Line Chart

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Used to compare sequential data. Categorical-based line charts may be used as an alternative to bar charts.

Overall Pattern/ Trend

Column Chart

Vertical Bar

Also referred to as column charts. Used when individual values are important.

Comparison; Categorical Data; Breakdown; individual values through time; Frequency Distribution

Stacked Vertical Bar

Also referred to as stacked column charts. Used when part-to-whole comparison is important.

Trend Breakdown; Sum

Bar Chart

Horizontal Bar

Show and compare categorical data, months, years, product categories rather than continuous time series or quantitative data.

Comparison; Categorical Data; Breakdown; Raking; Part-to-whole percentage; Frequency Distribution

Stacked Horizontal Bar

Categorical data, grouped or stacked to assist comparison. Use when part-to-whole comparison is important.

Ratio; Trend Breakdown

Week Density

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Shows the density of occurrences based on hour relative to other densities on the same day of the week.

Frequency Distribution/ Density

Pie Chart

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Used to show the relative size of each component to one another and to the whole.

Static Breakdown (percentage values only)