tables templates, ready to enhance your presentations our team at 24slides is here to help, powerpoint charts and graphs.

If you are thinking of adding tables to your PowerPoint presentation, let me first show you two other great options: charts and graphs.

Charts and graphs stand out for making complex information easy to read at a glance. They’re ideal for identifying trends, representing patterns, and making decisions easier. In addition, charts and graphs capture the audience's attention.

You have many types to choose from, and we'll go over the most important ones later. In the meantime, here are some examples:

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to take your presentations to the next level.

But you may have a question in mind: What is the difference between a chart and a graph in PowerPoint? Charts refer to any visual representation of data, whether graphical or non-graphical (such as tables). Graphs, on the other hand, refer specifically to the graphical representation of data (such as bar charts).

In other words, all graphs are charts, but not all charts are graphs.

People often confuse these terms in PowerPoint, but they actually refer to different visual elements.

How to Make a Chart in PowerPoint?

First, go to the Insert tab. Then, click on Chart and select your favorite chart type. Finally, enter your data or copy it from somewhere else. Simple!

Here you have the detailed step-by-step instructions:

• Select the slide where you want to add the chart. Choose the Insert tab, then select the Illustrations group's Chart option.

• A dialog box for inserting charts will appear. Choose a category on the left, then double-click the chart you want on the right.

• When inserted, the chart appears alongside a spreadsheet. Here, you have to replace the placeholder data with your own details. 

To edit your chart's content, use the selection handles in the spreadsheet to add or remove data.

• When inserting a chart, you will see small buttons on the upper right side of the chart. 

Format using the Chart Elements button. Click on “+” to tweak the chart title, data labels, and more. Use the Chart Styles button (brush) to change the chart's color or style. Finally, the Chart Filters button (funnel) will show or hide data from your chart.

Customizing Charts in PowerPoint

We already know about the power of PowerPoint charts, but we still have one more step to take: customizing them.

• Edit data: You can modify data directly in PowerPoint. Just double-click on the chart to open the associated Excel spreadsheet. Here, you can add, delete, or edit data. If you want to do it like a pro, check out how to Link or Embed an Excel File in PowerPoint. 
• Change the design: Go to the design tab. Here, you can add or remove elements such as titles, captions, labels, etc.
• Change color and style: Select the format tab. In this section, you will find options to change the chart's color and style. You can even make individual changes.
• Add shape effects: Go to the format tab and unleash your creativity. You can add shadows, reflections, and 3D effects.

And there you have it; now you know how to customize your PowerPoint Chart. If you are looking for more inspiration, take a look at our detailed Flowchart and Gantt Chart articles.

Chart vs table

Is a chart better than a table?

We already know the importance of using tables in PowerPoint presentations. However, you may have a question in mind: are charts better than tables? The short answer is: it depends.

First off, think about what type of data you are dealing with and, most importantly, what message you are trying to get across.

Charts are great for showing trends, making comparisons, and connecting data points. They’re also visually appealing. Conversely, tables could be your perfect selection for numerical data and comprehensive details.

The most important types of charts in PPT and which one is best for you

We have checked out why adding visuals is a game-changer for your presentations. However, which one is best for your needs? 

Based on our more than 10 years of expertise and creating around 17,500 slides per month, these are the charts most requested by our customers. Let's explore each one!

“Columns, bars, lines, and pie charts are top picks for clients because they're more descriptive and easier to get for the audience.” Briana/ Design Manager

Column Chart

Ideal for making comparisons. You can represent data in an attractive and clear way. It’s also a great option for showing changes over time. Here, you can emphasize the difference in quantities.

Imagine you're tracking sales for a store. If you have many categories of sales data and need to compare them, a column chart could be just what you need.

Download our Free Column Chart Template here.

Like the column chart, the bar chart can simplify complex information quickly , especially when comparing data. But, the horizontal layout might influence how people see things, potentially altering how they understand your data. Keep this in mind!

When you have long category labels or many categories, choose a bar chart instead of a column chart. Horizontal bars are easier to read and take up less space in the presentation.

Download our Free Bar Chart Template here.

The top choice for showing trends over time. You can even combine it with other charts. For example, you can add them to a column chart to display different data at a glance. This makes it easier for viewers to understand complex information.

But how to make a line graph in PowerPoint? First, click on the Insert tab. Then, click on Graph and select Line Graph. That's it—it's as simple as that.

Download our Free Line Chart Template here .

The best for showing proportions. Not only is it easy to understand, but you will also be able to illustrate percentages or parts of a whole.

Pie charts are easy to create, you need to figure out the percentages or proportions of each data category. But remember, keep the chart to six or fewer sections. This maintains data impact, avoiding confusion.

Download our Free Pie Chart Template here .

How to Use Charts and Graphs Effectively?

We already know how to use PowerPoint charts, graphs, and tables, but we want to go one step further. Here are the best tips for making effective PowerPoint presentations.

• Choose the right type of chart. Choose graphics that best suit your data. For example, use column or bar charts to compare categories, line charts to show trends over time, and pie charts to display parts of a whole.
• Be selective. Avoid using too much information, eliminate irrelevant details, and keep it simple. By focusing on the most important data points, you enhance the clarity of the information for your audience.
• Pay attention to color. When presenting data , keep in mind the consistency of the colors and make sure essential information stands out. Avoid using too many colors here, as this can be distracting.
• Add context. Make your titles clear and descriptive. Labels should also serve as a guide for viewers to understand everything easily. This could mean explaining trends, defining terms, or just describing where the data comes from.
• Consistency. Use the same style and format for your graphics and data. Ensure brand consistency in a presentation is key. This creates a professional and polished visual presentation.
• Be creative. Try unique ways to showcase your data, like infographics or custom graphics. For example, you can use a bar chart to compare categories and a line chart to show the trend over time.

