We often turn to graphs to better visualize the data, or information, that we have. There are many types of graphs that we can use based on the data that we are trying to show. One common graph type that is often used is the bar graph. In this graph, we use bars to represent the data along an axis—the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical). Put all the bars next to each other and you have a great way to quickly analyze and understand the data.
That being said, there are also several disadvantages to using bar graphs. One such disadvantage is that the bars can seem manipulated if the data amounts are too large. The information given by a bar graph can also seem limited because the bars themselves can only be used for discrete data, or data that is grouped together. Bar graphs typically display data with whole numbers, so finding information such as percentages, fractions, and decimals may require a bit of work to be done.
Overall, it is best to first determine the data that we have, and then look at the options in terms of how to best allow ourselves and others to visualize and understand the information.
As the question suggests, there are definitely reasons to use a bar graph, and there are definitely reasons to not use a bar graph. In general, a person should use whatever kind of graph best displays the information in a quick and easy to access and understand format. Bar graphs are great at showing amounts and/or comparing amounts of different items; however, bar graphs are less effective when trying to show trends over a course of time. Financial growth over the course of a year is better displayed as a line graph instead of a bar graph. Bar graphs also don't do well when trying to display changes in speeds. This is especially true when trying to graph something like acceleration. Another disadvantage of a bar graph is that they can be easily manipulated to give a false impression of a data set, or they simply don't give a good overview of the data. This can happen when too few bars are plotted. Conversely, using too many bars looks extremely cluttered.
https://geographyfieldwork.com/DataPresentationBarCharts.htm
https://getrevising.co.uk/grids/barline_graphs
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