Line graphs are used to track changes over short and long periods of time. When smaller changes exist, line graphs are better to use than bar graphs. Line graphs can also be used to compare changes over the same period of time for more than one group.

Pie charts are best to use when you are trying to compare parts of a whole or percents. They do not show changes over time.

Bar graphs are used to compare things between different groups or to track changes over time. However, when trying to measure change over time, bar graphs are best when the changes are larger.

The horizontal bar chart is used when comparing the mean or percentages of 8 or more different groups. As with the vertical bar chart, the horizontal bar chart should only be used when comparing categories that don’t affect other variables.