Calculate lie factor from graphic and data effect percentages, or estimate chart distortion in bar charts and pictograms by axis scale.

Lie Factor Calculator

Basic (2 of 3)
Bars/Axis
Icons (Area/Volume)

Enter any 2 values to calculate the missing one. Use percent (%) for effects.

Lie Factor Formula

The following two example problems outline the steps and information needed to calculate the Lie Factor.

LF = SG / SD

Variables:

  • LF is the Lie Factor ( )
  • SG is the size of the effect shown in the graphic 
  • SD is the size of the effect shown in the data 

To calculate a lie factor, divide the size of the effect shown in the graphic by the size of the effect shown in the data.

How to Calculate Lie Factor?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Lie Factor.

  1. First, determine the size of the effect shown in the graphic. 
  2. Next, determine the size of the effect shown in the data. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = LF = SG / SD.
  4. Finally, calculate the Lie Factor.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

size of the effect shown in the graphic = 15

size of the effect shown in the data = 10

LF = SG / SD = ?