How to Make an Economic Demand Chart

Supply and demand are two of the most important concepts in economics. An old joke holds that you could train a parrot to be an economist by teaching it to squawk the words "supply and demand" in response to every question, illustrating the importance of these concepts. Beginning courses in economics introduce the concepts early, often using charts that illustrate the demand, supply and the interaction of the two. A demand chart illustrates the relationship between the price of a product and the quantity demanded. The ability to draw and understand a demand chart is important for success in introductory economics courses.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin your chart by drawing the vertical and horizontal axes, forming an L-shaped diagram. Label the vertical axis "P" for price and the horizontal axis "Q" for quantity demanded.

    • 2

      Review the demand schedule, if applicable. Your class instructor may provide you with a demand schedule which illustrates the quantity demanded for a good at various price levels. In most cases, the quantity demanded increases as the price declines. For example, a demand schedule for beef may show that a hypothetical consumer buys 12 lbs. if beef is free, 10 lbs. at $1 per pound, 8 lbs. at $2 per pound and only 5 lbs. at $3 per pound. The values in the demand schedule provide the data for your chart.

    • 3

      Plot the individual points in the demand schedule in your demand chart, using the values in the vertical and horizontal axes to locate the points.

    • 4

      Draw a line that connects the individual points in your demand chart, starting at the point at which the price is the highest. The line in your demand should slope downward to the right, illustrating an increase in quantity demanded, or Q, for every drop in price, or P.

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