Linear vs logarithmic scale

A logarithmic price scale uses the percentage of change to plot data points, so, the scale prices are not positioned equidistantly. A linear price scale uses an equal value between price scales providing an equal distance between values.

1. Why use logarithmic scale instead of linear?
2. Why would you use a logarithmic scale?
3. Is it better to chart logarithmic or regular?
4. Why does logarithmic scale is preferred over linear scale for sound pressure?

Why use logarithmic scale instead of linear?

Logarithmic price scales are particularly more accurate than linear scales when it comes to long-term price changes. Since the price distribution on a linear scale is equal, a move from $10 to $15, representing a 50% price increase, is the same as a price change from $20 to $25.

Why would you use a logarithmic scale?

Logarithmic scales are useful when the data you are displaying is much less or much more than the rest of the data or when the percentage differences between values are important. You can specify whether to use a logarithmic scale, if the values in the chart cover a very large range.

Is it better to chart logarithmic or regular?

Linear charts become useful when you want to see the pure price changes with scaling calculations. Day traders often prefer linear charts. Logarithmic charts are useful when viewing long-term charts. Over the long-term, large price changes are made, which a linear chart can distort.

Why does logarithmic scale is preferred over linear scale for sound pressure?

The main reason for using a dB or logarithmic scale for measuring sound is that the ear is capable of perceiving sounds over a very wide range of intensity levels; this is illustrated and explained in the first reference.