The Data Analyst's Guide to Choosing the Right Charts aan. TBE! wes Bovasctos el ANDREW MADSONAre you tired of spending hours crafting the perfect data visualization only to have your audience squinting, scratching their heads, or simply losing interest? As a data analyst, you te Mate Mme GN a COM CTA COLLAR Ue UL) co understand and engaging manner. After all, the insights you uncover are only as powerful as your ability to communicate STURT ta ahah Fret not, fellow data enthusiasts! I've got you covered. This guide MCMC eM mM ar ee Co elas your data to life. No more confusion or glazed-over eyes—just clear, compelling visualizations that will have your audience eagerly following along and enjoying the journey through your data. NAC Ree CMM UM Re eer tm aCe tCd TINY a8 CCM Amu M lactam at mad TMM ol ae ole imo L a and goals Ce EW YEU ema mdm mec RRL) CUT a Cu * How to avoid common pitfalls that can make your visualizations less effective Keep your valuable insights from getting lost in translation. Dive Tue mW Ca lula ol OM mastering the art of choosing the right charts. Your audience will thank you, and your career as a data analyst will soar to new heights!1. Bar Chart ¢ Type of data: Categorical, quantitative e When to use it: Use a bar chart to compare data across categories. e What it shows: Bar charts display data using rectangular bars, with the length of the bar representing the value. The bars can be horizontal or vertical. e When to avoid it: Avoid using a bar chart when there are too many categories or if the data is continuous.2. Line Chart ¢ Type of data: Continuous, time-series e When to use it: Use a line chart to show trends over time. e What it shows: Line charts plot data points connected by lines. The X-axis usually represents time, and the Y-axis represents the value. e When to avoid it: Only use a line chart when there is a logical order or relationship between data points.3. Donut Chart ~~ ¢ Type of data: Categorical, proportional e When to use it: Use a donut chart to show the proportion of each category. e What it shows: Donut charts represent data as slices of a circle, each representing a percentage of the total. ¢ When to avoid it: Avoid using donut charts when there are too many categories or comparing data across groups.Continuous, bivariate Use a scatterplot to display the relationship between two variables. Scatterplots plot data points on a two-dimensional plane, with one variable on the X-axis and the other on the Y-axis. Don't use a scatterplot when the relationship between variables is irrelevant or when comparing multiple categories.5. Area Chart e Type of data: Continuous, time-series e When to use it: Use an area chart to show the volume or magnitude of data over iWtaate e What it shows: Area charts are similar to line charts, but the area between the line and the X-axis is filled, emphasizing the volume or magnitude. e When to avoid it: Avoid using an area chart with multiple data series with overlapping areas, as it can be confusing.Continuous, multivariate Use a bubble chart to display the relationship between three variables. Bubble charts are a variation of scatterplots, with the size of the bubbles representing the third variable. Don't use a bubble chart when the size of the bubbles is not meaningful or when comparing multiple categories.7. Histogram e Type of data: Continuous, univariate e When to use it: Use a histogram to display the data distribution. ¢ What it shows: Histograms are similar to bar charts, but the data is divided into equal intervals, and the bar's height represents the data frequency in each interval. e When to avoid it: Avoid using histograms when the data is categorical or comparing data across groups.Continuous, multivariate Use a heatmap to display the relationship between two variables using color intensity. Heatmaps use a color scale to represent the value of each cell in a matrix, with one variable on the X- axis and the other on the Y-axis. Darker colors indicate higher values, while lighter colors represent lower values. Don't use a heatmap when the relationship between variables is irrelevant, when the data _ is categorical, or when comparing multiple categories.Categorical, hierarchical Use a treemap to display hierarchical data or to show the proportion of each category as a whole. Treemaps use nested rectangles to represent data, with the size of each rectangle proportional to its value. Color can be used to indicate additional information. Avoid using treemaps when there are too many categories or the data is not hierarchical.e@ cy ry e . Continuous, multivariate 0 Use a radar chart to display the performance or characteristics of different categories across multiple dimensions. 0 Radar charts use a circular layout with multiple axes, each representing a dimension. Data points are plotted on each axis and connected to form a shape. a Don't use a radar chart when there are only a few dimensions or when comparing data across groups.11. Box Plot i Ca A — - os os a = " Bi : [| . o_o — ¢ Type of data: Continuous, univariate e When to use it: Use a box plot to display the distribution of data and detect outliers. What it shows: Box plots use a rectangular box to represent the interquartile range (IQR) and whiskers to show the range of data. The median is represented by a line inside the box, and outliers are plotted as individual points. When to avoid it: Avoid using box plots when the data is categorical or when showing trends over time.Categorical, quantitative Use a stacked bar chart to compare data across categories and show the composition of each category. Stacked bar charts display data using stacked rectangular bars, with the length of each segment representing the value. The total length of the bar represents the sum of all values in a category. Don't use a stacked bar chart when there are too many categories or if the data is continuous.Time-based, project management Use a Gantt chart to visualize project schedules, tasks, and milestones. Gantt charts use horizontal bars to represent tasks, with the length of the bar indicating the duration. The X-axis represents time, and tasks can be grouped by category. Avoid using Gantt charts when the data is not time-based or when showing relationships between Nerve) (cmQuantitative, sequential Use a waterfall chart to visualize the cumulative effect of sequential data, such as financial or inventory changes. Waterfall charts use vertical bars to represent the value of each step, with the bars connected to show the cumulative effect. Positive and negative values can be represented using ollie lal mere] Colen Yel MeN U mr MNV UKM UE chart when there is no logical order or relationship between data points.Categorical, process stages Use a funnel chart to visualize the stages of a process, such as sales, conversions, or customer journeys. Funnel charts use a series of decreasing trapezoids to represent each stage in a process, with the width of each trapezoid proportional to the number of items at that stage. Avoid using funnel charts when there is no straightforward process, or the data is continuous.Now that you understand these 15 chart types, you'll be better equipped to choose the correct chart for your data visualization needs. Remember, selecting ita) appropriate chart type can make all the difference in how your data is perceived and understood. Keep this guide handy as a reference, and happy visualizing!