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Home > Blog > Data Visualization > Add-ons > Google Sheets >

Best Time Series Graph Examples for Compelling Data Stories

As a data analyst of your company, your stakeholders have tasked you to keep track of specific data. Your stakeholders are interested in the forecast you provide.

time series graph examples

In such a scenario, you will need a chart that helps to identify data trends over time. The question is, what type of visualization will save your day?

You guessed right. You will need one of the time series graph examples.

Why? This is because time and dates are always continuous. A time series graph can help you create a compelling forecast which will impress your stakeholders.

Buckle up as we get to know more about time series graph examples.

Do you want to improve your data visualization? If yes, walk with us as we uncover essential tips for time series graphs.

What is a Time Series Graph?

Definition: A time series graph is a visualization that analyzes data that you collect at different time points.

A time series graph is typical in investing and finance-related subjects. Why? Because investors keep track of their investments and stocks with time.

Forex Stock analysis is one of the real-life examples of time series analysis.

If you are a Forex trader, this graph is not new. You have probably seen it many times while noting the currency prices in different periods.

In the economic sector, economic experts use a time series data graph to track the Gross Domestic Product of a country across a period.

A graph for time series data offers meaningful insights if your data has these characteristics:

  • Shows seasonality
  • Has an explosive behavior
  • Has structural breaks
  • Has a time trend

Let us assume you are analyzing the daily closing stock price for one year. It is essential to obtain all the customary closing stock prices and arrange them chronologically.

Such data would serve as the time series of the daily stock.

When using time series graph examples, you plot your data on the y-axis against the time increment on the x-axis. With this in mind, it helps you visualize patterns and behaviors of your data.

Now that you know what a time series graph is let us look at the examples of time series graphs.

Examples of Time Series Graphs

Let’s learn about some of the best examples of time series graphs, which you can use in your data analysis. Some of the best charts for data analysis are as follows:

  1. Dual Axis Line Chart
  2. Multi-Axis Line Chart
  3. Sentiment Trend Chart
  4. Area Line Chart
  • Dual Axis Line Chart

This chart is one of the best time series graph examples. Why? Because it’s easy to read and analyze data. A dual axis line chart is essential if you want to compare the performance of two different variables in a specific period.

It doesn’t take much effort to show how two variables are related. Even with limited space in the chart, it can reveal many insights and meaningful information.

With a Dual Axis Chart, you can quickly discover trends over time by analyzing many graphs.

That’s not all.

You can use a dual axis chart to visualize two different variables with numerical units. A Dual Axis Chart is remarkable because it cannot be overwhelmed with such information. It can help give an incredible data story.

Below is an example of a Dual Axis Line Chart.

dual axis line chart in time series chart examples
  • Multi-Axis Line Chart

A Multi-Axis Line Chart functions like a Dual Axis Chart. It is one of the best time series graph examples. The only difference is that this chart has multiple axes. This feature makes it more flexible to use.

Most people are familiar with reading a simple line graph. A Multi-Axis Line Chart is different because it uses data with three or more different scales.

When reading a multi-axis line chart, it is essential that you pay attention to each label and axis range. Data point positions in each line indicate a relative with a specific range.

You can use three or more variables on a multi-axis line chart to show trend changes over time.

A multi-axis line chart can seem complicated, but it’s not. It is easy to read and gain meaningful insights from it. Below is an example of a Multi-Axis Line Chart.

multi axis line chart in time series chart examples
  • Sentiment Trend Chart

This is one of the best time series graph examples. A Sentiment Trend Chart displays variable trends over time. It has positive and negative sentiments as well.

The chart is essential, especially if your objective indicates growth and reduction of vital variables.

The line curve indicates a variable’s overall trend and pattern within a specific period.

Forex brokers use this chart to forecast the future of share prices. Even in business, you can use this chart to study your business performance based on past results.

A Sentiment Trend Chart has a clear title, a time frame, a trend line, and little clutter. All these elements help you avoid confusion during interpretation. You can analyze the profits and losses of your business using this chart.

The chart can appear complex in its structure. But it offers the benefit of easy clarity and interpretation.

