Line graphs are used to display the comparison between two variables that are plotted on the horizontal x-axis and vertical y axis of a grid. Line graphs consist of grid-plotted dot-connected lines. These lines monitor and compare various sets of data. The x-axis usually represents measures of time, while the y-axis usually represents percentage or measures of quantity. Thus, line graphs are often used to track a variable of one or more subjects over time.
Pictographs are probably the first kind of graph children learn about. In a pictograph, small images represent a number of items, and the images are stacked up on top of one another in the graph. Fractions of the picture represent portions of the number that picture represents. Though the approximations would be either given or estimated, the graphs do well to simply visually represent the amounts.
Pie charts represent parts of a whole. Each "slice" or section of the pie is a percent of data. Segments are arranged clockwise from biggest to smallest, so that the pie chart looks neat and the subjects are easy to compare.
Flow charts display a schematic process that is based on the answer to, validity of or outcome of the previous step. Each shape of a flow chart represents a particular action, as coded by the legend when included. A flow chart consists of a start and an end point, inputs and outputs and routes that are represented by basic symbols.
A bar graph can be vertical or horizontal. The axes are labeled with either numeric or categorical variables. The heights of the bars are scaled according to value, and the bars are comparable to one another. Bar graphs can be three-dimensionally drawn, compiled to compare data about the same location or thing.
Organizational charts are diagrams used to show the relationships among a number of jobs within a business. These diagrams illustrate how the different positions and ranks are connected. An organizational chart is usually shaped like a pyramid, with the highest rank in the top rectangle and levels of subordinates in descending order according to rank below. Rectangles may be sized according to rank as well.