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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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
You have three metrics in your business that you want to visualize. They include:
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.
You can also create all-time series graphs including multi-axis line chart in Excel using the ChartExpo add-on for Excel.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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