Chart Types (Report Builder and SSRS)

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 Charts (Report Builder and SSRS).

Note

You can create and modify report definitions (.rdl) in Report Builder and in Report Designer in SQL Server Data Tools. Each authoring environment provides different ways to create, open, and save reports and related items. For more information, see Designing Reports in Report Designer and Report Builder (SSRS) on the Web at microsoft.com.

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.

You can change the chart type after you have created it. For more information, see Change a Chart Type (Report Builder and SSRS).

Examples of many of these types of charts are available as sample reports. For more information about downloading sample reports, see SQL Server 2012 Report Builder and Report Designer sample reports.

Chart type

Display ratio data

Display stock data

Display linear data

Display multi-value data

Area Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

 

 

Available

 

Bar Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

 

 

Available

 

Data Bars

 

 

Available

 

Column Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

 

 

Available

 

Line Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

 

 

Available

 

Pie Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

Available

 

 

 

Polar Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

Available

 

 

 

Range Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

 

 

Available Available

Scatter Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

Available

 

Available

 

Shape Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

Available

 

 

 

Sparklines

Available Available Available Available

Stock Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

 

Available

 

Available

See Also

Tasks

Add a Chart to a Report (Report Builder and SSRS)

Concepts

Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)

Empty and Null Data Points in Charts (Report Builder and SSRS)