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Graphs are an excellent way to make a visual representation of data that have been collected. However, without proper labeling, the graph won’t make sense. Therefore, make sure you label the x-axis and y-axis and title your graph so it can be understood by people without having to ask what it represents.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
To properly label a graph, you should identify which variable the x-axis and y-axis each represent. Don’t forget to include units of measure (called scale) so readers can understand each quantity represented by those axes. Finally, add a title to the graph, usually in the form “y-axis variable vs. x-axis variable.”
Labeling the X-Axis
The x-axis of a graph is the horizontal line running side to side. Where this line intersects the y-axis, the x coordinate is zero. When using a graph to represent data, determining which variable to put on the x-axis is important because it should be the independent variable. The independent variable is the one that affects the other. For example, if you were plotting time worked against dollars made, time would be the independent variable because time would pass regardless of income.
Labeling the Y-Axis
The y-axis of the graph is the vertical line running top to bottom. Where this line intersects the x-axis, the y coordinate is zero. When using a graph to represent data, the y-axis should represent the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the one that is affected by the independent variable. For example, if you were plotting time worked against dollars made, dollars made would be the dependent variable because the amount made depends on how many hours were worked.
