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Using Charts Effectively

This guide is a general overview of creating and using charts including best practices in chart design.

Why Use a Chart?

 

Adding charts to your research paper or PowerPoint/slide deck presentation/ helps you succinctly communicate new information or interrelated information.

You have heard the adage that "a picture is worth a thousand words". A chart or graph can summarize a complex topic or a large amount of data and give emphasis to your analysis.

 

 

 

Which is easier to comprehend-- the Excel spreadsheet or the bar chart shown below?

 Excel chart

 

    Bar Chart