The Choice of Origin and Scale for Graphs
W. J. Dixon, Richard A. Kronmal · Journal of the ACM · 1965
Tile scales fl)r comput, er-printed graphs ~re determined by ~ simple algorithm providing a "reasonable" scale, i.e. one which centers the infc~rmation within the graphical frame and provides division points "along the scale which ~re simple numbers.The user m~y supply his own definitiml of simple numbers.Applications are to the construction of scatter diagrams, histograms and t, ables.A suggested formula for the number of interwfls is given which depends on the number of items to be displayed.