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Home > Blog > Data Visualization

Best Types of Charts and Graphs for Data Visualization

The right types of charts and graphs can help business owners in multiple ways, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. In addition, they help business stakeholders, team members, and customers understand complex data insights by presenting them in an easy-to-interpret manner.

types of charts and graphs

Remember that 50% of the human brain is visually active. This means using charts is the best way to persuade your customers to purchase your products.

There are multiple types of graphs and charts that business owners can acquire and use during data presentation. However, the main challenge comes in choosing the best chart and using it in data processing and presentation. The type of chart you choose to use mainly depends on the purpose and the kind of message that you intend to communicate.

Charts play a crucial role in data insights to present complex data sets in a way that the business audience can understand. Even though there are many types of graphs that business owners can use, it’s essential to choose some of the most common models that many people can understand.

Since most business owners experience challenges when choosing charts and how to use them, this article compiles a comprehensive list of both popular and lesser-known types of charts and graphs for data insights.

In this blog, you will learn,

Table of Content:

  • What is a Chart or Graph?
  • Why do we use Different Types of Graphs and Charts?
  • When to use Types of Data Charts and Graphs?
  • 14 Best Types of Charts and Graphs and Their Uses
    1. Sankey Chart
    2. Likert Scale Chart
    3. Scatter Plot
    4. Comparison Chart
    5. Waterfall Chart
    6. Radar Chart
    7. Gauge Chart
    8. Pareto Chart
    9. Line Chart
    10. Bar Chart
    11. Sunburst Chart
    12. Box Plot
    13. Slope Chart
    14. Radial Bar Chart
  • How to Create Different Types of Charts and Graphs?
  • How To Choose the Right Types of Data Visualization Charts?
  • Types of Charts And Graphs – FAQs
  • Wrap Up

What are Charts and Graphs?

Definition: A chart or graph is a graphical presentation of complex information. In most cases, charts are mainly focused on numeric data, while others are strictly on conceptual models. Regardless of the chart model used, each one is designed to help readers easily interpret and understand the presented information, much like a funnel chart.

Since charts like dot plots are visual, they are easy for the reader to remember, thus suitable for delivering information.

This is why it’s essential to choose the right type of Chart and Graph for business to enable you to attain your goals in business.

Why do we use Different Types of Graphs and Charts?

It can be quite cumbersome and challenging to understand complex data sets, especially when comparing them. Consider how much simpler it is to present a data trend visually to an audience.

Charts and graphs, including Area charts, come in handy to present the data in an obvious way and facilitate analysis. They are particularly useful for presenting data trends visually and facilitating clearer communication during reports, sales presentations, and team meetings.

This form of visual communication is a crucial aspect of data storytelling, which helps to convey the narrative behind the data effectively. So how do you use charts and graphs? Well, we have compiled a list of 14 different types of graphs and charts to guide you.

The Sankey Chart below illustrates a flow of funds.

sankey chart in Excel graphs and charts tutorials

This chart simply and understandably depicts the flow. That means you can understand the flow without looking at the actual figures. Graphs and charts are standard in yearly reports, sales presentations, and team meetings.

They help convey information to the reader in a clear, simple, and easy-to-remember manner. If you’re looking for alternatives to Sankey diagrams, there are plenty of visual tools available that also present flow and relationships effectively.

Discover more below if you are still wondering which type of graphs and charts you should use for data examination.

When to use Types of Data Charts and Graphs?

Knowing when to use different types of charts and graphs is key to presenting data. Bar charts are great for comparing categories, while line charts show trends over time. Use pie charts for simple proportions and scatter plots to reveal relationships between variables.

Histograms are best for showing data distribution. Choosing the right chart helps your audience quickly understand and engage with your insights.

14 Best Types of Charts and Graphs and Their Uses

We will discuss the different types of business graphs and charts examples, and how businesses can use them in their daily operations.

Due to the increase in the volume of data and the need for data analysis to gain actionable insights, the variety and number of charts are expanding daily. We encounter many innovative charts that present data in unique ways.

Among these, Mekko charts have gained popularity for visualizing complex data sets. Let’s discuss the basic types of charts and graphs, including the use of Mekko charts.

