Variations of a chart type

To help you make the best choice when building charts

We understand the importance of selecting the right chart to convey your data effectively. When you choose a chart type, other variations of the chart (if available) will be displayed. To help you choose the right chart, we've compared each chart's strengths and applicability. Selecting between these chart options depends on the nature of the data being presented and the specific aspects of the data you wish to emphasize.

Bar charts can be horizontal, vertical, horizontally stacked, or vertically stacked.

Bar chart (Horizontal vs. Vertical)

Horizontal bar charts are particularly useful for comparing quantities across categories when the category names are lengthy (as they provide more space for labels), while vertical bars are the conventional choice and work well for shorter category names.

Bar chart (Stacked vs. Non-stacked)

Stacked bar charts, whether 100% or not, are useful for showing the distribution of sub-categories within each main category, with 100% stacked bars useful for comparing the distribution of categories proportionally to each other.

Line chart vs. Area chart

Line charts are best for showing trends over time for one or multiple series. They are clear and straightforward, focusing on the direction and rate of data changes. Area charts, by filling the space beneath the line, emphasize the volume or magnitude of trends over time, making them effective for visualizing the cumulative effect of data points.

Combo chart (Horizontal vs Vertical bars)

Combo charts are optimal when you need to display two types of data or units of measurement. Horizontal bars can be used to compare categories, and the line can indicate a trend or different metric over the same categories. Vertical combo charts allow for a classic time-series analysis on the x-axis, with bars showing values and lines indicating trends or secondary data.

Pie Chart vs. Donut Chart

Pie charts are a classic choice for showing the composition of a whole, especially when the number of categories is limited. Donut charts, providing a central space for additional information are useful for focusing on proportions while being easier to read when there are multiple small segments.

Growth Chart vs. Trend Chart

Growth charts are suited for demonstrating the change or increase in a metric over time, highlighting absolute growth values. Trend charts are used to analyze the movement or direction of data over a period, ideal for spotting patterns and forecasting future values.