Chart Types and When to Use Them

Choosing the right chart type is one of the most important decisions in data visualisation. The wrong chart can mislead, confuse, or simply fail to communicate the insight. This lesson covers the most common chart types, when to use each one, and common mistakes to avoid.

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A Decision Framework

Ask yourself these questions before choosing a chart:

1. What is the relationship? — Comparison, distribution, composition, or trend?
2. How many variables? — One, two, or more?
3. What type of data? — Categorical, numerical, temporal, geospatial?
4. Who is the audience? — Analysts who want detail vs executives who want the headline?

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Chart Selection Guide