Name Image What you would use them to represent When you can’t use them

Bar chart Vertical bar charts are useful to compare different A bar chart does not show the
categorical or discrete variables, such as age groups, progress of work and hence it can
classes, schools, etc., as long as there are not too not be used as a control device.
many categories to compare.

Line graph A line graph is commonly used to display change

over time If we plot too many lines on the
same graph, it can become
cluttered and hard to read.

Scatter Use a scatter plot to determine whether or not Scatter diagrams cannot provide the
graph two variables have a relationship or correlation. precise extent of association. A
scatter plot does not indicate the
quantitative measure of the
relationship between the two
variables.

pictograms You can use a pictogram whenever you want to It's a very simplistic type of graph,
make simple data more visually interesting, more so you will not be able to show
memorable, or more engaging. more complex observations in data
sets with them.

Stem and A stem and leaf plot is used to organize data as they The disadvantage of stem and leaf
leaf are collected. A stem and leaf plot looks something plots is they are really only useful
like a bar graph for small data sets from about 15 to
150 data points