Barcelona Field Studies Centre

Data Presentation: Bar Graphs Advantages and Disadvantages

Bar graphs are good for showing how data change over time.

Example:

Data Presentation: Bar Graphs Advantages and Disadvantages


Advantages

  • show each data category in a frequency distribution

  • display relative numbers or proportions of multiple categories

  • summarize a large data set in visual form

  • clarify trends better than do tables

  • estimate key values at a glance

  • permit a visual check of the accuracy and reasonableness of calculations

  • be easily understood due to widespread use in business and the media

Disadvantages

  • require additional explanation

  • be easily manipulated to yield false impressions

  • fail to reveal key assumptions, causes, effects, or patterns

 

Online Bar Chart Maker (up to 100 categories)

Histogram or Bihistogram Creator

Percentage or Divided Bar Chart Creator

Stacked Bar Chart or Bar Graph Maker