1. A title, such as Figure 1, Chart 1, etc.
Data that is calculated from a continuous mathematical function can have a line drawn through the appropriate data points. Data that is measured should not have a line drawn connecting the data points.
A graph that plots the tabular data shown here is presented as an example.
TABLE 1: Sample Graph
A good graph should contain certain elements in order to clearly display the relationship between an independent variable (plotted on the X or horizontal axis) and the dependent variable (plotted on the Y or vertical axis). These elements include:
2. Axes labels, such as Pressure, Weight, etc.
3. Axes dimensions, such as psig, lbs, etc.
4. Axes values, the numbers correponding to the appropriate dimensions.
5. If more than one set of data is placed on a graph, a legend that relates the data point markers to a particular piece of hardware or test condition.
6. Data point markers of distinctive shape that are placed at appropriate locations on the graph.
Pressure (psig)
Weight
Calculated
Cylinder A
Cylinder B
(lbs)
(theoretical)
(measured)
(measured)
1
1.33
1.20
1.40
2
2.67
2.50
2.80
3
4.00
3.90
4.20
4
5.33
5.10
5.50
5
6.67
6.40
7.00
6
8.00
7.90
8.50
7
9.33
9.00
9.70
8
10.67
10.20
10.90
9
12.00
11.80
12.40
10
13.33
13.00
13.60