Wykres

A wykres is a graphical representation of data used to illustrate relationships among variables. In Polish usage, the term covers charts and graphs such as line graphs, bar charts, histograms, pie charts and scatter plots. A wykres typically presents data in two-dimensional space, with an x-axis and a y-axis, though some designs use alternative layouts for categorical or multi-dimensional data. Core elements include a title, axis labels, gridlines, a legend and one or more data series. The choice of scale, units and color also affects readability and interpretation.

Common types include line charts for trends over time, bar charts for comparing quantities across categories, histograms for distributions, pie charts for parts of a whole, and scatter plots for relationships between two numeric variables. More advanced forms include box plots, heat maps and area charts. A well-designed wykres conveys the intended message clearly and avoids distortion: for example, using appropriate scales, starting axes at zero when relevant, and providing sufficient context through labels and captions.

The development of graphical representations of data has a long history, with early contributions that helped standardize plots and charts. Today wykres are widely used in science, business and journalism to summarize data, support decision making and communicate findings. Good practice emphasizes accuracy, accessibility, and ethical presentation, with attention to color contrast and captioning to aid readers with varying levels of data literacy.