4128125, 4:24 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GoeksforGecks Search... Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples Last Updated : 19 Jul, 2024 Bar graphs are one of the most common and versatile types of charts used to represent categorical data visually. They display data using rectangular bars, where the length or height of each bar corresponds to the value it represents. Bar graphs are widely used in various fields such as business, education, and research to compare different categories or track changes over time. This article explores the different types of bar graphs, their uses, and how to create and interpret them. Table of Content ¢ What is a Bar Graph/Bar Diagram? * Types of Bar Graphs or Bar Diagrams * Simple Bar Graph © Example of Simple Bar Graph Multiple Bar Graph © Example of Multiple Bar Graph Sub-Divided Bar Graph © Example of Sub-Divided Bar Graph Percentage Bar Graph © Example of Percentage Bar Graph Broken-Scale Bar Graph © Example of Broken-Scale Bar Graph Deviation Bar Graph © Example of Deviation Bar Graph * Creating a Bar Graph Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! ane.snsi25, 4:44 Pat Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GeekstorGaaks + Features of Bar Graph + Advantages of Bar Graph * Disadvantages of a Bar Graph What is a Bar Graph/Bar Diagram? A Bar graph is a type of data-handling method that is popularly used in statistics. A bar graph or bar chart is a visual presentation of a group of data that is made up of vertical or horizontal rectangular bars with lengths that are equal to the measure of the data. M Bar Graph 36 Types of Bar Graphs or Bar Diagrams The different types of Bar Graphs are as follows: 1, Simple Bar Graph 2. Multiple Bar Graph 3. Sub-Divided Bar Graph or Component Bar Graph 4, Percentage Bar Graph 5, Broken-Scale Bar Graph 6. Deviation Bar Graph 1. Simple Bar Graph A diagram in which each class or category of data is represented by a group of rectangular bars of equal width is known as a Simple Bar Diagram. It is the simplest type of bar diagram. In this diagram, each bar Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! anesina, 444 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GeeksforGesks represents one figure only. The number of bars will be equal to the number of figures. These diagrams show only one characteristic of the data, such as sales, production, or population figures for various years. The magnitude of data is determined by the bar’s height (or length). The lower end of the bar touches the base line; therefore, the height of a bar starts from the zero unit. These diagrams can be vertical or horizontal in layout: 1. Vertical Bar Graph: The diagram in which the magnitude of the data is presented vertically, ie., along the Y-axis, is a Vertical Bar Diagram. 2. Horizontal Bar Graph: The diagram in which the magnitude of the data is presented horizontally; i.e., along the X-axis is a Horizontal Bar Diagram. The bars of a bar diagram can be visually compared by their relative height, and data can be easily comprehended accordingly. Example of Simple Bar Graph The following table shows the percentage of monthly salary saved by each employee in a 100-person company. Create a vertical and a horizontal bar diagram to represent it. Savings (in percentage) Number of Employees 15 20 25 45 35 25 45 10 Total 100 Solution: Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! 384128125, 4:24 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GoeksforGecks Simple Bar Diagram as (veri scale ¥ em =10 Employees No. of Employees 25 35 Savings (in %) Simple Bar Diagram So 11em =10 Employees Savings (in%) No. of Employees. 2. Multiple Bar Graph The Multiple Bar Diagram is used to compare two or more variables such as revenue and expenditure, import and export for different years, marks obtained in different subjects in different grades, and so on. It is often referred to as a Compound Bar Diagram. The method for creating multiple bar diagrams is the same as for making a Simple Bar Diagram. However, to distinguish the bars from each other, different bars are differentiated by different shades or colours. Example of Multiple Bar Graph Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! 48sina, 444 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GeeksforGesks A company manufactures three varieties of soap. Represent the following information showing the quarterly sales (three months) using a multiple- bar diagram. ‘Quarterly Sales (in units) Month Soap Soap2 Soaps April 150-210 38 May 250-950-440 June 320430» 580 Solution: Multiple Bar Diagram —— z = 5 = 3 8 > : 5 6 3. Sub-Divided Bar Graph In these diagrams, the bar corresponding to each phenomenon is divided into several components. Each part or component occupies a proportional part of the bar to its share in the total. For example, the bar corresponding to the number of students enrolled in a course can be further sub-divided into boys and girls. * When preparing a sub-divided bar diagram, the various components in each bar should be kept in the same sequence. * Itis important to use different colours or shades to differentiate between different components. * A suitable index should explain these various colours or shades. Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! sn84128125, 4:24 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GoeksforGecks * These diagrams are quite useful for comparing the sizes of various parts and throwing light on the relationship between these integral parts. For instance, such diagrams are used to present data such as sales profits from various products, a family’s expenditure pattern, the budget outlay for receipts and expenditures, and so on Example of Sub-Divided Bar Graph Represent the following information using a sub-divided bar diagram, showing the quarterly sales of three varieties of soap manufactured by a company. Solution: Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! ‘Quarterly Sales (in units) Month Soap Soap2 Soaps April 150 | «210818 May 250 | 350 440 June 320 | 430 | 590 Quarterly Sales (in units) Month Soap1 Soap2 Soap3 Total April 15021015678 May | 250 | 350 440 | 1,040 June 320 430-560 1,300 ene4128125, 4:24 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GoeksforGecks y ‘Sub-Divided Bar Diagram oS 1400. ale: = 1,300 B i200 Vem =200 Units S = 1000 mice g 800 & Mm Soap2 & 600 2 Mm Soaps 3 400 § 200 2 x Month 4. Percentage Bar Graph A Percentage Bar Diagram is a sub-divided bar diagram that indicates the total percentage of each component rather than the magnitude. The absolute magnitudes of several components are presented using a subdivided diagram. These magnitudes can be converted into relative values by describing them as a percentage of the total. Each data component is expressed as a percentage of the corresponding total. Thus, in a percentage bar diagram, all of the bars are of height 100, while the different segments of the bar representing the various components vary in size depending on their % value of the total. Just like in the sub-divided bar diagram, in the percentage bar diagram, different components can be differentiated by different shades or colours. Example of Percentage Bar Graph The table below displays the number of newspapers sold out by the company, out of the total printed newspaper from 2016 to 2021. Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! m84128125, 4:24 PM Solution: Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GeeksforGecks Year Sale of Newspaper (out of 150) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 420 80 90 45 72 0 Year Sale of Newspaper (out of 150) Percentage of Newspaper sold 2016 120 12 + 100 = 20 2017, 84 « 100 =56 2018 | 90 fh + 100 -60 2019 45 +100 =20 2020 72 B+ 100 =48 2021 60 Bt «100 =40 Percentage Bar Diagram o6 80 70 60 & 50 2 € 40 5 g 30 a 20 10 ‘O| 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Year 5. Broken-Scal This diagram is used when the value of one variable is extremely high or extremely low compared to others. Larger bars may be broken to make intps:ihwwn.gookstorgooksorgibar-graph-mean e Bar Graph Inypos-and-examplos/ ane4128125, 4:24 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GoeksforGecks space for the smaller bars of the series. Every bar has its value written on the top of the bar. When the majority of the data figures are of low magnitude and one or more of the figures are of unusually large magnitude, a broken-scale diagram is used to present the data. Example of Broken-Scale Bar Graph Prepare an appropriate diagram using the following data. Department Headcount Operations 1500 HR 20 IT 400 Sales 420 Marketing 50 Solution: Broken-Scale Bar Diagram ED oS 140. Seale: oa tem =20 Employees 120 100. 80 60 Head Count 20 Oloperations HR IT Sales. Marketing Department 6. Deviation Bar Graph These diagrams are used to represent net changes in data such as net profit, net loss, net exports, net imports, etc. * In these diagrams, only changes are shown, not the original data. Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! onesina, 444 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GeeksforGesks * The values in these diagrams might be both positive and negative. * Positive values are displayed above the X-axis (Base line), while negative values are below it. Example of Deviation Bar Graph The following table shows the data relating to the net exports of a company in different years. Use a deviation bar diagram to represent the profit/loss made by the firm. Year Net Exports (in # crores) 2015 200 2016 (120 2017 150 2018 O60 2019 400 Solution: Deviation Bar Diagram OG y Scale: lem= €50 Crores Net exports (in Crores) Year Creating a Bar Graph * 1. Collecting Data: Gather the data you want to represent, ensuring it is categorical and each category has a corresponding value. Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! r0n81125725, 4:84 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GeeksforGesks * 2. Choosing the Type of Bar Graph: Select the appropriate type of bar graph based on your data and the comparison you want to make. 3. Drawing the Axes: Draw the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical) on a graph. Label the axes with the categories and values, respectively. 4. Plotting the Bars: Draw bars for each category. Ensure the bars are of uniform width and equally spaced. The length or height of each bar should correspond to its value. 5. Adding Labels and Titles: Label each bar with its category and value. Add a title to the graph to describe what it represents. Features of Bar Graph 1. In this diagram, the magnitude of the characteristics is shown by the length or height of the bar. 2. The width of a bar is arbitrarily set to make the constructed diagram more elegant and attractive. 3. The length and height of the bars vary depending on the variable value. However, the width of the bar remains constant. 4, The width of a bar is also determined by the number of bars that must be accommodated in the diagrams. 5. The bars must be equidistant from one another. 