When to use

Bar chart encodes values as length of rectangles on one baseline. William Playfair, Commercial and Political Atlas, 1786.

In reports, ads and assignments it fits comparing a handful of categories at one time. Skip it when too many categories, 3-D extrusion, or dual-axis tricks.

Use when

• Use when 1 — comparing a handful of categories at one time
• Use when 2 — Excel or Google Sheets
• Use when 3 — PowerPoint
• Use when 4 — lab reports and poster boards
• Use when 5 — Meta, Google and retail print

Avoid when

• Avoid when 1 — too many categories, 3-D extrusion, or dual-axis tricks
• Avoid when 2 — 3-D, dual axes, rainbow scales
• Avoid when 3 — Undated numbers, undated time series
• Avoid when 4 — Four charts on one slide

Audiences

• Work — PowerPoint
• Ads — Meta, Google and retail print
• School — lab reports and poster boards

Bar chart: honour length of rectangles on one baseline, and switch when too many categories, 3-D extrusion, or dual-axis tricks.

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