Column Chart:
We can choose column chart when we intend to compare two or more similar entities in a group. The quantity of each entity is represented by a rectangular column. The column for each entity is drawn vertically, parallel to Y-axis and the height of the column is proportionate to the quantity of each entity. Each column is appropriately labelled by the entity it represents. The labels for different entities are placed along the X-Axis.
Column charts can be further divided into many sub types some of which are the following:
- Clustered column
- Stacked column
- 3-D Clustered column
- 3-D Stacked column
With Google spreadsheets all the above sub types can be shown.
Bar Chart:
A bar chart is similar to a column chart except that the quantities of different entities are represented by horizontal bars instead of vertical columns seen earlier under column charts. Here again the length of the bar is proportionate to the quantity of a particular entity it represents. The bars extend horizontally from left to right.
Line Chart:
If we need to show changes over time, then line chart is appropriate. The quantities of a particular entity may vary over time. The quantity of a particular entity at a given point of time is plotted along Y-axis, where the X-axis represents the time along which it varies. A left to right movement along the X-axis represents the progression of time. The points are joined together with straight lines. Moving from left to right, these connected points reveal a trend that is otherwise difficult to capture with raw data.
Pie Chart:
Pie chart is appropriate when we want to represent the contribution made by each component in making up the whole of an entity. Pie chart is rarely used to compare one component of the whole with the other. Pie charts are circular in shape, where the full circle represents the whole of an entity. This circular chart is segmented into different sectors, where each sector represent a component of the whole. The arc length of the sector or the angle the sector bears at the centre of the circle or alternatively the area of the sector is proportionate to the quantity of a particular component it represents.
Scatter Diagram:
Scatter diagram is appropriate when we want to display a relationship between two entities or when we need to find out if two different entities are related to each other in some way. Scatter diagram is plotted in an X-Y plane. Each point on the scatter diagram is the result of a pair of coordinates. One coordinate is plotted along the horizontal axis (X – axis) and the other along the vertical axis (Y-axis).
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