📊Chart

NEW

A graphical representation of data values and relationships for communication and analysis.

DESCRIPTION

Charts transform quantitative and categorical data into visual encodings like position, length, color, and shape. Common chart types include bars, lines, and scatter plots, each optimized for specific comparisons. Effective charts follow perceptual best practices and minimize clutter. They are central to dashboards, reports, and exploratory analysis. Tooling spans from code libraries to BI platforms with interactive features.

ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS

Microsoft Support

A chart is a visual representation of data.

Emphasizes the essential communicative function in productivity software.

Source

UVA Library Research Data Services

Charts and graphs are visual representations of data designed to communicate information clearly and efficiently.

Highlights clarity and efficiency of communication as goals.

Source

RELATED TERMS

Visualization Dashboard Bar Chart Line Chart Scatter Plot Histogram Axis Legend Vega-Lite Matplotlib

COMPETING TERMS

Table

RELATIONS

• Broader: Visualization
• Narrower: Bar Chart Control Chart Line Chart Pie Chart Radar Chart Sunburst Chart Waterfall Chart

KNOWLEDGE AREAS

Data Visualization Data Science Data Warehousing & BI Platform & Tooling

TARGET AUDIENCE

BI Specialist Data Analyst Data Scientist Analytics Engineer

EXTERNAL SOURCES

• Wikipedia - Chart
• Vega-Lite - Declarative charting framework
• Fundamentals of Data Visualization - Open book on chart design

TOP QUESTIONS

How do I choose the right Chart for my data?

Match your question to visual encoding: bars for comparisons, lines for trends, scatter for relationships. Consider audience, context, and data granularity.

Category: How-to

What are common mistakes when creating Charts?

Using misleading axes, cluttered designs, or inappropriate chart types. Avoid 3D effects and excessive colors that hinder interpretation.

Category: Mistakes

Why are Charts important for analytics?

They leverage human visual perception for rapid pattern recognition, enabling faster insight and better decision-making than raw tables alone.

Category: Relevancy

How can accessibility be improved in Charts?

Provide descriptive titles, alt text, sufficient color contrast, and non-color encodings. Ensure keyboard navigation and screen-reader compatibility when interactive.

Category: How-to

What is a hot topic around Charts today?

Explainable, annotated visualizations and narrative data storytelling are increasingly used to contextualize insights and support decisions.

Category: Topic

Are 3D Charts recommended?

Generally no; they distort perception and obscure comparisons. Reserve 3D for spatial data or specific cases that genuinely benefit from depth cues.

Category: Opinion

How do interactive Charts differ from static Charts?

Interactivity enables filtering, zooming, and tooltips for exploration. Static charts excel for print and concise communication.

Category: Comparison

What is the role of color in Charts?

Color encodes categories or magnitude but must be used sparingly and accessibly. Prefer sequential or diverging palettes aligned with data semantics.

Category: Concept

How do dashboards use Charts effectively?

They combine concise charts with clear KPIs, consistent layouts, and drill-downs to support monitoring and decision-making.

Category: Application