Pro Tip: Creating a PowerPoint infographic is one of the most creative ways to present data. They provide a visually engaging and easy-to-follow format for presenting complex information. Briana/ Design Manager

PowerPoint tables help organize and display data in a structured way for presentations. They’re made up of rows and columns containing text, numerical data, or other information.

Tables are awesome for showing comparisons, summarizing information, sharing research findings, and planning. Because of all that, they are a top choice for visualizing financial or statistical data. They’re incredibly versatile and practical!

All you need to do is put the right labels on, and reading should be a breeze. Believe us, your audience will appreciate it. Do you want to present data in detail and make comparisons? Then, this is your best option.

People have been using PowerPoint tables for a long time. Why? That's simple: they’re easy to read.

Here's an example:

Download our Free Table Template here .

How to Make a Table in PowerPoint?

Inserting tables in PowerPoint is quite simple. Just click on Insert and then on Table . Next, just drag the mouse down to choose the number of rows and columns you need.

Should you require a bigger table? You can manually select the values for the columns and rows. 

Customizing tables in PowerPoint

Now that we know how to create a table in PowerPoint, let's customize it. But first, let's learn how to add rows and columns in PowerPoint.

• How to add a row to a table in PowerPoint?

Click on a cell in the existing table. Go to the Layout tab in the ribbon and select Insert . Select Insert Rows Above or Insert Rows Below , depending on where you want to add the new row.

• How to add a column to a table in PowerPoint?

Click on an adjacent cell in the table. Go to the Layout tab in the ribbon and then select Insert . Choose either Insert Columns Left or Insert Columns Right , depending on where you want to add the new column.

Now that you have the structure of your table ready, let's give it some styling:

• Applying style in your table presentation

To edit your tables, first select a cell. Then, click on the Design tab to pick the style you like best. Finally, click on the drop-down arrow to see the complete Table Styles gallery .

That's it. Now you know how to use tables in PowerPoint.

How to Use Tables Effectively?

Tables are powerful tools for presenting data in a structured format. They can enhance clarity, facilitate comparisons, and convey complex information.

However, when you don't use them correctly, they can have the opposite effect, making the information flat and boring. So here are golden rules to help you:

Keep it simple

Don't overload your table with too much information. Focus on the most important information to keep it clear and easy to read. Remember, the powerful presentation of data is in simplicity.

Consider whether gridlines are necessary for your table. Removing them can make your board look cleaner and more professional.

Although many don't mention it, choosing the right words is vital. The more you can say of the same idea in fewer words, the better. Avoid using words or connectors that add nothing to the message.

Highlight key data points

Make your table pop using bold, italics, or fun colors to highlight important data or headings. This will make the table easier to read.

Consider adding shades for alternate rows to make your table easier to read. Make the shadow subtle, to avoid distraction from the data itself.

You can use color to emphasize backgrounds or text. No matter which method you opt for to add contrast, remember that “less is more” when creating an effective table.

Consistency

Consistency is crucial in tables, as it is in graphics. Ensure that the font style, size, and color are the same across the entire table. This helps maintain visual harmony.

Align your text and numbers properly so they're easier to read and give your table a polished look. If you will use decimals, think about aligning them to facilitate comparisons.

In this article, we have explored the benefits of incorporating visuals like charts, graphs, and presentation tables in PowerPoint . We also know how to add them and ensure they look good. 

Just remember to pick the right chart and keep your presentations consistent.

And as I said at the beginning, conveying complex information doesn't have to be challenging! Our Templates by 24Slides platform has hundreds of free PowerPoint charts, graphs, and table templates. 

You can download and combine different templates to create a shiny PowerPoint Presentation. All the examples in this article are fully customizable, allowing you to insert your data without worrying about design. Enjoy them!

Knowing how to use PowerPoint charts, graphs, and tables can make the difference between a successful presentation and a failed one. However, mastering the art of presenting data takes more time and effort. 

The good news? You can always trust professionals to do the heavy work, allowing you to focus on improving your product or service — what really matters to your business.

With an average satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5 from over 1.3 million redesigned slides, it's safe to say we're incredibly proud of the product we deliver.

We're the world's largest presentation design company.

Not only will you receive an attractive presentation, but we will create one that fits your brand's visual guidelines. Most importantly, it will help emphasize your message and engage your audience.

Ready to elevate your PowerPoint presentations? Explore this content:

• Mastering the Art of Presenting Data in PowerPoint
• 20+ Free PowerPoint and Google Slides Templates for Data Presentations
• The Ultimate Brand Identity Presentation Guide [FREE PPT Template]
• The Cost of PowerPoint Presentations: Discover the hidden expenses you might overlook!

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10 Superb Data Presentation Examples To Learn From

The best way to learn how to present data effectively is to see data presentation examples from the professionals in the field.

We collected superb examples of graphical presentation and visualization of data in statistics, research, sales, marketing, business management, and other areas.

On this page:

How to present data effectively? Clever tips.

• 10 Real-life examples of data presentation with interpretation.

Download the above infographic in PDF

Your audience should be able to walk through the graphs and visualizations easily while enjoy and respond to the story.

[bctt tweet=”Your reports and graphical presentations should not just deliver statistics, numbers, and data. Instead, they must tell a story, illustrate a situation, provide proofs, win arguments, and even change minds.” username=””]

Before going to data presentation examples let’s see some essential tips to help you build powerful data presentations.

1. Keep it simple and clear

The presentation should be focused on your key message and you need to illustrate it very briefly.

Graphs and charts should communicate your core message, not distract from it. A complicated and overloaded chart can distract and confuse. Eliminate anything repetitive or decorative.

2. Pick up the right visuals for the job

A vast number of types of graphs and charts are available at your disposal – pie charts, line and bar graphs, scatter plot , Venn diagram , etc.

