Chart types

Data visualization presents information in a visual form that’s easy to understand. When applied to dense and complex datasets, it aids in highlighting trends and patterns.

Chart selection

Choosing the best chart for your use case depends on:

  • Purpose of the chart: Select a chart that best communicates your intended message.

  • Type of data: Match the chart type to your data's structure (e.g. categorical, numerical, time-based).

  • Screen size or viewport: Choose charts that remain legible across different screen sizes.

  • User expectations and familiarity: Use familiar chart types that align with your audience’s expectations for the data being presented.

  • Visual literacy for all users: Opt for simple visualizations and clear labels to support users with varying levels of data literacy.

Once you’ve identified what the data visualization should achieve, select the chart type that best aligns with your needs.

Chart types

There are many different types of charts, each designed to highlight specific patterns in your data. Choosing the appropriate chart type is essential for creating clear and effective data visualizations.

Charts available include:

  • Line chart
  • Pie chart
  • Donut chart
  • Column chart
  • Bar chart
  • Stacked bar chart
  • Bullet chart
  • Box plot chart
  • Area chart
  • Scatter chart
  • Bubble chart
  • Waterfall chart
  • Candlestick chart
  • Heatmap chart

Broadly, chart types fall into four main groups:

Change over time

To demonstrate trends that develop over a period of time. Examples of change over time charts include: line, area, waterfall and candlestick chart.

Diagram of example change over time charts.

Comparison

To compare the size or value of different items. Examples of comparison charts include: bar, column, line and box plot chart.

Diagram of example comparison charts.

Part-to-whole

To show how individual items contribute to a whole. Examples of part-to-whole charts include: pie, waterfall and donut chart.

Diagram of example part-to-whole charts.

Correlation

To display relationships between variables in a dataset. Examples of correlation charts include: bubble, scatter and heatmap chart.

Diagram of example correlation charts.

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