Which type of chart is best for comparing frequencies of different categories?

A bar chart is the ideal choice for comparing frequencies of different categories because it visually represents data with rectangular bars that are proportional in length to the frequency or value they represent. Each category is displayed on one axis, while the frequency or count is represented on the other axis. This format allows for easy comparison across multiple categories at a glance, making it straightforward to see which categories have higher or lower frequencies.

In contrast, a pie chart illustrates parts of a whole and is best suited for showing the proportion of categories within a single dataset. It can be difficult to determine precise differences in frequency when comparing multiple segments in a pie chart. Line charts are primarily used for plotting data points over time and illustrate trends rather than category comparisons. Area graphs display cumulative totals over time and, similar to line charts, are not designed for comparing discrete categories. Thus, for frequency comparison, the bar chart is the best option as it effectively highlights differences in size among the various categories.