Types of Graphs

Pie Graph
A pie graph, also known as a pie chart, is a type of graph commonly used in conjunction with percentages. A large circle is divided into sections depending on those percentages and each section represents part of the whole. In a pie chart, the arc length of each separate sector is meant to be proportional to the percentage it’s supposed to represent. The first pie chart was created in 1801 by William Playfair.

Pie Charts: Visuals for people learning about pie graphs.
Pie/Circle Graphs: Shows how to make pie/circle graphs.
Interactive Graph: An interactive pie graph with explanations.
Overview : An overview of pie graphs and their uses.
Definition: Clearly defines a pie graph.
Resources: A list of links that provide information about pie graphs.
Pie Graph Quiz : Quiz to test your knowledge about pie graphs.
Pie Chart Tips: Some tips on constructing pie charts.
Using Pie Charts : Explains how and when to use pie charts.

Bar Graph
A bar graph, or bar chart, is used to represent values in relation to other values. They’re often used to compare data taken over long periods of time, but they’re most often used on very small sets of data. These graphs can be horizontal or vertical. If it’s horizontal, the “categories” for what the actual data being represented is across the bottom and at the side, horizontally, are numbers that represent the actual data.

Bar Graph: A paragraph that explains bar graphs.
Statistical Graphs: Shows how bar graphs are used.
Interactive Bar Graph : An interactive bar graph that allows a user to manipulate it.
Review of Bar Graphs: Discusses bar graphs and their uses.
Illuminations Bar Graph: Another interactive bar graph.
Bar Graph Resources : Provides information and resources about bar graphs.
Grapher : Lets you graph information into a bar graph.
Overview: Discusses what bar graphs are, etc.
Bar Graph Purposes: Illustrates the purpose of making bar graphs.

Line Graph
A line graph is slightly harder to define. They are meant to compare two separate variables and these variables are both plotted on an axis. In the end, you get a graph with lines that go from a fixed point across a chart going up and down in relation to data.

Line Graph : Briefly explains line graphs and their uses.
Line Graph Example : A good example of a line graph.
Overview : An overview of what line graphs are for.
Properties of a Line Graph : Discusses the important properties of a line graph.
How They Work: Discusses how line graphs are put together.
Plot a Line: Interactive graph that allows you to plot a line graph.
Graph Guide: Guide that explains what a line graph is for.
Line Graph Bar Example: Discusses line graphs with an example.
Calculator : Interactive site that lets you put in information and plot a line graph.

All of these graphs can be tough to learn but once you do learn them, they are very easy to do. It can be hard deciding the best type of graph to use but with practice, kids will learn how to make a graph and identify the best graphs for different situations. There are lots of good activities for students to learn how to graph.

Line Graph Activity : Tests students see if they understand how line graphs work.
Make A Bar Graph : Interactive bar graph page.
Interactive Chart : Another interactive chart that lets you input information and have a chart drawn.

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