Start the y-axis at zero at all times

In the previous annual revenue chart, as all the values are between $4M-$6M, it might be tempting to bring out the difference better by starting the y-axis at say, $4M. Let’s see how that works out.

In the previous screenshot, looking at the columns, it looks like revenue has been doubling every year since 2009 and that’s how it’s predicted to go for 2012 and 2013 as well. However, this misinterpretation is because we started the y-axis at $4M instead of zero. Any time you do this, the chart is going to tell a different story than the underlying data. So make sure to start the numeric axis at zero for all composition and transition charts.