1. Sankey Chart

Just like the name suggests, a Sankey Chart is used to present the flow of processes within a business.

types of graphs sankey chart example

This chart type usually has a series of turning points and paths that display how a particular process changes from one point to another. Also, it can be used to display decisions, information, and action changes within an interaction process.

You don’t need to possess any technical skills to understand a Sankey Chart. The chart outlines data in a simple way that is straight to the point depending on what is being displayed.

This chart draws the reader’s attention to the enormous flows, the largest consumer, the major losses, and other insights. Besides, Sankey uses links and nodes to uncover hidden insights into relationships between critical metrics.

The size of a node is directly proportional to the quantity of the data point under review. A flow that’s twice as wide represents double the value of the metric. Utilizing a chart maker ensures that these visual elements are accurately represented, enhancing data interpretation.

2. Likert Scale Chart

A Likert Scale is an ordinal scale usually used to measure attitudes, knowledge, perceptions, values, and behavioral changes. To present this information graphically we use the Likert Scale Chart.

likert scale chart

3. Scatter Plot Chart

A Scatter Plot is used to showcase a comparison between two numbers or variables outlined on a chart’s axis. In this case, the data points do not form a line like a chart. This is because the relationship in the numbers is varied.

types of charts scatter plot example

If you have complex data at your disposal that you would like to analyze and understand more about its relationship, you can use a scatter chart to help you get the job done.

Use Cases of Scatter Plot Chart

For instance, business owners can use scatter charts to display the relationship between sales and revenue collection and the type of customers who contribute to the revenue collected by the business.

Understanding this type of data offers the business stakeholders a chance to work on other strategies that will attract more customers in the long run, contributing to the business’s continued growth.

4. Comparison Chart

A Comparison Chart is a visualization design that uses composite-colored bars to show comparison insights in a specified period. The graph is ideal if your goal is to compare more than two key data points.

comparison chart

5. Waterfall Chart

A Waterfall Chart is a variation of a bar graph that shows how an initial value changes due to other factors over time. It is also known as a Bridge Chart in finance, or a floating brick chart.

Waterfall Chart Example

Use Cases Waterfall Chart (Bridge Chart)

The purpose of a Bridge Chart is to show a before-and-after picture of your data. It depicts each step in the journey and shows which factors help or hurt the progression.

Knowing the ins and outs of Bridge Charts enables you to use this visualization for your data effectively.

6. Radar Chart

A Radar Chart with different scales (also known as a Dual Axis Radar Graph) is a two-dimensional visualization design you can use to display insights into two different metrics in your data.

Dual Axis Radar Graph

A Radar Chart is very versatile and can be used in many situations.

Use Cases of Radar Chart

  • You can use Radar Chart in Excel and Google Sheets to visualize employees’ data to find the help you need in the review and appraisal process.
  • You can use a Radar Chart to visualize customers’ feelings and thoughts about a specific brand.
  • One of the best uses of Radar Graphs is to use them for competitive analysis.
  • You can use a Radar Chart with different scales to compare different categories or brands.

7. Gauge Chart

Think of the Gauge Chart as your speedometer to evaluate the speed of your growth and performance.

It shows your results along a curved bar, quickly visualizing where your performance is at and where it could be. With this knowledge, you’ll be more than ready to elevate your results to the next level.

Gauge Chart

Use Cases of Gauge Chart

  • Monitor Changes and Performance over Time
  • See When Performance Falls Below or Above Average
  • Compare Two or More Data Items Side by Side
  • Justify Your Timelines and Results to Stakeholders

The value of the Gauge Chart can’t be overstated. It holds many benefits that you and your team will love when it comes to data storytelling and visual analysis.

8. Pareto Chart

A Pareto Chart is one of the creative data visualization examples that empowers you to categorize occurrences based on their impact on a common strategic goal or objective.

pareto chart

This data visualization aims to categorize key variables in your data based on their frequency of occurrence.

9. Line Chart

A line chart, also known as a line graph, is one of the most common types of charts that are essential in specific scenarios in data processing. This chart is good at showcasing how the changes that appear in one number are closely related to the changes in another.

types of charts line chart example

If you want to communicate to your market audience or team members about how numbers have changed over a particular time frame, the line chart has your back covered. You can also use this chart as an exponential growth chart.

Use Cases of Line Chart

For instance, you can use a line chart to depict how the business revenue has changed from one period to another within a specific duration. Also, you can use it to evaluate how the customer satisfaction rate has changed from one year to another.

