These charts emphasise simple size comparisons. These can be relative comparisons (just being able to see larger/bigger) or absolute (the need to be able to see fine differences). These types of charts very often show a “counted” number of things (for example, barrels, dollars or people) – but can also be used with a wide range of data.
There’s a strong possibility that the first chart you ever saw was a bar chart. And with good reason – they offer an excellent solution to perhaps the simplest visual comparison of all – size.
Disparities in US wealth
Source: Data from US Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances
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