Chart types

The most common types of data visualisations and advice on when and how they can be used.

Comparisons among items

These chart types are used to compare values across different categories.

Bar chart (vertical)

Compare the values of different categories. Appropriate for chronological categories.

Bar chart (horizontal)

Compare the values of different categories. Appropriate for many categories / long category names.

Clustered bar chart

Compare values of multiple category groups.

Bullet chart

Shows how a metric compares with a set goal.

Comparisons over time

These chart types are used to compare changes over time.

Line chart

Shows one or more metrics over a period of time.

Area chart

Similar to a line chart, but here the area represents the total volume over time.

Composition

These chart types are used to show part-to-whole relationships.

Stacked bar chart

Shows how values of a different categories compare to one another.

Stacked area chart

Shows part-to-whole relationships over time.

Pie/donut chart

Shows a total divided into categories by percentage.

Correlation

These chart types are used to depict the distribution of two or more variables.

Scatter plot

Shows how the individual data points of two variables correlate.

Bubble chart

Shows how three variables correlate.

Performance

These chart types are used to show how metrics are performing.

Big number chart

Highlights a metric which is of particular interest.

Meter

Measures performance on a scale with a set target.