You can use a Line Chart for conducting trend analysis in Excel. When you visualize the business data using a line chart, you can easily spot trends and patterns essential in decision-making and making predictions regarding the future of the business.

If you are dealing with continuous data, a line chart, such as a Slop Chart, can help you analyze the data and generate insights and an easy-to-read data report. This chart type allows you to analyze any kind of data that falls in your way.

Line Chart Variations

  • Double Axis Line and Bar Chart
  • Multi-Axis Line Chart
  • Multi-Series Line Chart

The above variations of line charts can be used in your analysis depending on the data type.

10. Bar Chart

The bar chart is a common type used in different scenarios across the business industry. The main reason why a bar chart is common is that it’s easy to create, read, and understand without the need for interpretation. This is the best choice, especially when dealing with numeric or quantitative data.

types of graphs bar chart example

Business owners can use bar charts to compare the differences between values or sums of money, especially when creating data reports. The bar chart explains the total number of customers, revenue, and sales, among other essential items within the business.

In addition, this chart is more versatile, giving you advanced room for data processing and presentation.

At some point, you may come up with a bar chart that looks like vertical columns while sometimes they take a horizontal shape. When a business needs to display multiple comparisons, they have the freedom to use multiple bar graphs or a Tornado chart to ensure that all its needs are catered for.

Use Cases of Bar Chart

Anytime you realize that you doubt certain data elements, you need to consider using a bar chart to clean up the doubts, giving you enough flexibility to work comfortably.

Bar Chart Variations

There are many variations of bar charts that you can use in your analysis, e.g.

  • Stacked Bar Chart
  • Comparison Bar Chart
  • Radial Bar Chart
  • Clustered Bar Chart
  • Overlapping Bar Chart
  • Performance Bar Chart
  • Progress Bar Chart
  • Double Bar Graph

11. Sunburst Chart

Sunburst Chart displays hierarchy in your raw data. This chart displays hierarchy insights through a series of concentric rings.

types of graphs sunburst chart example

Each ring in the chart, often referred to as a Circular Chart, corresponds to a level in the hierarchy. Besides, each ring in the Sunburst Chart is segmented proportionally to represent its constituent details.

Focusing on a segment in the ring gives a sense of the part-to-whole relationship of a data point concerning its parent ring segment.

Use Cases of Sunburst Chart

Both Sunburst and Treemaps Charts are ideal for uncovering hierarchical insights in your data. However, the Sunburst Chart is most effective at showing how one ring is broken into its contributing pieces. On the other hand, a Treemap chart is ideal for comparing the relative sizes of the key metrics in your data.

12. Box Plot

A box plot chart is a type of chart that visually represents the spread and skewness of a data set, highlighting the median, quartiles, and any extreme values, allowing for quick comparison of data distributions.
types of charts and graphs box and whisker plot example

The chart simplifies bulky and complex data sets into quartiles and averages. Also, you can use the chart to pinpoint outliers in your data.

13. Slope Chart

A Slope Chart, also known as a Slopegraph, is a simple line chart used to track changes between two data points or over time. Its concise design eliminates unnecessary details, helping to focus on significant shifts or trends. Ideal for ranking, comparing, or analyzing before-and-after data, it offers a clear view of changes.

Slope chart

Slope Charts are versatile tools for reporting and data visualization, providing actionable insights with simplicity.

When to Use a Slope Chart?

It is ideal for comparing data across two points or tracking trends over time, helping to highlight shifts, before-and-after views, and rankings.

Use Cases of Slope Chart

Slope Charts are versatile, making them perfect for ranking, trend analysis, and understanding significant changes in data over time.

14. Radial Bar Chart

A Radial Bar Chart is an exceptional bar visualization displayed in polar coordinates instead of a Cartesian plane. Be aware that reading this chart style is similar to reading bar visualization designs.

The circular bars of a Radial Bar Chart represent potential changes in your data variables, just like any other Bar Graph style.

Radial Bar Chart Data Visualization

Additional Chart Types

After discussing 12 different types of charts in detail with examples and use cases, here are some other charts and graphs types commonly used in various fields based on the type of data.

