Nomograms are visual tools used for calculating equations in various fields such as math and medicine, known for their effectiveness and aesthetic qualities. The document illustrates different types of nomograms, including basic addition and multiplication, quadratic equations, and applications in statistics and physics. It also highlights their use in calculating body mass index and demonstrates the visual representation of this data.

1. 1
Nomograms
They are so old, they are back in style
Gaetan Lion
September 5th, 2013

2. 2
Introduction
• Nomograms are graphs or tables that
immediately calculate simple to complex
equations. They often depict equations
used in math, physics, medicine, and other
sciences.
• The way in which they depict information
is unusually effective and sometimes even
visually aesthetic.

3. 3
Starting out with straightforward
nomograms

4. 4
Additions
You can add any integer number (A + B) between -5 and +5
and the column in the middle gives you the solution.

5. 5
Multiplications
Multiply any two
numbers between 1
and 10, and the
column in the middle
gives you the
solution.

6. 6
More complex nomograms

7. 7
Solving a quadratic equation
It solves q^2 – ab + q = 0
a is on the horizontal axis
b is on vertical axis
q is on the circle

8. 8
Another quadratic
equation
Z = 5x + 10 y + 2xy

9. 9
Bayesian
Statistics
Calculating post-test
probability given pre-
test probability and
Likelihood ratio.

10. 10
Richter Scale vs Amplitude
Given the Richter
scale level, the
amplitude of the
ground shaking in
millimeters, and the
distance from the
epicenter, this
nomogram
calculates any of
those variables
given the other two.

11. 11
Richter Scale vs Amplitude
Just a cleaner version
of the same
nomogram shown on
the previous slide.

12. 12
An interesting physics function

13. 13
Other interesting nomograms…

14. 14
Given your height and
weight in either the
metric system or the
US one, and it
calculates your Body
Mass Index in the
middle column.

15. 15
Another interesting
visual
representation of
the Body Mass
Index that is
represented on a
curve. The green
zone B is the
normal BMI range
between 20 and 25.
The pink zone A is
20 and below which
is below normal
range. Yellow C is
slightly above
normal (> 25 < 27).
Red D is
overweight.

16. 16
A beautiful nomogram
Unfortunately, resolution is not good enough to interpret it. But, many
nomograms have similar aesthetic value.