This post recommends using Trellis plots instead of 3D bar charts for three-dimensional (three variable) data. In Winner of the Bad Graph Contest Announced, I promised to present alternatives to ...

This example subgroups by department the 3D vertical bar chart of total sales for each site that is shown in Specifying the Sum Statistic in Bar Charts. In addition to subdividing the bars to show the ...

First, let’s see what a bar graph spaced properly looks like. The lines are plotted at the same dates as in the original figure of the last post. These simple figures were drawn with Excel 2010.

For example, if you choose a 3D bar chart in the White theme, you get marble bars. Change that theme to Black and you get the wood texture. The Gray theme produces plastic-looking bars.

If you want to sow division among chartmakers, ask them if pie charts are a good idea.If you want to raise a collective gasp of horror, ask them to visualise your data with a 3D pie chart.