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Data & ProbabilityData Visualization

The Chart That Lies

Cut the bottom off an axis and a tiny change looks huge

One bar towers over the other, yet the real difference is 2%. Every number on the chart is true. So where's the lie?

You'll find out

  • How a cut axis turns 2% into a cliff
  • A number that measures the lie
  • Why a tilted pie chart plays favorites

Why it matters

In studies, people misjudged cut-off bar charts even after a warning. Reading the axis first is the habit that helps.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 137 · Zone 16

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