Bar charts

Use bar charts to show trends and variations. Histograms are a specialised form of bar chart. They are used to show frequency distributions of data.

• Try to limit the number of items you are comparing -- be gentle with your reader.
• Keep the scales consistent. Draw as accurately to scale as possible.
• Place the bars adjoining for continuous trends and apart for discontinuous ones.
• Consider whether the bars look better vertical or horizontal. A chart which is wider than it is tall probably gives the best overall effect.