Using bar charts for time series data is a technique to be used sparingly

However, using columns for time series data is a technique to be used sparingly. Data should be relatively sparse (if the above chart showed quarterly rather than annual data over the same period, the columns would simply be too thin) and the fewer data series the better (ideally just one).

Bar charts for time series - the fewer series the better

Smith, Alan. How Charts Work (p. 61). Pearson Education. Kindle Edition.

Related to:

• Bar chart
• Change over time
• Data Series