6. Bars can be drawn horizontally or vertically. They are, however, usually in vertical form. 7. The side or vertical axis of a bar graph is called the y-axis and the bottom or horizontal axis of a bar graph is known as the x-axis. 8. The y-axis represents data value, while the x-axis represents data type. Related Articles: * Bar Graphs and Histograms *° Beal Life Applications of Bar Graph Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! sesnsi25, 4:44 Pat Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GeekstorGaaks Advantages of Bar Graph Due to their accessibility and suitability for visual data representation, bar diagrams are used across several industries. Following are some of the advantages of bar diagrams: 1. It is simple to create and easy to understand Bar diagrams are simple to create on paper and in computer applications Before choosing the type of bar diagram, one just needs the necessary data for comparison. The vertical bar diagram is ideal for a few categories. In contrast, the horizontal bar diagram works better for multiple categories. In addition, a stacked bar diagram can be used to segment categories, or a grouped bar diagram to show data over time. It is simple to label the x-axis and y-axis and to draw the bars at corresponding values. A bar diagram is widely utilised for visually presenting data 2. It is frequently used in a variety of industries Around the world, a bar diagram is utilised in a variety of industries. For instance, it can be used in the field of epidemiology to better understand disease transmission and its control. Bar graphs are frequently used by businesses to analyse their finances and sales. It can also be used to keep a record of personal finances. 3. It makes data comparison easier Various types of bar graphs can precisely represent data visually. This simplifies the comparison-making process. For instance, the stacked bar diagram/sub-divided bar diagram can be utilised to compare product sales for an online and offline business over different months. The bar diagram shows monthly sales from both online and offline retailers. With a bar diagram, businesses can compare how each of their stores performs and where they need to place their attention. Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! vane4128125, 4:24 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GoeksforGecks 4. It provides a visual summary of a large data set A bar diagram is used to represent the large data set. The graphical representation makes the analysis of the data clear. Additionally, gaps between the bars, highlight how each bar represents an individual value. For instance, a business would be interested in knowing how long deliveries take during peak and off-peak periods. The grouped bar diagram can be used to visually summarise the data and identify areas for Accountancy Business Studies Economics Organisational Behaviour Human Resou 5. It facilitates pattern analysis The bar diagram helps identify patterns and trends by visually representing data that changes over time. When compared to a table of numerical data, using a bar diagram is easier to understand and use. A bar diagram allows anyone with basic knowledge to read the label and identify patterns and trends, but a table of numerical data requires an expert to identify trends and patterns. In this way, studying patterns and highlighting trends is made simple by the visual representation of data provided by a bar diagram. Disadvantages of a Bar Graph Bar diagrams are inappropriate for large projects because they cannot be utilised to evaluate the effects of unforeseen events. Following are some of the disadvantages of a bar diagram: 1. It needs further explanation Bar diagrams are frequently used in presentations to visually present the data. However, using only the bar diagram is not always effective. Even though the represented data is explained by labels along both axes, an additional example is still required to understand. That is a disadvantage of a bar diagram, especially when presenting complex data. It is insufficient to describe the data set by using the bar diagram. Intps:ihwwn.goeks{orgeoksorgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! 1384128125, 4:24 PM Bar Graph | Meaning, Types, and Examples | GoeksforGecks 2. It can be modified In the digital era, people prefer a visual presentation of data for which a bar diagram is used. But unfortunately, given how simple data is to access and how fast it can be spread on social media, its misuse is unavoidable. These days, bar diagrams have been modified in several different ways that include manipulating the x-axis or y-axis and mishandling the standard. This can ultimately result in the manipulation of the readers. 3. It fails to show the relationship between activities A bar diagram can be used to estimate the amount of time and work needed for different project activities. Still, it cannot indicate how these activities are related to each other. As a result, it can’t be used as an instrument of control. It is challenging to manage projects with bar diagrams since they can not show the relationships between the activities. 4. It fail to show progress A bar graph enables the systematic presentation and arrangement of various project activities. However, a bar diagram cannot show the progress of these activities while monitoring them. This makes it an unsuitable tool because there is a need to move fast in a dynamic world. It also makes it challenging to identify the delays in activities. comment | [weciie | Aévertsewithus Next Article Pie Diagrams | Meaning, Example and Steps to Construct Similar Reads Intps:hwwn.goeks{orgeoks orgibar-graph-meaning-ypes-and-examples! sane