When to use

Venn diagram encodes values as intersection area of overlapping closed curves. John Venn, 1880; Euler drew related region diagrams earlier.

In reports, ads and assignments it fits two or three sets with a real overlap story. Skip it when four-plus sets, or when sizes must be to scale.

Use when

• Use when 1 — two or three sets with a real overlap story
• 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 — four-plus sets, or when sizes must be to scale
• 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

Venn diagram: honour intersection area of overlapping closed curves, and switch when four-plus sets, or when sizes must be to scale.

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