Choosing the right chart
The type of data and the question decide which chart to use.
You already know bar charts, pictograms, line graphs and pie charts. This year you add frequency diagrams and stem-and-leaf diagrams, so the first skill is choosing wisely.
- Bar chart — for separate categories or discrete data; bars have gaps.
- Pie chart — for showing how a whole splits into proportions.
- Line graph — for showing change over time.
- Frequency diagram — for grouped or continuous data; bars touch.
- Stem-and-leaf diagram — for organising numerical data while keeping every value.
Whatever you choose, the basics never change: a clear title, labelled axes and an even scale. Get the chart type right and the rest of this guide shows you how to build each one.
- Bar charts and pictograms suit separate categories.
- Pie charts show proportions; line graphs show change over time.
- Frequency diagrams suit grouped or continuous data.
- Stem-and-leaf diagrams organise data while keeping every value.