Percentage Bar Graph: Concept, Steps to Draw & Solved Examples

The percentage bar graphs are an important type of bar graph. They express the data in the form of percentages for each observation. It can be a little tricky to draw a percentage bar graph as the data should be strictly in the form of percentages, if not then you have to convert the data into respective percentages. In this article, we will teach how to draw a percentage bar graph with a step by step procedure and example like line graph. 

What Are Percentage Bar Graphs?

A bar graph is used to represent statistical data of various observations and when this statistical data is in the form of percentages, then the bar graph is known as the percentage bar graph. The percentage bar graph can be both in the vertical and horizontal format. Just like other graphs, percentage bar graphs can also be drawn in double, multiple, and stacked formats. 

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For example, the percentage bar graph given below shows the percentage of male and female students in the four sections of a class.

If the given data is the actual value and not the percentage, then in order to draw a percentage bar graph you must first convert those values into their corresponding percentages and then draw the bar graph on the basis of those percentages.

Learn about Data Interpretation

If the data is given in the form of percentages then the percentage bar graph will be plotted like any other bar graph. However, if the data is not in the form of percentages, then you have to convert that data. Follow the steps given below to draw the percentage bar graph of raw data.

Step 1. First, write the data in a table format. This helps separate and maintain data properly.

Step 2. Second, convert all the values into percentages using the percentage formula:

Percentage=(Given Value/Total Value)*100%

Step 3. After converting all the values into percentages. Draw the graph by first drawing the two axes – x-axis and y-axis.

Step 4. Represent the observation by the x-axis. Mark the y-axis with values starting from 0% – 100% with equal intervals between each mark. (for horizontal percentage bar graph, do just the opposite)

Step 5. Finally, plot the bars using the percentages calculated in step 2. And your percentage bar graph is ready.

Learn about Multiple Bar Diagram

Why Use a Percentage Bar Graph? 

Percentage bar graphs are a great way to understand data quickly and easily. They're not just about showing numbers — they help you see the bigger picture. Here's why they’re useful:

 Easy to Compare Parts
They show how different categories compare to each other in percentage form — so you can quickly see which part is bigger or smaller.

 Shows the Whole Picture
Each bar is like a puzzle — it shows how different pieces (categories) make up the whole 100%.

 Compare Different Groups
You can compare several categories side by side to spot differences and similarities clearly.

 Makes Complicated Data Simple
They turn big numbers into visual bars, making the information easier to understand.

 Helps Spot Trends
You can use these graphs to see how percentages change over time — useful for tracking growth, changes, or patterns.

How to Calculate Percentage for a Bar Graph

Calculating percentages for a bar graph is actually quite simple! Just follow these steps:

 Step 1: Find the Total

 Add up all the values (data points) you have.
This total will be your base for calculating percentages.

 Step 2: Find Each Percentage

For each data point:

Divide the value by the total

Then multiply the result by 100

Formula:
(Value ÷ Total) × 100 = Percentage

Best Tips for Making Clear and Easy-to-Read Percentage Bar Graphs

Making a good percentage bar graph is all about keeping it clear, simple, and accurate. Here are some easy tips to help you design a great graph:

 1. Use the Same Scale

Make sure all bars use the same scale so the graph is fair and not confusing.

 2. Label Everything Clearly

Add labels to each part of the graph, so people can easily see what each section means.

 3. Pick Simple Colors

Use different colors to separate categories, but keep them calm and clear — not too bright or messy.

 4. Show Exact Percentages

Write the percentage numbers on the bars so viewers can see the exact values.

 5. Keep the Design Simple

Don’t overload the graph with too much information. A neat and clean design is easier to understand.

 6. Choose the Right Layout

• Use horizontal bars for long labels.
   
• Use vertical bars for short and simple labels.

 7. Add a Legend if Needed

If your graph has many colors or patterns, add a legend to explain what each one means.

Example 1:

Draw a percentage bar graph with the following information. 

Since the information is already in the form of a table, we do not need Step 1. 

Step 2. 

Step 3, 4, and 5 are done in the graph below 

Example 2:

Draw the percentage bar graph for the following information.

The following table shows, the number of newspaper A and the number of newspaper B sold out of the total printed in the years 2015-2018. 

Draw the percentage bar graph for the percentage of newspaper A and percentage of newspaper B sold in the years 2015-2018.

Solution: 

Hopefully, this article about the percentage bar graph was beneficial to you. You can contact us if you have any other queries. For more such articles, download the Testbook App now for free from the Playstore and get the benefit of the video tutorials, live interactive classes, quizzes, and other such learning material all in one app. With a Testbook, you can prepare for any government examination. So what’s the wait, download the app today!!.For better practice, solve the below provided previous year papers and mock tests for each of the given entrance exam: