When you create a graph you summarize a lot of business data. It is like taking that data and packaging it. Your understanding of that part of your business grows by leaps and bounds, because now you can visualize its meaning. When you can visualize the meaning, you have gained knowledge. It is no longer just a mass of numbers.
The first thing to understand is that data must have at least 2 attributes in order to create a graph with it. An example of this is quantity and time. This might be $250,000 in sales for 2005. Any unit of quantity or time could be used. Another example might be quantity versus quantity. This would occur in a supply/demand graph.
Another important concept is the x-axis versus the y-axis for line and bar graphs. The x-axis lies along the bottom of the graph from left to right. The y-axis is on the left or right of the graph and goes from bottom to top. Your graph will compare x and y values.
Make A Line Graph - This link takes you to a page where you can view an example and actually make a line graph that can be printed out.
Make a Pie Graph - This chart is a little different. It is a chart showing the proportion of the parts that make up the whole. Each piece of the pie is a percent of the whole.
You now have the capability of creating your own graphs. This should aid you in better visualizing your data and your business.