Comparing two charts

Learn how to write about and compare two pie charts.
Definition

When it comes to data visualizations, there are many different ways to compare two charts. Some common methods include using a line or bar graph, scatter plot, or pie chart. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your data set.

Line and bar graphs are often used to compare two data sets, as they can show how the data changes over time. Scatter plots are good for showing relationships between two data sets, while pie charts are typically used to show proportions.

Tips
  • Briefly describe what the graphs or charts show before writing about the specific numbers.
  • Clearly state to what the data refers. There is a distinction between, say, a user who spends 57% of their time playing games and a person who spends 57% of their tablet time playing games. (You may write percent or percentage, but use the same format.)
  • Not every detail in the diagrams needs to be described. Choose what is most crucial.
  • Keep your vocabulary fresh. Use several terms and expressions that have the same or related meanings, such as playing games Equals gaming.
  • Use similarly, similarly, or similarly to demonstrate similarities.
  • To highlight differences, use however, in contrast, but, while, or instead.

Example

The two pie charts demonstrate that tablets and smartphones are used for the same things overall, but to vastly different degrees.

The first pie chart depicts how people use cell phones, while the second pie chart indicates how people use tablets. Games are the primary application for both sorts of devices, but the numbers vary substantially. While just 35% of the time spent on a smartphone is spent playing games, 57 percent of the time spent on a tablet is. In comparison, users of smartphones spend 29% of their time on their device accessing social networking sites, while only 15% of users of tablets engage in the same activity.

With users spending 13% of their tablet time watching videos and listening to music, entertainment is the third most common usage of tablets. However, smartphone users only spend 8% of their smartphone time on such entertainment, preferring to spend 20% of their smartphone time accessing utilities. Maps, weather reports, and calculators are among examples.

People use their cellphones and tablets in distinctly different ways. Smartphones appear to be the preferred choice for work and communication with the outside world, while tablets are more commonly utilized for gaming and other forms of enjoyment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right method to compare two charts can be tricky, but luckily there are many online resources and software programs that can help. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect way to visualize your data.