Chart Types

It is important to choose an appropriate chart type for the type of data that you are presenting. This will determine how well the data can be interpreted when put in chart form. For example, if your dataset contains a lot of data points relative to the size of the chart, it may be better presented using an area, line, or scatter chart. For discussion on how to prepare your data depending on the chart type selected, see Preparing Data for Display in a Chart Data Region.

Choosing a Chart Type

Each chart type has unique characteristics to help you visualize your dataset. You can use any chart type to display your data, but your data will be easier to read when you use a chart type that is suitable to your data, based on what you are trying to show in your report. The following table summarizes chart features that affect the suitability of a chart to your particular dataset.

Chart type

Display ratio data

Display stock data

Display linear data

Display multi-value data

Area Charts

 

 

Available

 

Bar Charts

 

 

Available

 

Column Charts

 

 

Available

 

Data Bars

 

 

Available

 

Line Charts

 

 

Available

 

Pie Charts

Available

 

 

 

Polar Charts

Available

 

 

 

Range Charts

 

 

Available Available

Scatter Charts

Available

 

Available

 

Shape Charts

Available

 

 

 

Sparklines

Available Available Available Available

Stock Charts

 

Available

 

Available

See Also

Tasks

How to: Add a Chart to a Report

Concepts

Preparing Data for Display in a Chart Data Region

Other Resources

Working with Chart Data Regions