The commonly used graphs for data presentation are:

Pictographs- This is the most basic form of graphing. This is usually

Where we start all students. A pictograph just display numerical

information or data using pictures or icons as a reference.

Histograms- This is a graph display of frequencies that appear as rectangles which show intervals where progression is measured over time. Histograms are used to present continuous data.

Bar Graphs- This is a chart that uses rectangular bars and the lengths along the y-axis are proportional to the quantity of whatever value it is they represent. The x-axis represents the period within which this value was measured. Even though bar graphs look similar to histograms, they are used to display information that is category centered or focused on different subjects.

Double Bar Graph- this is a graph which compares two sets of data.

Pie Charts- This is where the chart or graph is depicted as a round disc or pie that is divided into portions according to the percentages of values being represented.  This concept is widely used by businesses when they make their budget studies and they wish to see the whole in proportion to their “slice” of the pie.

Line chart or Linear Graph- this is a graph that measures a series of data points on y-axis over an x-axis of time.  This is a point-point type of system where a period of time determines at which point the line or trend must end, and a new one begins.  Line graphs display data that show how one variable (responding variable) changes in response to another variable (manipulated variable).  Line graphs are powerful tools in science because they allow you to identify trends, make predictions, and recognize anomalous data.

Nonlinear Graph – this is a graph in which the data points do not fall along a straight line.

Double Line Graph- this is a graph like the double bar graph that shows two sets of data.

Area Graph- this is a graph that represents quantitative data and derives its basis from the line graph.  The area between x-axis and the line are usually filled in so as to give an idea of cumulated totals or “stacks”. This gives you a quick reference as to the relative characteristics of the data.

Coordinate Graphs- simply put a coordinate graph demonstrates a relationship between numbers.  A coordinate grid is composed of axes.  The Left to right (horizontal) axis is called the x-axis.  The x-axis increases in value as you move to the right and decreases in value as you move to the left.  The up to down (vertical) axis is called the y-axis.  The y-axis increases in value as you move up and decreases in value as you move down.