Which type of graph is commonly used to compare categories?

The bar graph is commonly used to compare categories because it visually represents different categories with rectangular bars whose lengths are proportional to the values they represent. Each category is displayed along one axis, while the frequency or value is shown on the other axis. This format allows for easy comparison of the size or count of each category at a glance, making trends and patterns stand out effectively.

For instance, if you wanted to compare sales figures for different products, a bar graph could help visualize how each product is performing relative to the others. The separation of categories into distinct bars makes it clear how they stack up against one another, promoting straightforward interpretation of the data.

In contrast, pie charts illustrate parts of a whole, making them less effective for comparing individual category sizes directly. Line graphs are typically used to show trends over time rather than categorizing static data points, while scatter plots are better suited for exploring relationships between two numerical variables.