Choosing the right type of chart can be a tricky business. Practically, the choice depends on 2 major things: on the kind of analysis you want to present and on the data types you have.

Commonly, when we aim to facilitate a comparison, we use a bar chart or radar chart. When we want to show trends over time, we use a line chart or an area chart and etc.

3. Break the complex concepts into multiple graphics

It’s can be very hard for a public to understand a complicated graphical visualization. Don’t present it as a huge amount of visual data.

Instead, break the graphics into pieces and illustrate how each piece corresponds to the previous one.

4. Carefully choose the colors

Colors provoke different emotions and associations that affect the way your brand or story is perceived. Sometimes color choices can make or break your visuals.

It is no need to be a designer to make the right color selections. Some golden rules are to stick to 3 or 4 colors avoiding full-on rainbow look and to borrow ideas from relevant chart designs.

Another tip is to consider the brand attributes and your audience profile. You will see appropriate color use in the below data presentation examples.

5. Don’t leave a lot of room for words

The key point in graphical data presentation is to tell the story using visuals and images, not words. Give your audience visual facts, not text.

However, that doesn’t mean words have no importance.

A great advice here is to think that every letter is critical, and there’s no room for wasted and empty words. Also, don’t create generic titles and headlines, build them around the core message.

6. Use good templates and software tools

Building data presentation with AI nowadays means using some kind of software programs and templates. There are many available options – from free graphing software solutions to advanced data visualization tools.

Choosing a good software gives you the power to create good and high-quality visualizations. Make sure you are using templates that provides characteristics like colors, fonts, and chart styles.

A small investment of time to research the software options prevents a large loss of productivity and efficiency at the end.

10 Superb data presentation examples 

Here we collected some of the best examples of data presentation made by one of the biggest names in the graphical data visualization software and information research.

These brands put a lot of money and efforts to investigate how professional graphs and charts should look.

1. Sales Stage History  Funnel Chart 

Data is beautiful and this sales stage funnel chart by Zoho Reports prove this. The above funnel chart represents the different stages in a sales process (Qualification, Need Analysis, Initial Offer, etc.) and shows the potential revenue for each stage for the last and this quarter.

The potential revenue for each sales stage is displayed by a different color and sized according to the amount. The chart is very colorful, eye-catching, and intriguing.

2. Facebook Ads Data Presentation Examples

These are other data presentation examples from Zoho Reports. The first one is a stacked bar chart that displays the impressions breakdown by months and types of Facebook campaigns.

Impressions are one of the vital KPI examples in digital marketing intelligence and business. The first graph is designed to help you compare and notice sharp differences at the Facebook campaigns that have the most influence on impression movements.

The second one is an area chart that shows the changes in the costs for the same Facebook campaigns over the months.

The 2 examples illustrate how multiple and complicated data can be presented clearly and simply in a visually appealing way.

3. Sales Opportunity Data Presentation

These two bar charts (stacked and horizontal bar charts) by Microsoft Power Bi are created to track sales opportunities and revenue by region and sales stage.

The stacked bar graph shows the revenue probability in percentage determined by the current sales stage (Lead, Quality, Solution…) over the months. The horizontal bar chart represents the size of the sales opportunity (Small, Medium, Large) according to regions (East, Central, West).

Both graphs are impressive ways for a sales manager to introduce the upcoming opportunity to C-level managers and stakeholders. The color combination is rich but easy to digest.

4. Power 100 Data Visualization 

Want to show hierarchical data? Treemaps can be perfect for the job. This is a stunning treemap example by Infogram.com that shows you who are the most influential industries. As you see the Government is on the top.

This treemap is a very compact and space-efficient visualization option for presenting hierarchies, that gives you a quick overview of the structure of the most powerful industries.

So beautiful way to compare the proportions between things via their area size.

When it comes to best research data presentation examples in statistics, Nielsen information company is an undoubted leader. The above professional looking line graph by Nielsen represent the slowing alcoholic grow of 4 alcohol categories (Beer, Wine, Spirits, CPG) for the period of 12 months.

The chart is an ideal example of a data visualization that incorporates all the necessary elements of an effective and engaging graph. It uses color to let you easily differentiate trends and allows you to get a global sense of the data. Additionally, it is incredibly simple to understand.

6. Digital Health Research Data Visualization Example

Digital health is a very hot topic nowadays and this stunning donut chart by IQVIA shows the proportion of different mobile health apps by therapy area (Mental Health, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and etc.). 100% = 1749 unique apps.

This is a wonderful example of research data presentation that provides evidence of Digital Health’s accelerating innovation and app expansion.

Besides good-looking, this donut chart is very space-efficient because the blank space inside it is used to display information too.

7. Disease Research Data Visualization Examples

Presenting relationships among different variables is hard to understand and confusing -especially when there is a huge number of them. But using the appropriate visuals and colors, the IQVIA did a great job simplifying this data into a clear and digestible format.

The above stacked bar charts by IQVIA represents the distribution of oncology medicine spendings by years and product segments (Protected Brand Price, Protected Brand Volume, New Brands, etc.).

The chart allows you to clearly see the changes in spendings and where they occurred – a great example of telling a deeper story in a simple way.

8. Textual and Qualitative Data Presentation Example

When it comes to easy to understand and good looking textual and qualitative data visualization, pyramid graph has a top place. To know what is qualitative data see our post quantitative vs qualitative data .

9. Product Metrics Graph Example

If you are searching for excel data presentation examples, this stylish template from Smartsheet can give you good ideas for professional looking design.

The above stacked bar chart represents product revenue breakdown by months and product items. It reveals patterns and trends over the first half of the year that can be a good basis for data-driven decision-making .

