Types of Graph

Type of Graph Use Pros Cons

Graphs to Use When Data Is in Categories

bar chart To show comparison
between discrete
categories.

compound bar chart • visually effective;

• can be used to
summarise a large
amount of data in a
visual form;

• easy to compare data

sets.

comparison bar chart • only used for discrete

data;

• may be difficult to
read if there are too
many data sets or
categories.

histogram • cannot read exact

values as the data
is grouped into
categories;

• more difficult to
compare graphs.

population pyramid • visually effective

method of showing a
population structure;

• can easily compare

population pyramids
for other areas.

Page 1 of 4 visit twinkl.com

 Types of Graph

Type of Graph Use Pros Cons

pie chart

pictogram A pictogram
uses symbols to
represent a quantity
of data. A key is
used to explain the
symbol.

Graphs Which Show Data That Changes over Time

line graph • simple graph which is
easy to read;

• shows the exact

changes in data;

• good visual
representation of
changes in data;

• values between data

points can be estimated
and extrapolated into
the future;

• a comparison line graph

can be used to show
many sets of data.

compound line graph • can take time to

interpret the data;

• hard to construct.

Page 2 of 4 visit twinkl.com

 Types of Graph

Type of Graph Use Pros Cons

rose diagram A rose diagram can
be used to show
directional data e.g.
wind direction.

Graphs That Show Spatial Variation of Movement and Flow

flow line maps • good visual
representation of data;

• g
ive a clear indication
of movement;

• t he relative sizes of
flows can be easily
seen.

Graphs Which Show Spatial Variation in Data

proportional symbols To show spatial
variation in data.

choropleth map • does not show actual

values of data;

• does not show

variations of data
within each unit;

• the map can suggest

abrupt changes at
unit boundaries, when
changes are actually
more gradual.

Page 3 of 4 visit twinkl.com

 Types of Graph

Type of Graph Use Pros Cons

Graphs That Show the Relationship between Two Sets of Data

scatter graph • can only be used for
continuous sets of data;

• can only be used to

link two variables.

Graphs That Show the Relationship between Two Sets of Data

triangular graph Triangular graphs
are used when
investigating data
that has three
components.

Page 4 of 4 visit twinkl.com