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Line Graph
What is it?
A line graph represents data or sets of data that have been collected over a period of time. The data are plotted on a graph corresponding to standard intervals of time, and a line is drawn connecting the data points. If updated regularly, line graphs help managers follow
a trend over a period of time and take actions to manage the trend.
Who uses it?
The team, the manager.
Why use it?
The line in the graph allows managers or team members to see trends in the data (an increase, decrease, or no change) over a period of time. This can be useful to help you visualize changes in the process over time, or to compare the performance before and after the implementation of a solution.
When to use it?
To visualize a process during a specific period of time to help you describe a problem, or when you want to evaluate a solution to a problem.
How to use it:
- Decide on the period for collecting data (for example, 30 days, 12 months, etc.).
- Gather the data. To see a trend, it is generally useful to
collect 20 to 25 data points over the time period.
- Draw the vertical line (Y axis) for representing the data. The scale will depend on the values of the data. (In the example below, the Y axis
represents "number of clients seen in the clinic.") Starting at zero in the lower left corner, label the marks on the far left vertical line in
increments of 5, 10, 20, or 100.
- Draw the horizontal line (X axis), where each point represents a period of time. It can be hours, days, weeks, months, etc. (In the example below, the time frame used is months.)
- Plot the data you have collected over the period of time studied. Put a dot on the graph to show the value of the data for each time period your graph will cover. (In the example below, for each month.)
- Connect all the dots that you have plotted on the graph. This will form a line that shows the trend of the data observed over the period studied. If you want to continue the process of observation, make a new dot on the graph for each additional segment of time.
Example:
Here is an example of a line graph being used to describe a problem.
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