10. Supply Chain Data Visualization Example 

This bar chart created by ClicData  is an excellent example of how trends over time can be effectively and professionally communicated through the use of well-presented visualization.

It shows the dynamics of pricing through the months based on units sold, units shipped, and current inventory. This type of graph pack a whole lot of information into a simple visual. In addition, the chart is connected to real data and is fully interactive.

The above data presentation examples aim to help you learn how to present data effectively and professionally.

About The Author

Silvia Valcheva

Silvia Valcheva is a digital marketer with over a decade of experience creating content for the tech industry. She has a strong passion for writing about emerging software and technologies such as big data, AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), process automation, etc.

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• Presentations

25 Best PowerPoint PPT Chart & Graph Templates for Data Presentations for 2024

PowerPoint Charts and graphs for presentations help visual learners understand data quickly. They're perfect for presentations. Let's look at the very best PowerPoint chart templates from Envato Elements.

Discover top PowerPoint graph templates . Let's learn more!

Top 25 PowerPoint PPT Chart & Graph Templates From Envato Elements For 2024

Envato Elements is the best place to find premium PowerPoint chart templates . Take a look at some of the best PPT chart templates. These are all included with a subscription to Elements:

1. Annual Startup Infographic - PowerPoint Template

Let's start with this cool PowerPoint chart design template. Are you running a startup? Looking for chart ideas for presentation.

Check the graphs for business presentations in this template. A good graph presentation design is key for that. It's very easy to use and this could help you attract loads of customers.

This download features: 

• 60 total slides
• 30 slides light + 30 slides dark
• widescreen ratio 16:9
• easy to customize
• free font used

2. Maxim - PowerPoint Template

A strong PowerPoint chart design can land you your next business opportunity. Find a bunch of PowerPoint chart examples in this download. It's a multipurpose template that can be used for different kinds of businesses.

Present creative ideas, startup projects, educational learning and more. Free PowerPoint charts and graphs templates won't offer this much design quality. This PowerPoint chart template features: 

• 30+ total slides
• free web fonts used
• picture placeholders
• easy color change
• vector based icons
• free support 

3. Proposal PowerPoint Presentation Template

This PowerPoint chart template offers graphs for presentations. Data helps to support the thesis of the business concept. Show growth, revenue, or other data that'll attract investors or employers.

Use this PPT chart template! Make a winning proposal backed by data. Free PowerPoint charts and graphs templates won't offer this much design quality. 

4. Charts Modern & Clean Presentation

Modern and clean chart designs eschew flashy design and cluttered elements. That's precisely the style you'll see in this winning PowerPoint data chart template. Fill in any of the colorful slides with your data and present with success.

5. Data Charts PowerPoint Presentation

PowerPoint graph templates like the 198 options in this are flexible. Re-use them for any number of presentations without repeating yourself. Use the flow charts, bar charts, and stacked bar charts to present your data visually.

It's a great PowerPoint chart template!

6. Business Plan PowerPoint Template

Looking for professional and cool graphs in PowerPoint? Find some of the best PowerPoint charts ideas with this template. It comes with plenty of functional graphs for business presentations.

This graph presentation comes with infographic elements and icons. Use PPT chart templates like this one for real estate. It could also work for business funding request or marketing research.

7. Infographic Solutions PowerPoint Template

Looking for graphs for presentations? Free PowerPoint charts and graphs templates won't offer this much design quality. Instead work with this set of infographic solutions and charts for PPT.

It's a multipurpose collection of 42 graph and chart templates in PowerPoint. You'll find great PowerPoint chart examples. Start creating a stunning chart presentation with this download! 

8. Environment Infographic PowerPoint

This is great if you're looking for original graphs for business presentations. This environmental graph presentation template has illustrated PowerPoint chart examples. This might be one of the best PowerPoint charts.

This PowerPoint chart template features:

• customize elements, colors, shapes and charts
• HD 16: 9 widescreen slide format (1920×1080 pixels).

9. Organizational Data Chart Presentation

Modern organizations rely on data-driven charts and graphs for presentations. This way they can explain business conditions. Find PowerPoint charts and graphs that present critical data in an appealing way.

You've got a choice of colors, styles, and visuals. Start with a great chart template for PPT like this.

10. PowerPoint Chart Templates for PPT

Remember: data shines when you put it into a chart or graph. And it's even better when you use a template like this one. Work with area, line, bar, or stacked bar charts, the styles.

This PowerPoint chart PowerPoint is perfect for converting flat data. This pack is much better than any free PowerPoint chart templates you find online.

11. Creative Real Estate PowerPoint Chart Template

This is a great PowerPoint chart template for anyone in real estate. It can also give you plenty of PowerPoint chart ideas. Start working the cool graphs in PowerPoint included with this download.

This template comes with great graphs for business presentations. This PPT chart presentation includes:

• PPTX, PPT file
• 16:9 widescreen ratio
• 30 unique layout slides
• 400+ icon designs
• resizable and editable graphics and charts for PPT
• cool graphs in PowerPoint
• editable infographics 

12. Business Plan PowerPoint Chart Template

Get started with a modern graph presentation. This a beautiful design with functional and business focused chart ideas for presentation. It comes with infographic elements to use as graphs for business presentations.

This professional PowerPoint chart template includes: 

• Master slide layout
• 180 animated and unique slides
• full HD 16:9 ratio
• resizable vector elements
• professional, minimal and creative design
• free fonts used
• Excel linked smart art

13. Marketing - PowerPoint Chart Template

This multipurpose PowerPoint chart template is perfect for anyone in marketing. Use it also for business, creative, startup and educational PPT chart presentations. Grab your audience’s attention with professional and modern chart ideas for presentation.

PowerPoint chart and graph templates like this one feature:

• cool PowerPoint chart ideas
• vector based icons 

14. CLING - Simple Presentation PowerPoint Graph Templates

Looking for original PowerPoint chart ideas? CLING is a simple presentation chart PowerPoint template full of those. It has a professional, ultra-modern and unique design.

Cool PPT chart templates like this one can be used for any type of presentation. Work with graphs for presentations used in the 40+ unique slide designs. You won't get this much quality with free PowerPoint charts and graphs templates.

15. Chart Infographic Presentation Template

Check out this versatile presentation chart template. It's suitable for many different business and personal purposes. Use PowerPoint chart examples for pitch decks, marketing strategies or company reports.

Get plenty of PowerPoint chart ideas with this download. Create a unique PPT chart presentation with the editable 100 pages. This template has some of best PowerPoint charts and graphs!

16. Piekisu Charts - PowerPoint Graph Templates

Looking for PowerPoint chart ideas? Do you need versatile graphs for business presentations? This PowerPoint chart template is all you need.

Get lots of charts for PPT and chart ideas for presentations. You'll get 60 total slides full of cool graphs in PowerPoint. Work with the best PowerPoint chart templates! 

17. Creative Dark Simple Yellow Modern Business Plan

Laylo is the best way to share your message and ideas. This PowerPoint chart template comes with an original design. It's a versatile presentation template.

You can add all your PowerPoint chart ideas. It features 30 unique slide designs with cool graphs for business presentations. It's one of the best PowerPoint graph templates.

18. MUTI - Minimal Presentation Template 

Are you into minimalism? Work with a PowerPoint chart template like Muti. Create the best PowerPoint chart design with this unique template.

Engage with your audience with a design that comes with the right style. Let your minimalist PowerPoint chart ideas speak up for your work. This PowerPoint chart template features:

• full screen and responsive features
• vector elements
• easy to edit, insert images and change color
• full user guide 

19. Project Proposal PowerPoint Graph Templates

Create an engaging project proposal with graphs for business presentations. This is a clean, creative and modern PowerPoint chart template. Professional PPT chart templates come with everything you need.

Find the best chart ideas for presentations. This PowerPoint chart design comes with:

• 30+ unique slides
• 20+ color themes
• 4000+ icons pack
• 16:9 full HD ratio
• resizable and editable graphics
• free and fast support

20. Competitor Analysis PowerPoint Graph Templates

A professional competitor analysis must include graphs for business presentations. This PowerPoint chart template has everything you need. Find lots of amazing graphs for presentations and PowerPoint chart ideas.

Work with the infographic pack to create the best PowerPoint charts. You'll get 35 unique slides to work with. This PowerPoint chart template is a great place to start! 

21. Creative Light Green Blue Design Business

Looking for creative chart ideas for presentation? Check out the cool graphs in PowerPoint included in this template. Versatile PowerPoint graph templates like this one can be used for different purposes.

It could work for a cool pitch deck, marketing strategy or product portfolio. Find great PowerPoint chart examples. Add all your chart ideas for presentation to this cool template! 

22. Medika Infographic - PowerPoint Graph Templates

This professional chart template for PowerPoint is very easy to use. It comes with a set of medical illustrations. These will support your chart ideas for presentation.

You'll be working with 62 total slides. Choose between dark or light mode. You'll also find some of the best PowerPoint chart examples.

23. Data Visualization Report Presentation

Are you into data visualization? Then this PowerPoint chart template is for you. This will give you plenty of chart ideas for presentation.

Present your analytical findings and results with the best PowerPoint charts ideas. Free PowerPoint graphic templates aren't as customizable as this one. You'll get 38 unique slides, plus a selection of icons and illustrations.

Create the best PowerPoint charts with this download.

24. Creative Gray Navy Education Business 

Check out this versatile PowerPoint chart template. Professional chart templates in PowerPoint like this one are suitable for different purposes. Forget about ineffective free PowerPoint charts and graphs templates.

Create instead quality graphs for business presentations. This download features: 

• PPTX, PPT files
• 30 unique slides
• cool PowerPoint chart design

25. XHOTS - Digital Business Presentation

Last but definitely not least, here's XHOTS. This PowerPoint chart template is a new way to share your ideas and data. You'll get cool graphs in PowerPoint that are easy to edit.

Share your creative PowerPoint chart ideas and impress your audience. Forget about free PowerPoint charts and graphs templates! Upgrade to premium PowerPoint graph templates like this one. 

Free Premium Templates to Create a Chart Presentation

We have great news for you! Envato Elements has some top assets that you can try for free.

Get these premium PowerPoint chart templates now:

1. Bole - Free PowerPoint Chart Template

Here's an ideal multipurpose PowerPoint chart template with lots of graph designs. You'll find:

• full HD layout
• 213 unique slides
• 10 color variations
• fully editable vector icons
• creative image placeholders

As there are so many graphs to choose from, you can try a variety of slides with a chart.

2. Exhaustive - Chart Template for PowerPoint

This is a multipurpose data PowerPoint template. With this free graphic PPT , you'll get:

• 40+ unique slides
• help guide included
• light and dark themes
• handmade infographics
• fully customizable chart presentation

3. NOVUS - Multipurpose PowerPoint Graphic PPT

Looking for the best PowerPoint graph templates? Take a look at NOVUS and its myriad of diagrams. Decorate all the slides with a chart!

The different features include:

• easy to use file
• 280 vector icons
• 100 unique slides
• 12 color variations
• master slides for quick editing

4. Zapnu - Multipurpose Data PowerPoint Template

You can't go wrong with PPT graph templates like Zapnu. By downloading it for free, you can create a  chart presentation with:

• dark and light versions
• premade setup sections
• 3 premade color themes
• widescreen and standard formats

5. SpotON - Chart Template for PowerPoint

SpotON is one of the top PowerPoint graphic templates. As it's multipurpose, you can use it many times to present different ideas.

