Examples of Graphs


Line Graph title

A line graph is most useful in displaying data or information that changes continuously over time. The example below shows the changes in the temperature over a week in January. Notice that the title of the graph is "Average Daily Temperature for January 1-7 in degrees Fahrenheit".

To the left is a table that shows the date in one column and the corresponding temperature in the second column. The line graph on the right shows the degrees of temperature going up the vertical axis (up and down numbers on the left of the graph) and the days of the week on the horizontal axis (going sideways from left to right). The points for the temperature for each day are connected by a line - thus the graph is a line graph.

Average Daily Temperature for January 1-7 in Degrees Fahrenheit

1 10
2 25
3 30
4 42
5 23
6 25
7 40
Line Graoh of Average Temperatures


Bar Graph Animated title


Bar graphs are an excellent way to show results that are one time, that aren't continuous - especially samplings such as surveys, inventories, etc. Below is a typical survey asking students about their favorite after school activity. Notice that in this graph each column is labeled - it is also possible to label the category to the left of the bar. In this case, the numbers for each category are across the bottom of the chart.

A bar chart is marked off with a series of lines called grid lines. These lines typically mark off a numerical point in the series of numbers on the axis or line. In this case, each grid line going up and down marks a multiple of 20 as the graph is divided.  More gridlines can make it easier to be exact with the amounts being shown on the bar graph, but too many can make it confusing.  Notice that for data that does not fall evenly on a multiple of 20, the bar is in between two grid lines.  Bar graphs are useful to get an overall idea of trends in responses - which categories get many versus few responses. 

Favorite Student After School Activity

Activity Number
Visit W/Friends 175
Talk on Phone 168
Play Sports 120
Earn Money 120
Use Computers 65
Bar Graph

 Circle Pie Graph Title


Circle or pie graphs are particularly good illustrations when considering how many parts of a whole are inception. In the table below both the number of hours in a whole day devoted to certain activities is listed as well as the percent of time for each of these activities. The pie chart is then divided very much as a baker's pie would be into slices that represent the proportional amounts of time spent on each activity.


Percent of Hours of a Day Spent on Activities

Sleep 6 25
School 6 25
Job 4 17
Entertainment 4 17
Meals 2 8
Homework 2 8



Pie Graph of Day's Activities