  1. Word Cloud
  2. Tornado Chart
  3. Funnel Chart
  4. Matrix Chart
  5. Dot Plot Chart
  6. CSAT Score Survey Chart
  7. CSAT Score Bar Chart
  8. Control Chart
  9. Clustered Column Chart
  10. Survey Charts
  11. Sentiment Analysis Charts
  12. Combo Charts
  13. Circle Graphs

How to Create Different Types of Charts and Graphs?

This section will use a Scatter Plot in Excel to display insights into the tabular data below.

Products Category Sales No. of Orders In Stock
Primer Cosmetic 114 40 35
Lipstick Cosmetic 178 16 18
Blush Cosmetic 220 35 23
Moisturizer Cosmetic 101 18 26
Perfume Cosmetic 154 40 19
Contour Cosmetic 68 38 17
Makeup Remover Cosmetic 93 24 37
Nail Polish Cosmetic 159 28 29
Mixer Electronics 276 21 24
Coffee Maker Electronics 216 40 26
Kitchen Hood Electronics 388 31 30
Vacuum Cleaner Electronics 274 40 33
Washing Machine Electronics 331 23 23
Microwave Electronics 383 17 22
Toaster Electronics 327 15 17
Blender Electronics 215 31 31
Gear Lever Car Parts 389 37 27
Hood Car Parts 234 27 28
Trunk Car Parts 202 28 27
Taillights Car Parts 260 35 32
Battery Car Parts 158 35 30
Muffler Car Parts 150 20 33
Radiator Car Parts 176 12 22

Click this link to install ChartExpo into your Excel. Congratulations if you’ve installed the add-in into your spreadsheet.

To get started with ChartExpo, follow the simple steps below.

  • From the Insert menu, click the My Apps button to access the ChartExpo add-in.
insert chartexpo in excel
  • Select ChartExpo for Excel and click the Insert button to get started with ChartExpo.
open chartexpo in excel
  • Once ChartExpo is loaded, you will see a list of Excel charts you can make using ChartExpo.
list of charts in excel
  • Look for Scatter Plot and click on the icon to get started, as shown below.
search scatter plot chart in excel
  • Select the sheet holding your data and click the “Create Chart from Selection” button, as shown below.
types of graphs and charts
  • Check out your final chart below.
create different charts and graphs in excel

How To Choose the Right Types of Data Visualization Charts?

  1. Identify your goal – What do you want to show? (e.g., comparison, trend, distribution, relationship, composition)
  2. Know your audience – Are they technical or general viewers?
  3. Understand your data – Determine data type (categorical, numerical) and number of variables.
  4. Select the chart based on your goal – Match chart types to objectives:
    • Comparison → Bar, Column
    • Trend → Line, Area
    • Distribution → Histogram, Box Plot
    • Relationship → Scatter, Bubble
    • Composition → Pie, Donut, Stacked Bar
  5. Keep it simple and clear – Use clean design with labels, titles, and minimal clutter.
  6. Test and adjust – Try different charts and get feedback if needed.

Types of Charts And Graphs – FAQs

What are the five basic types of charts?

Popular chart types include Line Charts, Bar Charts, Sunburst Charts, Scatter Plots, and Sankey Charts. Charts are a great approach to display data insights.

How are charts used in business?

Business graphs are tools for visual data analysis. Due to the ease with which patterns and relationships may sometimes be seen on the chart or graph, they can greatly simplify the process of comparing different sets of data. Additionally, they aid in presenting the information to the audience in a style that will stick in their minds.

What are the different types of data visualization charts?

Here are the most common types of data visualization charts:

  • Radar Chart
  • Likers Scale chart
  • Sunburst Chart
  • Radial Bar Chart
  • Dot Plot Chart
  • Comparison Bar Chart
  • Sankey Diagram
  • Multi-Axis Line Chart
  • Gauge Chart
  • Tornado Chart

What are the 3 main types of charts for explaining data?

  • Sankey Diagram
  • Likert Scale Chart
  • Comparison Bar Chart

Wrap Up

When you present business data to your audience in the form of different charts and graphs, it takes an average of 13 milliseconds to process a single chart. As a result, this saves most of their time, and they understand the information displayed and can easily take action depending on your bottom line.

However, you must ensure that you choose the right type of chart and graph that aligns with the nature of your data and attracts your audience’s attention. This will increase your chances of delivering the intended message in real-time.

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