• full HD resolution
• 117 unique slides
• all elements are editable
• drag-and-drop image placeholders

How to Quickly Customize a Premium Graph and Chart PPT Template

Found your favorite PPT template? It’s time to customize it to match your style and to reflect your data. It'll only take 5 easy steps:

This template has a clean and professional design. It can be adapted for all industries. Let's start customizing it:

1. Choose Your Slides

To do this, open your template in PowerPoint, click on the View tab and select Slide Sorter . Hold the SHIFT key. Click on all the slides that you don’t want to use.

Then, right-click on them and select Delete Slide . Then switch back to the Normal view.

2. Customize Your Chart Data

Customize the chart data. Right click on a chart or graph and then select the Edit Data in Excel option. Once Excel opens, customize the information. Click Save when you’re done. 

3. Change Colors

Choose the Format Shape option. Then choose a different color under Solid Fill options.

4. Use Your Own Fonts

Customize the fonts used in the PowerPoint template. Click on any text. Then choose a different font from the drop-down menu.

5. Save and Present Your Data

Do this by going to File > Save . If you need to export it to other formats, such as a PDF. Do this by going to File > Save as .

5 Tips for Using Charts and Graphs in Your PowerPoint Presentation

There are so many possibilities when it comes to using PPT graph templates. If you find it overwhelming, we're here to help! Take a look at the following tips to design the perfect graphic PPT:

1. Use Different Types of Charts

There are so many different kinds of charts. Why settle with only one design? When using PowerPoint graphic templates, play with variety to keep your chart presentation dynamic.

2. Be Colorful

The best PPT graph templates are colorful. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to use many different colors. Maybe just two or three, with a vibrant color that stands out from the rest.

3. Don't Limit the Graphs

If you're working with a data PowerPoint template, you probably have lots of information to explain. Don't be afraid to add many slides with a chart each.

Of course, you don't want to leave any key facts out. And at the end of the day, it's better to use visual aid than typing big chunks of text.

4. Animate Your Graphic PPT

Most premium PowerPoint graph templates come animated! But if you choose one that isn't, try adding some cool animations. When used right, these will help you keep the audience engaged.

5. Distribute the Charts Wisely

Again, you don't need to limit the amount of graphs you use. However, make sure to distribute them in a way that maintains the harmonious look and feel of your PowerPoint chart template.

Discover More Top Premium Microsoft PowerPoint Template Designs

We just went through some of the very best PowerPoint graph templates. If you'd like to explore more premium options, check out these top selections for 2024:

Learn More About Using Charts & Graphs in PowerPoint

Working with PowerPoint for data-driven presentations might be a bit intimidating at first. You need all the help you can get to present confidently.

On Envato Tuts+, we've got a library with the best PowerPoint resources. Start by checking out our PowerPoint tutorial guide . Go over some of the tutorials below. Become a complete master of the art of PowerPoint charts!

Learn skills that help you show data visually:

Top Premium PowerPoint Graph Templates on Envato Elements for 2024 (Unlimited Use)

You don't have to settle for simple PowerPoint chart templates. Data-driven presenters often turn to PPT chart templates like the ones featured here. It helps your audience understand it in a quick and effective way.

Get an Envato Elements subscription for a low monthly fee. You'll get access to premium creative assets such as web templates, stock images and videos, PPT graph templates , and so much more!

Enjoy unlimited access to these digital premium assets on Envato Elements. Download as many premium templates as you want.

Graph PPT Templates

Plus, now Envato Elements has introduced an AI-powered search feature ! This new tool allows you to input a description of your project to effortlessly locate the finest human-crafted resources.

Start creating your next presentation with an Envato Elements template!

Design a Presentation With PowerPoint Chart Templates Now

A data-driven presentation is a winner choice. And it's always easier to do when you use pre-built PowerPoint graph templates.

Don't be taken in by offers of free PowerPoint chart templates. A professionally designed chart presentation template will help you make a good impression.

Experiment with unlimited PowerPoint chart templates with a low-cost subscription to Envato Elements. Why not download your favorite PowerPoint chart templates today?

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Brenda Barron , Daniel Strongin , Janila Castañeda , and Renata Martín Intriago . Brenda and Daniel are freelance instructors for Envato Tuts+. Janila is the Associate Business Editor for Tuts+. Renata is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+. 

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8 Types of Presentations and Examples of When You Can Use Them

Presentations help you communicate ideas in a simple way that sticks with your target audience. here’s what you need to know to have success with all types of presentations..

For your presentation to be effective, you need to choose the right format and recognize the nuances of each one. Here’s a look at eight types of presentations you can use to share your knowledge.

8 Types of Presentations

1. Providing Information

The primary purpose of any type of presentation is to provide information to an audience. The difference between this method and others is that there are many elements you have to consider in order to be effective. That includes slide design , talking points, and usually, a time limit.

2. Teaching

When you’re educating, use several examples to illustrate your points. If your audience doesn’t understand something you’re talking about, give them specific examples so they can see for themselves what you mean.

Repetition is key when you teach a new concept. It’s important to include a variety examples throughout your slide deck to reinforce your information. This helps combat your audience getting bored or tired from hearing the same thing over and over again.

3. Reporting

You can use presentations when reporting by showing research findings and conclusions. The most important thing to remember is that you need to design your slides to highlight your most critical data. That way, your audience will walk away understanding its high points.

It’s important to know your audience before you jump into your presentation and start selling. Research must be the first step of the process, so you can design a presentation that speaks to your people.

Also, be sure to not overwhelm yourself or others by packing too much information into one slide.

5. Problem-Solving

While it’s a less common use case, you can also use presentations to sort out problems. This is especially useful when you’re working with a team. It acts as a simple way to get everyone on the same page before making a decision.