Below is an example of a Sentiment Trend Chart.

sentiment trend chart in time series chart examples
  • Area Line Chart

This is one of the best time series chart example. An Area Line Chart is a time series graph connecting data points with a line. The area below the line is filled with a solid color.

The chart seems to be unique from different time series graphs. However, your audience can still gain meaningful insights from such a chart.

An Area Line Chart has several uses, which include:

  • Showing total amounts over time.
  • Showing changes over time in individual panels.
  • Highlight a part-to-whole relationship over time when one part is significant, or changes occur from small to large.
  • Indicating the fall and rise of data series over time.

It is essential to focus on how the values in the vertical axis change. From these changes, you can gain vital insights into the evolution of a variable with time.

Below is an example of an area line chart.

area line chart in time series chart examples

How to Create a Time Series Graph in Google Sheets? Real-Life Example

You have three metrics in your business that you want to visualize. They include:

  • Order
  • Sales
  • Profits

How do you visualize such data? Let us use the data in the table below.

Months Orders Sales Profits
Jan 756 18766 19
Feb 485 18788 29
Mar 412 18743 28
Apr 607 18788 24
May 915 16406 26
Jun 413 17765 24
Jul 828 20532 27
Aug 611 20016 23
Sep 683 20122 21
Oct 886 20125 20
Nov 397 23783 16
Dec 408 22942 18

Let us take the necessary steps in using one of the time series graph examples called a Multi-Axis Line Chart.

Start by Installing ChartExpo in your Google Sheets add-on by clicking on this link.

  • After installation, use ChartExpo as follows: Extensions > Charts, Graphs & Visualizations by ChartExpo > Open.
open chartexpo in google sheets
  • Click the Add New Chart button to access your fully stocked library of charts.
add new chart in google sheets
  • Once ChartExpo is loaded, you will see a list of charts.
list of charts in google sheets
  • Then, scroll through the numerous chart templates until you see the Multi-Axis Line Chart, or you can alternatively search by entering chart name in the search box.
search multi axis line chart in google sheets
  • Select the sheet holding your data and select the Metrics option. Fill in the numerical numbers (in our scenario, we’ll fill in Profits, Sales, and Orders)
  • Select the Dimensions button and fill in the dimensional data (in our example, we’ll use Months).
  • Click the Create Chart button, as shown below.
create multi axis line chart in google sheets
  • Check out the final chart.
time series chart examples

Insights

  • Profits and sales recorded the lowest amount in November.
  • The Profits recorded high amounts in February.
  • Since July, Sales, orders, and profits have recorded a decline. However, for sales, the drop is sustainable.
  • As shown in the Multi-Axis Line Chart above, for sales to revive, the business needs to invest in R&D. This is for the benefit of releasing more competitive products.

You can also create all-time series graphs including multi-axis line chart in Excel using the ChartExpo add-on for Excel.

FAQs:

What chart is best for displaying time series?

The best chart for displaying time series data is the Multi-Axis Line Chart. This is because it can plot multiple variables against time.

From a Multi-Axis Line Chart, you can establish relationships among variables. This feature helps you to obtain many insights from such a chart.

When should you use a Time Series Chart?

Use a time series chart when you want to give a compelling data story to your audience. Your data story should reveal the insights your audience needs.

In addition, you should use a time series chart to highlight key takeaways for your audience.

Wrap Up

Let us recap what we have covered so far.

We have defined what a time series graph is. We have learned that it is a chart that visualizes variables against time.

If stakeholders in your company would require that you provide a forecast report, this is the graph to use.

We have covered the types of time series graphs, which include:

  • Dual Axis Line Chart
  • Multi-Axis Line Chart
  • Area Line Chart
  • Sentiment Trend Chart

The chart types have given us a deeper understanding of how we can identify data trends over time.

We also used real-life time series analysis examples to broaden our practical skills. We used a Multi-Axis Line Chart in our example.

Our goal was to gain meaningful insights for our data store. With such time series graph examples, we can give a compelling forecast to our audience.

None of this would have been possible without the Google Sheets add-on called ChartExpo. It has saved much time with just a few clicks.

Now it’s time for you to try it. Start a 7-day free trial and access one of the time series graph examples.

How much did you enjoy this article?

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