Home Guides Creating and Using Overheads Column Graphs

Introduction

When to Use Overheads

Emphasize Key Points

Showing Trends, Patterns, Relationships

Show Precise Data Clearly

Providing Special Emphasis

Educate Your Audience

Considering the Basic Design

Creating a Storyboard

Formatting your Overheads

Effective Use of Color

Choosing Types of Visuals

Charts

Tables

Figures, Drawings, Pictures, and Models

Using Overheads

Overhead Integration Checklist

Rehearsal Checklist

Presentation Tips

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Authors & Contributors

Column Graphs

Back to Charts

Column graphs are easy for audiences to understand. These charts present trends over a few (or grouped) time intervals. If you need to show the number of African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans in Congress during specific years (1962, 1975, 1982, 1995) over a thirty year period, a column chart is a good choice.

A column graphs should have no more than eight single bars and a maximum of four bars per group. (i.e. all ethnic groups are represented under each specific year). For your column graphs to be legible, the spacing between each bar should be:

• 1/2 bar width for single bars and
• one bar width between grouped bars.