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Chart types ​

A chart is a visual representation of data that tells a specific story. You need to choose the chart that most clearly communicates the main insight you want to convey.

Chart functions ​

In order to find a good chart it is useful to figure out what you want to show about the data. In other words, what function the chart should serve.

Circles organised to show comparison, correlation, distribution, trend over time, parts to whole, and geolocation.

The most common functions are:

  • Comparison. Compare two or more values
  • Correlation. See the relationship between two or more values
  • Distribution. See how values are spread out within one variable
  • Trend over time. See how values change over time
  • Part to whole. See the composition of a whole
  • Geolocation. See the geographical distribution of a particular variable.

TIP

For a full overview of different chart types you can use for different functions, have a look at the DataViz Project.

Most common chart types ​

Here you'll find a few of the most common chart types.

Vertical column chart and horizontal bar chart ​

A generic column chart and bar chart

A vertical column chart can be used for:

  • Comparison. Compare two or more values
  • Trend over time. See how values change over time

A horizontal bar chart can be used for:

  • Comparison. Compare two or more values

A bar chart do and dont

  • Do: The distance between the bars should be about 20-40 % of the width of the bars.
  • Don’t: include more than 30 bars in one chart. Consider combining bars into larger units (for example days into weeks) or use a line chart instead.

Line chart ​

A line chart

A line chart can be used for:

  • Distribution. See how values are spread out within one variable
  • Trend over time. See how values change over time