Poster vs. Chart: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 3, 2023
A Poster is a printed or digital graphic display for decoration or advertisement, while a Chart is a graphical representation of data.
Key Differences
A Poster is primarily designed to be an attention-grabbing piece, often used for decorative, promotional, or informative purposes. It can feature artwork, photographs, or text, and is often large in size to be visibly appealing and readable from a distance. On the other hand, a Chart is specifically constructed to showcase data in a visual format, aiding in comprehension and analysis.
Both Posters and Charts are tools for visual communication, but they serve distinct purposes. A Poster might be used to promote a movie, raise awareness about a social issue, or decorate a bedroom wall. In contrast, a Chart would typically find its place in academic papers, business presentations, and statistical reports, where the visualization of data is crucial.
Furthermore, while a Poster often leans on aesthetics, using design elements to convey a message or evoke emotions, a Chart emphasizes clarity and precision. The design of a Chart prioritizes the accurate and effective presentation of data over stylistic choices.
Lastly, it's essential to note the mediums of display. Both Posters and Charts can be printed on paper or displayed digitally. However, a Poster, given its promotional nature, might also be printed on billboards, banners, or handouts, whereas a Chart is commonly found in digital slides, reports, and academic papers.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To advertise, decorate, or inform.
To represent data graphically.
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Design Focus
Aesthetics and attention-grabbing.
Clarity and precision of data representation.
Typical Content
Artwork, photographs, text.
Bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, etc.
Usage
Movies, events, wall decoration.
Business presentations, academic papers.
Size & Format
Large formats like billboards or handouts.
Varies; often fits within reports or presentations.
Poster and Chart Definitions
Poster
A large printed picture or notice for display.
She bought a vintage movie Poster for her room.
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Chart
A sheet giving information in a visual form.
She referred to the star Chart while stargazing.
Poster
An online message on a forum or board.
The Poster asked for advice on computer issues.
Chart
A graphical representation of data.
The sales Chart showed a significant increase in profits.
Poster
A public announcement or proclamation.
The town hall put up a Poster about the upcoming election.
Chart
A map designed for navigation.
The sailor relied on the nautical Chart during his voyage.
Poster
A large, usually printed placard, bill, or announcement, often illustrated, that is posted to advertise or publicize something.
Chart
A map showing coastlines, water depths, or other information of use to navigators.
Poster
An artistic work, often a reproduction of an original painting or photograph, printed on a large sheet of paper.
Chart
An outline map on which specific information, such as scientific data, can be plotted.
Poster
One that posts bills or notices.
Chart
A sheet presenting information in the form of graphs or tables.
Poster
One that travels in speed or with haste.
Chart
See graph1.
Poster
A picture of a celebrity, an event etc., intended to be attached to a wall.
He has posters of his favorite band, sports teams and holiday resorts up.
Chart
Often charts A listing of best-selling recorded music or other items
A hit single that reached number 3 on the charts.
Poster
An advertisement to be posted on a pole, wall etc. to advertise something.
I saw a poster for the film on the side of a bus.
Chart
To make a chart of.
Poster
(internet) One who posts a message.
Some posters left the online message board after the squabble.
Chart
To plan (something) in detail
Is charting a course to destruction.
Poster
A shot that hits a goalpost, scoring one point.
Chart
To be ranked on a chart of best-selling items
A song that charted at the number one position last week.
Poster
A shot that hits a goalpost instead of passing into the goal.
We got three posters in the third and lost.
Chart
A map.
Poster
(basketball) A dunk over a defending player.
Chart
A map illustrating the geography of a specific phenomenon.
Poster
(dated) A posthorse.
Chart
A navigator's map.
Poster
(archaic) A swift traveller; a courier.
Chart
A systematic non-narrative presentation of data.
Poster
(transitive) To decorate with posters.
To poster the walls of a bedroom
Chart
A tabular presentation of data; a table.
Poster
A large bill or placard intended to be posted in public places.
Chart
A diagram.
Poster
One who posts bills; a billposter.
Chart
A graph.
Poster
One who posts, or travels expeditiously; a courier.
Chart
A record of a patient's diagnosis, care instructions, and recent history.
I snuck a look at his chart. It doesn't look good.
Poster
A post horse.
Chart
A ranked listing of competitors, as of recorded music.
They're at the top of the charts again this week.
Poster
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement;
A poster advertised the coming attractions
Chart
A written deed; a charter.
Poster
Someone who pastes up bills or placards on walls or billboards
Chart
Synonym of coordinate chart.
Poster
A horse kept at an inn or post house for use by mail carriers or for rent to travelers
Chart
(transitive) To draw a chart or map of.
Chart the seas
Poster
A promotional material for events or products.
The concert Poster was displayed all over town.
Chart
(transitive) To draw or figure out (a route or plan).
Let's chart how we're going to get from here to there.
We are on a course for disaster without having charted it.
Poster
An informative display in educational settings.
He presented his research on a Poster at the science fair.
Chart
(transitive) To record systematically.
Chart
To appear on a hit-recording chart.
The song has charted for 15 weeks!
The band first charted in 1994.
Chart
A sheet of paper, pasteboard, or the like, on which information is exhibited, esp. when the information is arranged in tabular form; as, an historical chart.
Chart
A map; esp., a hydrographic or marine map; a map on which is projected a portion of water and the land which it surrounds, or by which it is surrounded, intended especially for the use of seamen; as, the United States Coast Survey charts; the English Admiralty charts.
Chart
A written deed; a charter.
Chart
To lay down in a chart; to map; to delineate; as, to chart a coast.
Chart
A visual display of information
Chart
A map designed to assist navigation by air or sea
Chart
Make a chart of;
Chart the territory
Chart
Plan in detail;
Bush is charting a course to destroy Saddam Hussein
Chart
Represent by means of a graph;
Chart the data
Chart
A detailed plan or strategy.
The project's flow Chart outlined each step clearly.
Chart
A record of performance or activity.
The music album topped the Billboard Chart for weeks.
FAQs
A detailed plan or strategy.
The project's flow Chart outlined each step clearly.
A sheet giving information in a visual form.
She referred to the star Chart while stargazing.
A record of performance or activity.
The music album topped the Billboard Chart for weeks.
A map designed for navigation.
The sailor relied on the nautical Chart during his voyage.
A graphical representation of data.
The sales Chart showed a significant increase in profits.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