6. Decision Making

Once you come to an agreement that something is an issue and discover some ways to solve it, there are still choices you need to make. You can use presentations to explore and explain different options before you finalize your next step forward.

7. Entertaining

Creating a presentation with entertainment in mind is a nice way to break up any potential monotony and deliver important information, at the same time.

The entertainment factor doesn’t necessarily have to be goofy or fun, but it should be compelling for the audience and capture their attention. Visuals are particularly important here.

8. Motivational

Stories are good tools for bringing any message home. Use personal anecdotes and examples that illustrate points. This will help people remember your message when they need it most, and it also makes it easier for the audience to connect with you.

3 Presentation Use Cases

Want to take your information and put it in presentation format for your audience? Before you start, use these examples to gain inspiration.

1. Business Presentation Examples

Business presentations don’t have to be boring. Take these tips to wow your colleagues and your audience. 

Conferences

There are many different companies and ideas competing for attention at conferences. Use storytelling and bold design choices to stand out.

Raising Awareness

Getting a new initiative going in an organization is no easy feat. Use a presentation to fill in stakeholders on what you want to do and get their approval.

Sales Decks

Selling has a direct impact on revenue goals, so it’s critical for your presentation to support that. Include questions, pain points, and supporting data to let your potential customers know you “get” them.

2. Presentation Ideas for Kids and Students

Education requires a lot of listening and absorbing information. Help kids and students show what they know with these presentation formats.

All About Them

For younger or new students, this is an easy presentation idea. They can create slides that explain details about themselves to learn the art of public speaking. It also helps their peers get to know them better.

Charts and Graphics

Facts and data play a key role in understanding a concept. However, keeping track of them all can be intimidating. Take them through the process of communicating complex ideas visually, with this presentation idea for students.

Storytelling

Stories are an important part of early learning but, eventually, we all learn there’s a place for stories outside of a book. Students and kids can create presentations that focus on this skill.

3. Virtual Presentation Ideas

Virtual presentations are more prevalent than ever, but engaging an audience when you aren’t in the same room isn’t easy.

If you’re sharing ideas with a group, make it interactive by giving a workshop-style presentation. Be sure to leave room to ask and answer questions, as well as save space for group discussions.

Ask Me Anything

The question and answer format is a popular presentation type, but you can add even more interest with slides. Use images, fonts , and colors that are on brand and increase engagement. 

Information and Gamification

Gamification results in 14% higher scores on skill-based assessments. To amplify people’s understanding of the concepts you present, use gamification throughout your slide deck.

How to Put Together Presentation Ideas without PowerPoint

If you’re looking for creative presentation ideas without PowerPoint , Shutterstock Create’s slideshow presentation maker is easy to use. Our designer-crafted templates are super-simple to customize and make your own in just a few clicks. 

We have thousands of graphics in a multitude of styles, shapes, and sizes you can use to create designs that others will notice. We also offer gorgeous stock photos to help you communicate exactly what you need to with each visual. Everyone has something to teach, now it’s your turn. Use these ideas to create all types of presentations and communicate effectively.

Need some more presentation inspo? We’ve got you covered:

• How to Make a Professional Video Presentation
• 10 Fun “Presentation Night” Ideas
• Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: Which Is Best to Make a Slideshow?

License this cover image via AlexandrWell .

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The 10 best fonts for presentations

Elevate your slidedeck with these fonts, perfect for presentations.

Even if you know your subject, giving a presentation in front of a bunch of strangers can often be nerve-wracking. So it helps to have a series of eye-catching slides to keep you on track and engage your audience. And key to that is picking the best fonts for presentations, which need to tick a number of boxes (you can't just pick any old free font available).

We've found a selection of fonts great for presentations. Most of these are standard system fonts in PowerPoint and many are included in the Windows or Mac operating systems, which means they're licenced for your own personal use. However, if you want to use them as web fonts on a website, or in client work, you will need to license them, so we've included download links too.

What makes a good presentation font?

First, they need to be clear and legible, even at a distance. Secondly, they need to be attractive and eye-catching. Thirdly, they need to convey a polished and appropriate tone for the context of your presentation. And fourthly, they should be widely available, or at least easy to embed, to avoid formatting issues.

In short, whether you're crafting a business pitch, an academic lecture, or a creative showcase, choosing the best font for presentations can make all the difference. In this article, we'll explore 10 great options.

01. Helvetica

• System font in Powerpoint?: Yes
• Preinstalled on Windows? No
• Preinstalled on macOS: Yes
• Download Helvetica from MyFonts

Helvetica might not be the most exciting choice of fonts. But this classic sans-serif, which is named after the Latin word for ‘Switzerland', is nothing if not reliable. Its clean, neutral and versatile nature means conveys an instant sense of professionalism, without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. And that makes it an excellent choice for presentations of all kinds

There's a reason why Helvetica remains hugely popular, 67 years on from its creation: its letterforms are well balanced are balanced between top and bottom, making them highly legible, even at smaller sizes or when projected. Moreover, its wide range of weights and styles allows for flexibility in creating visual hierarchies within your slides.

So whether you're presenting financial data, marketing strategies, or creative concepts, Helvetica will help you share your words in a way that your audience will find easy to read. And isn't that the most important thing?

In short, if you're looking for a modern, straightforward, and universally appealing typeface for your presentations, Helvetica is a worthy contender.

• System font in Powerpoint?: No
• Preinstalled on macOS: No
• Download Futura from MyFonts

Want to give a bold, dynamic edge to your presentation? Then the geometric sans-serif Futura is a good choice. Its clean lines and perfect circles are based on simple shapes, giving it a distinctive and memorable appearance, and strong visual impact. This makes it an especially good option for headlines and key points you want to emphasise.

At the same time, Futura's clarity and legibility at various sizes will ensure that your message comes across effectively, whether you're presenting on a large projector screen or remotely through your audience's laptops.

