Table of contents

  1. Keep it simple (KISS)
  2. Chart size
  3. Number of lines per chart
  4. Location of y-axis
  5. Gridlines and unit intervals
  6. Gaps between bars
  7. Borders and backgrounds
  8. 3D and other chart effects

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Gaps between bars

Standard bar chart

A standard bar chart should have gaps between bars that are slightly narrower than the bars. The exceptions to this are the exception of histograms and clustered bar charts.

Example of correct use of gaps between bars

A bar chart showing employment data with gaps between the bars that are slightly narrower than the bars.

Clustered bar chart

A clustered bar chart should have gaps between the clusters that are slightly wider than a single bar.

Example of correct use of gaps between clustered bars

A clustered bar chart showing employment data with gaps between the bars that are slightly wider than a single bar.