Definition:Graph (Statistics)

This page is about graph in the context of statistics. For other uses, see graph.

Definition

In the context of statistics, a graph is a word that loosely means a pictorial or diagrammatic presentation of a set of data.

A bar chart is a form of graph which consists of a finite set of (usually) vertical bars whose length determines the statistic being communicated.

A pie chart is a form of graph which consists of a circle divided into sectors whose areas represent the proportion of the corresponding statistic relative to the whole.

A pictograph is a variant of a bar chart whose bars consist of a number of icons or other pictorial symbols arranged in a (usually) line.

A graph is often seen referred to as a chart, particularly with reference to specific kinds of graph.

Some sources use diagram, but that word has wider connotations.