Which of the following best describes bar graphs?

Bar graphs are a visual representation of data using rectangular bars, where the length or height of each bar corresponds to the value or count of the category it represents. This format makes it easy to compare different groups or categories at a glance. Each bar is typically separated by spaces, highlighting the distinct categories being compared, and can be oriented either horizontally or vertically.

The identification of bar graphs as a method to represent categorical data is fundamental; this is primarily what sets them apart from other types of graphs, such as line graphs, which may show trends over time, or pie charts, which display parts of a whole. Understanding this characteristic assists in selecting the appropriate graph type depending on the data being presented and the analytical purpose.