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A Venn diagram illustrates the relationships between two or more data sets. Venn diagrams are especially useful for highlighting similarities and differences and are commonly used to compare and contrast the characteristics of different data sets.
In a Venn diagram, circles are used to represent each data set. Inside each circle is a list of characteristics that define that data. Characteristics shared between two or more data sets are listed in the area where the circles overlap. Simple Venn diagrams consist of two overlapping circles, but complex Venn diagrams may compare up to five or more data sets using up to five or more circles.
Venn diagrams are commonly used in business and education settings to visualize and explore how things relate. In a business context, Venn diagrams are commonly used in product development, marketing, management, and more.
Types of Venn diagrams
Two set diagrams
Two set diagrams are the most common—and most classic— type of Venn diagram. They are used to compare two sets of data, and they are formed from two overlapping circles. You could use a two set diagram to compare and contrast one of your products with a similar product from a competitor.
Three set diagrams
Three set diagrams are Venn diagrams with three overlapping circles. In a three set diagram, you compare each data set to each other, and you use the center section to write down similarities between all three data sets. An HR team could use a three set diagram to visualize the responsibilities of three different departments—and where responsibilities overlap—for example, marketing, sales, and operations teams.
Four set diagrams
Four set diagrams use four overlapping circles to compare four data sets. A marketing team might use a four set diagram to compare and contrast the functions and features of four different social media platforms—for example, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Five set diagrams
Five set diagrams are more complex, with five overlapping circles arranged to compare and contrast five different data sets. While you could conceivably create a Venn diagram with more than five data sets, it can become difficult to read and interpret large diagrams. A sales team could use a five set diagram to compare and contrast different client prospecting channels. For example, referrals, networking events, cold calling, cold emailing, and social media.
