Difference Between Graphs Vs Charts
Graphs and Charts in Excel are very similar, but they are different. Graphs are a numerical representation of data as it shows the relation of change in numbers. Charts are the visual representation of categories that may not be related. All graphs are a type of chart, but not all Charts are Graphs. The graphs and charts display data visually representing values and analyze the data without getting into the granular details. Graphs and charts are used in business proposals and presentations to represent numbers, reports, performance, etc.
A Graph is a mathematical function used to form a diagram of statistical data. It shows the relation between the variable quantities, typically of 2 variables. A Chart is a form of graphic representation of the data that represent the numeric data in a tabular form and can also represent functions or some qualitative structure and provide different information.
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Key Takeaways
- The Chart represents the data as different parts and cumulated volume.
- Multiple data of gradual variation of data for a single variable can effectively visualize by this type of graph.
- The Charts compare the whole and one part.
- Chart in Excel helps represent data in bars to facilitate a comparison between data values.
- Chart consists of different segments, which are components that make the bar.
What Is A Graph?
Graphs work on raw data; the graph shows the relationship between the data in a two-dimensional diagram through line, curve, etc., using the horizontal line as X-axis and the vertical line as Y-axis. A Graph is a mathematical diagram showing the relationship between two or more numbers or measurements.
Graph Example
For example, the below image shows the Quantity and Price of fruits, and we will make the Graph in Excel from the given data.
In the table,
- Column A show the Fruits
- Column B contains the Quantity
- Column C contains the Price
The steps to demonstrate the Graph in Excel are as follows:
Step 1: Select the table data we want to create a Graph.
Step 2: Go to the “Insert” tab.
Step 3: Select the “Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart” option from the “Charts” group.

Step 4: Select the Scatter option from the drop-down list.

Step 5: We can see the Graph in the following image.

What Is A Chart?
A Chart is a graphical representation of comparisons of items. This is a type of graph used to represent data in different parts and one as a whole. It predicts future data based on the present data pattern. A chart is formed using a diagram, a picture, or a graph.
Chart Example
For example, the below image shows the four Student’s Marks in five subjects; we will make the Chart in Excel from the given data.
In the table,
- Column A, B, C, D, and E shows the subjects and marks scored by John, Ron, Harry and Jenifer respectively.
- Column F shows the total marks

The steps to demonstrate the Chart in Excel are as follows:
Step 1: Select the table data we want to create a Chart.
Step 2: Go to the Insert tab.
Step 3: Select the Insert Column or Bar Chart option from the Charts group.
Step 4: Click the down arrow button of the Insert Column or Bar Chart option.
Step 5: Select the formatting of an Excel Chart we want from the drop-down list.
Step 6: The Chart Design tab is formed.
Step 7: Select the Chart format from the Chart Style group.
Step 8: The Chart is formed in the following image.

Graphs Vs Charts – Key Differences
- The chart is summarized by presenting different types of data converted into patterns, whereas the graph illustrates the mathematical connection between a set of data.
- A chart incorporates data that is compact and convenient to demonstrate data, whereas the graph represents the mathematical connection and association between various data.
- A chart is mostly used in a business presentation or explanation of surveys, whereas a graph is mostly used in analysis works.
- Some types of charts are Pie charts, bar charts and histograms. Line graphs and bar graphs are the types of graphs.
- Charts are helpful to categorize data, but graphs identify patterns and relations between the data.
Graphs Vs Charts Comparative Table
Parameter | Chart | Graph |
---|---|---|
Definition | A chart is a graphical representation of data identified by lines, bars, columns, pie, etc. | A graph is a diagram representing the connection between two types of data identified by lines, dots, etc. |
Presents | A chart represents data or information. | A graph represents the mathematical relation between data. |
Usage | Charts are used in business presentations and surveys. | Graphs are used in analytical fields. |
Goal | The goal of developing charts is to translate data into patterns. | The goal of developing a graph is to make the mathematical connection between data sets. |
Types | Some types of charts are bar charts, pie charts, histograms, etc. | Some types of graphs are line graphs, dot graphs, etc. |
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