Breaking it Down: How to Draw a Break in a Graph

Drawing a break or a gap in a graph is an essential tool to accurately convey information to your audience. A break in a graph can signify a discontinuity in the data, a change in the unit of measurement, or an intentional emphasis of a certain part of the graph. However, it is crucial to draw a break in a graph correctly, as incorrect placement or improper labeling may result in confusion, misinterpretation, and even false conclusions.

To draw a break in a graph, you must first determine the reason for the break and its intended impact on the data presentation. You may use a break to condense a lengthy, skewed graph, emphasize a certain trend or pattern, or segment the data to show differences in subgroups. Once you have identified the purpose of the break, you can use various tools and techniques to draw it effectively and ethically. In this article, we will explore practical steps on how to draw a break in a graph, including when to use breaks, where to place them, and how to label them to maximize clarity and authenticity.

Section 2: Tools and Techniques for Drawing a Break in a Graph

1. Use Built-In Features of Graphing Software

Many graphing software programs have built-in tools that allow users to easily draw breaks in a graph. For example, Microsoft Excel allows users to insert a break by selecting the axes, right-clicking and selecting “Format Axis,” and then selecting “Axis Options” and “Break Axis.” Other software programs, such as Origin and MATLAB, also have similar built-in features.

2. Insert a Manual Break in the Data

Another technique for drawing a break in a graph is to manually insert a break in the data. This can be done by selecting the data where the break will occur and leaving a gap in the graph or placing a special character (such as a dotted line or an ‘X’ symbol) in the space where the break occurs.

3. Use a Secondary y-Axis

Sometimes it is useful to use a secondary y-axis to draw a break in the graph. This technique is often used when the data on one y-axis varies greatly from the data on the other y-axis. By using a secondary y-axis, you can create two separate scales for the two different types of data and draw a break between them.

4. Use a Logarithmic Scale

When there is a large difference in values between data points, a logarithmic scale can be used to draw a break in the graph. This technique compresses the values on the y-axis, making it easier to compare data that would otherwise be too far apart in value to be helpful.

5. Increase the Gap Between Data Points

Sometimes a break in the graph can be achieved by simply increasing the gap between data points. This technique is often used when there is an outlier in the data that would otherwise make it difficult to see the pattern of the remaining data points.

6. Use Intervals Instead of Actual Numbers

Another technique for drawing a break in a graph is to use intervals rather than actual numbers on the y-axis. For example, instead of displaying the actual values of 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000, you could display the values as 1-3.

7. Draw Multiple Graphs on the Same Chart

Drawing multiple graphs on the same chart can be a useful technique for drawing a break in the graph. This technique is often used when there are two different types of data, and drawing a break in the graph would make the comparison between the two types of data more difficult.

8. Use a Heat Map to Highlight Data

A heat map is a graphical representation of data where the values are represented as colors. This technique can be used to highlight data and draw a break in the graph by using different colors to represent different ranges of values.

9. Experiment with Different Graph Types

Sometimes it is helpful to experiment with different types of graphs to find one that best displays the data and incorporates a break. For example, a scatter plot might work better than a line graph for certain datasets.

10. Seek Expert Help if Necessary

If you are still struggling to draw a break in your graph, don’t be afraid to seek help from an expert. Many professionals have experience creating and interpreting graphs and can offer guidance on how to best represent your data with a break.

Steps to Draw a Break in a Graph

Drawing a break in a graph can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, it can be accomplished easily. Here are the five steps that you can follow to draw a break in a graph:

Step 1: Identify the Range

Start by identifying the range that you want to plot in your graph. A break in a graph is used to show a discontinuity in the data. Therefore, you need to identify the range of the data where discontinuity is present. For example, if you are plotting the temperature in a day and there is a sudden drop in the temperature, you will need to show that using a break in the graph.

Step 2: Create Two Separate Tables

Once you have identified the range, create two separate tables. The first table will contain the data before the break, and the second table will contain the data after the break. Make sure that both tables have the same scale and units.

Step 3: Plot the Two Tables Separately

Plot the two tables separately on the graph. Make sure that the scale and units are the same so that the two charts match up perfectly. Once you have plotted both tables, you can add a break in the graph to show the discontinuity in data.

Step 4: Add a Break in the Graph

To add a break in the graph, you will need to draw a diagonal line through the axis where the break occurs. This line will indicate that there is a break in the data. You can also use a dotted line or a zigzag line to indicate the break.

Step 5: Label the Break

Finally, label the break in the graph so that it is clear to the reader what is happening in the data. You can use a caption or a note to explain the break, or you can use an arrow to point to the break and add a description.

Here’s an example of how you can draw a break in a graph for better understanding:

In this table, you can see that there is a break in the data at the sixth point. To show the break graphically, you can draw a diagonal line that cuts through the axis. You can also add a label to explain what is happening at that point.

In conclusion, drawing a break in a graph requires some basic steps, but once you know how to do it, you can make your data more meaningful and understandable. By following these five steps, you can easily draw a break in your graph and present your data in a clear and concise way.

So, that’s how you draw a break in a graph!

I hope this article has been helpful in showing you how to draw a break in your graph when you need to. Remember, it’s important to distinguish between a true break in data and a break used for visual purposes. By following the steps we’ve outlined, you can ensure that your graph is both informative and visually appealing. Thanks for reading, and come back soon for more tips and tricks on data visualization!