Difference Between Graphs and Charts

“All graphs are a type of chart, but not all charts are graphs.” The statement sums up the two very well and outlays which one is broader and a subset of the other.

The prime objective behind graphs and charts is to display data in a meaningful and crisp manner with a visual representation of values that allows the intended user to easily understand and analyze the data without getting into the granular details of such data.

What is a Graph?

Graphs mainly focus on raw data and depict the trend overtime-related to such data. A two-dimensional graph shows the relationship between the data through a line, curve, etc., using the horizontal line along the bottom (called X-axis) and vertical line up the side (called Y-axis). As per the Advanced English Dictionary, “A Graph is a mathematical diagram that shows the relationship between two or more sets of numbers or measurements.” A graph allows the user to easily represent the values in the data through a visual representation. An example of a basic graph is shown below:

The above graph is a basic graph that allows the user to visualize that the data plotted on its Y- axes are on an increasing trend, which is shown in years on X-axes. There are two types of graphs: bar graphs and line graphs.

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What is a Chart?

A chart is a type of representation of large sets of data, which makes the user understand the same better. Using the same helps predict existing data and forecast future data based on the present data pattern. A chart can take the form of a diagram, a picture, or a graph. We can transform datasets into a meaningful display of information using charts.

An example of a simple chart is shown below:

The above chart is a simple Column ChartSimple Column ChartColumn chart is used to represent data in vertical columns. The height of the column represents the value for the specific data series in a chart, the column chart represents the comparison in the form of column from left to right.read more depicting the company’s sales of ice cream products on different days of the week. With just a glance of the same, the user can identify the week’s highest and lowest sales day.

Charts can simplify data and categorize the same into easy-to-understand and analyze formats and find its excessive usage in a business where data is presented using different charts.

There are types of charts – 

  • Vertical bar chartsHistorical bar chartsStacked bar chartsHistogramsThe Pie Chart in excelPie Chart In ExcelMaking a pie chart in excel can help you with the pictorial representation of your data and simplifies the analysis process. There are multiple kinds of pie chart options available on excel to serve the varying user needs.read moreLine chartArea Charts in ExcelArea Charts In ExcelThe area chart in Excel is a line chart that shows the impact and changes in various data series over time by separating them with lines and presenting them in different colors. The line chart is used to create this graph.read more

The list is not exhaustive. There are plenty of other popular types of charts. However, choosing which chart to use to present the data is an arduous task for the user to decide.

Graphs vs Charts Infographics

Here, we provide you with the top 6 differences between graphs and charts.

Key Differences

  • Charts represent a large set of information in graphs, diagrams, or in the form of tables. At the same time, the graph shows the mathematical relationship between varied groups of data. It is a type of chart but not all of it. A graph is a type of subgroup of a chart. On the contrary, a chart can take a graph or another diagram or picture form.Charts can present data of all types into a visually appealing pattern. However, in the case of a graph, it is ideal to have data that depicts any trend or relationship between the variable plotted on the two axes to understand the intended use better.Charts are handy to use in cases where the data to be presented well categorized (such as by region, age bucket, etc.) or sort of averaged, which will further enable simple display. On the contrary, graphs are more intended for identifying trends or patterns in the data sets.

Graphs vs Charts Comparative Table

Conclusion

Charts and graphs are frequently used to present raw and exact data and deliver it to make it visually appealing and easy to understand for the intended users. However, it is very common to misunderstand the two due to the very thin line of differences. These are powerful visual representation tools to compact large sets of data into small capsules of visually appealing sets of information, which can take the form of different types of charts and graphs.

This article is a guide to Charts vs Graphs. We also discuss the top differences between charts, graphs, infographics, and a comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles: –

  • Histogram FormulaStacked Column Chart in ExcelCreate a Gauge Chart in Excel (Speedometer)Waterfall Chart in Excel