About

The aspect ratio of a graph between the height and width of the axis.

The aspect ratio of a graph is an important factor for judging rate of change

Example

Viewers can best understand changes in the slope of the line when the slope is close to:

  • 1 (45°)
  • or -1 (-45°)

By banking the shapes representing the data to near 45°, it is easier to see interesting patterns

Area Graph Sunspot 1700 2003

Area Graph of Annual Sunspot Numbers from 1700 to 2003, According to the Royal Observatory of Belgium

Documentation / Reference