In short, when you want to convey themes such as disruption, transformation and a contemporary outlook, in fields such as technology, architecture and design, Futura can help your presentation stand out, while still being very legible and accessible.

03. Garamond

• Download Garamond from MyFonts

Does your presentation call for a touch of elegance and tradition? Then you'll probably want to go for a serif, and Garamond is an excellent option.

With its roots in 16th-century typography, this font will instantly give a sense of sophistication and timelessness to your slides. At the same time, this iconic typeface remains highly legible, especially in its more recent digital adaptations. Its refined serifs and varied stroke weights create a pleasant rhythm that's easy on the eyes, making it work for both headlines and body text.

For these reasons, Garamond will work particularly well for academic talks, presentations on literary topics, or any content that benefits from a more formal tone. In other words, if you want to convey authority and knowledge while maintaining readability, it's a great option.

04. Montserrat

• Download Montserrat from Google Fonts

Is your presentation topic one that's innovative, pioneering, or even game-changing? Then you'll want a font to match, and Montserrat could fit the bill.

Inspired by old posters and signs in Buenos Aires, this eye-catching geometric sans-serif offers a combination of clean, modern letterforms and varied weights. Its crisp edges and open counters contribute to excellent legibility, while its geometric roots give it a contemporary feel. This makes it a great choice for presentations in creative industries, startups, or any other context where a fresh, dynamic tone is required.

Montserrat boasts an extensive family, including various weights and styles, allowing for a creative to typography hierarchies within your slides. So if you want your presentation to feel current and energetic while maintaining clarity and professionalism, it's well worth giving a try.

05. Palatino

• Download Palatino from MyFonts

If you're aiming for a balance between reassuring tradition and exciting forward-thinking in your presentation, you'll be looking for a font that sits somewhere between traditional and modern design. In which case we recommend Palatino.

This versatile book serif combines the readability of classic Roman typefaces with subtle calligraphic touches. And that makes it well positioned for presentations that require a professional, scholarly tone without appearing overly formal.

Palatino's defined letterforms ensure clarity even at smaller sizes, making it suitable for both headlines and body copy. It works well on screens, and maintains its elegance and readability when projected. And all this makes it a worthy option for presentations in fields like law, academia or the arts.

06. Calibri

• Preinstalled on Windows? Yes
• Download Calibri from MyFonts

One of the biggest stresses surrounding presentations is the idea that things will go wrong technically, especially if you're using unfamiliar equipment. So if safety is your priority then good news: Calibri isn't just the default font for Microsoft PowerPoint, it's an excellent design choice as well.

This sans-serif has a warm, soft and friendly tone without sacrificing professionalism and legibility, thanks to its slightly rounded edges and open letterforms. It's also a font that adapts easily to different themes and colour schemes. And this means it work well in both corporate and creative presentations.

Perhaps most significantly, Calibri's widespread availability across systems means you're less likely to encounter formatting issues when sharing your presentation. So if you're seeking a safe, versatile and universally compatible font that still looks current, Calibri is the one we'd recommend.

• Download Roboto from Google Fonts

Do you value legibility above all else? Then you can't go wrong with Roboto. Developed by Google, Roboto, this neo-grotesque sans-serif is perfect for designing clear, legible text on screens that need to be readable from a distance, or at small sizes.

Roboto was developed by Google as the system font for Android , and its modern, professional appearance makes it suitable for a wide range of topics and industries. Moreover, its extensive family includes condensed and slab serif versions, which gives you a lot of flexibility in creating visual hierarchies and emphasis within your slides.

In short, Roboto is an excellent choice for presentations that need to look contemporary and function flawlessly.

• Download Avenir from MyFonts

If you want to appear warm and friendly, but also cutting-edge, Avenir (meaning "future" in French) is a good font to consider. This geometric sans-serif is similar to Monserrat in that it combines modernist style with humanist touches, and its superb legibility across various sizes makes it versatile for both headlines and body copy.

As such, Avenir would works particularly well for presentations in fields such as technology, healthcare or education. When you want your slides to appear contemporary and polished, yet accessible and inviting, Avenir does a good job of squaring that particular circle.

09. Baskerville

• Download Baskerville from FontSquirrel

Here's another great choice for excluding elegance and authority. Baskerville is a transitional serif typeface with refined forms and high contrast between thick and thin strokes. This all adds up to a dignified, sophisticated appearance, making it a good choice for conveying trustworthiness and expertise.

Baskerville clear, open letterforms ensure good readability on screens, particularly for longer text passages, and this font would works exceptionally well for academic or literary presentations, along with businesses looking to project a sense of heritage and quality.

In other words, if you want your audience to perceive your content as thoughtful, well-researched, and credible, Baskerville can help set the right tone.

10. Georgia

• Download Georgia from MyFonts

Will your talk be viewed remotely? Then try Georgia; a serif designed specifically for on-screen readability, making it great for digital presentations. Its larger x-height and open letterforms ensure clarity even at smaller sizes, covering you if your slides are being viewed on a smaller laptop or tablet.

These letterforms are sturdy enough to render well on various screen resolutions while still providing the traditional, trustworthy feel associated with serif fonts. This makes Georgia when you require a more formal tone while remaining highly legible on a variety of screens. For talks in fields such as journalism, publishing or any other content-heavy topic, it's a good balance between classic style and readability.

Need more fonts for work? See our pick of the best professional fonts .

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Tom May is an award-winning journalist and editor specialising in design, photography and technology. Author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Great TED Talks: Creativity , published by Pavilion Books, Tom was previously editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine. Today, he is a regular contributor to Creative Bloq and its sister sites Digital Camera World , T3.com and Tech Radar . He also writes for Creative Boom and works on content marketing projects. 

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