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Which Chart When

The document introduces 15 common chart types for data visualization. It provides details on the type of data each chart is best suited for, when to use it, what information it conveys, and when it should be avoided. The goal is to help analysts choose the right charts to effectively communicate their insights to audiences. Key charts covered include bar charts, line charts, scatterplots, histograms, heatmaps, treemaps, box plots, waterfall charts, and funnel charts.

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olmi80
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17 views

Which Chart When

The document introduces 15 common chart types for data visualization. It provides details on the type of data each chart is best suited for, when to use it, what information it conveys, and when it should be avoided. The goal is to help analysts choose the right charts to effectively communicate their insights to audiences. Key charts covered include bar charts, line charts, scatterplots, histograms, heatmaps, treemaps, box plots, waterfall charts, and funnel charts.

Uploaded by

olmi80
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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@INSIGHTSxDESIGN

Introduction: Unlock
the Power of Your
Data!
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
know how crucial it is to present your findings in an easy-to-
understand and engaging manner. After all, the insights you
uncover are only as powerful as your ability to communicate
them effectively.

Fret not, fellow data enthusiasts! I've got you covered. This guide
is your ultimate resource for choosing the right charts to bring
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.

By reading this guide, you'll discover the following:

How to identify the perfect chart type for your specific data
and goals
15 popular chart types, explained in detail, with tips on when
and how to use each one
How to avoid common pitfalls that can make your
visualizations less effective

Keep your valuable insights from getting lost in translation. Dive


into this guide and unlock the full potential of your data by
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

When to use it: Use a bar chart to


compare data across categories.

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.

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

When to use it: Use a line chart to


show trends over time.

What it shows: Line charts plot data


points connected by lines. The X-axis
usually represents time, and the Y-axis
represents the value.

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

When to use it: Use a donut chart to show


the proportion of each category.

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.
4. Scatterplot

Type of data: Continuous, bivariate

When to use it: Use a scatterplot to


display the relationship between two
variables.

What it shows: Scatterplots plot data


points on a two-dimensional plane, with
one variable on the X-axis and the other
on the Y-axis.

When to avoid it: Don't use a


scatterplot when the relationship
between variables is irrelevant or when
comparing multiple categories.
5. Area Chart

Type of data: Continuous, time-series

When to use it: Use an area chart to


show the volume or magnitude of data
over time.

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.

When to avoid it: Avoid using an area


chart with multiple data series with
overlapping areas, as it can be confusing.
6. Bubble Chart

Type of data: Continuous, multivariate

When to use it: Use a bubble chart to


display the relationship between three
variables.

What it shows: Bubble charts are a


variation of scatterplots, with the size of
the bubbles representing the third
variable.

When to avoid it: Don't use a bubble


chart when the size of the bubbles is not
meaningful or when comparing multiple
categories.
7. Histogram

Type of data: Continuous, univariate

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.

When to avoid it: Avoid using


histograms when the data is categorical
or comparing data across groups.
8. Heatmap

Type of data: Continuous, multivariate

When to use it: Use a heatmap to display


the relationship between two variables
using color intensity.

What it shows: 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.

When to avoid it: Don't use a heatmap


when the relationship between variables
is irrelevant, when the data is
categorical, or when comparing multiple
categories.
9. Treemap

Type of data: Categorical, hierarchical

When to use it: Use a treemap to


display hierarchical data or to show the
proportion of each category as a whole.

What it shows: 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.

When to avoid it: Avoid using


treemaps when there are too many
categories or the data is not
hierarchical.
10. Radar Chart

Type of data: Continuous, multivariate

When to use it: Use a radar chart to


display the performance or
characteristics of different categories
across multiple dimensions.

What it shows: 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.

When to avoid it: Don't use a radar chart


when there are only a few dimensions or
when comparing data across groups.
11. Box Plot

Type of data: Continuous, univariate

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.
12. Stacked Bar
Chart

Type of data: Categorical, quantitative

When to use it: Use a stacked bar


chart to compare data across
categories and show the composition
of each category.

What it shows: 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.

When to avoid it: Don't use a stacked bar


chart when there are too many
13. Gantt Chart

Type of data: Time-based, project


management

When to use it: Use a Gantt chart to


visualize project schedules, tasks, and
milestones.

What it shows: 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.

When to avoid it: Avoid using Gantt


charts when the data is not time-based
or when showing relationships between
variables.
14. Waterfall Chart

Type of data: Quantitative, sequential

When to use it: Use a waterfall chart


to visualize the cumulative effect of
sequential data, such as financial or
inventory changes.

What it shows: 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
different colors.

When to avoid it: Don't use a waterfall


chart when there is no logical order or
relationship between data points.
15. Funnel Chart

Type of data: Categorical, process stages

When to use it: Use a funnel chart to


visualize the stages of a process, such as
sales, conversions, or customer journeys.

What it shows: 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.

When to avoid it: Avoid using funnel


charts when there is no straightforward
process, or the data is continuous.
You Did It!

Now that you understand these 15


chart types, you'll be better
equipped to choose the correct
chart for your data visualization
needs.

@INSIGHTSxDESIGN

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