Elementary Statistics (1+1)

5.1.6.2 Sub-divided Bar Diagrams

In a sub-divided bar diagram each bar representing the magnitude of a given phenomenon is further sub-divided according to its various components. Each component occupies a part of the bar proportional to its share in the total.

For example, the number of students in various courses for B.Com., M.Com., B.A., M.A., in various colleges may be represented by a sub-divided bar diagram. While constructing such a diagram, the various components is that of presenting each bar in the same order. A common and helpful arrangements is that of presenting each bar in the order of magnitude from the largest component at the base of the bar to the smallest at the end. To distinguish between the different components, it is useful to use different shades or colours. Index or key should be given explaining these differences.

Sub-divided bar diagrams should not be used where the number of components is more than 10 or 12, for, in that case, the diagram will be overloaded with information which cannot be easily compared and understood.

The component bar diagram can be used to represent either the absolute data or distribution ratios such as percentage distributors. It is, in fact, an excellent method for presenting a set of distribution ratios diagrammatically. The subdivided bar diagrams can be constructed both on horizontal and vertical bases.