For effective and accurate results, you need to go through piles and piles of data. Managing multiple sources of data at once can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, you should be well aware of what needs to be tracked, and you should also know to analyze and visualize this data to be able to extract insights and actionable information. But how can you do all this? This is exactly where charts come in. In the following paragraphs, we will take a look at some of the most popular types of charts, as well as the purposes they serve.

So, let’s begin. 

Column Charts

One of the most popular types of charts out there is the column chart. These charts are used for the purpose of comparing one set of data points. In this chart the vertical axis is referred to as the Y axis, while the horizontal one is known as the X axis. The Y axis on the column chart shows numeric values. On the flipside, the X axis shows the period of time. Some of the most common data points in column charts are as follows. 

• Trees
• Clustered
• Stacked 
• Shrubs 
• Flowers 

As the name suggests, a clustered column chart is good for multiple data sets. In the case of stacked column charts, you get to check a specific percentage of the entire data. 

Bar Charts 

Another common type of charts is the bar chart. These charts are particularly used for the purpose of comparing different concepts and percentages among data sets and factors. The bar chart allows the user to use distinct choices for their respondents. Sometime you aren’t certain about when you need to insert the bar chart for your work. If such is the case, you should consider a specific kind of original data, as well as your personal preference. Unlike other types of charts, a bar chart is used for the purpose of comparing and showcasing large sets of data. 

Pie Chart 

A pie chart is used primarily for the purpose of showcasing a sample breakdown, mostly in individual dimensions. As the name suggest, it shape is like that of a pie. Therefore, it shows a relation between the main and the sub-categories of data. The pie chart is extremely helpful especially when you are dealing with categorized groups of data. Pie charts are also used when you need to show difference between data that is based on a single variable. In reality, the sample data can be broken down into different categories, such as age and gender. In the case of important business projects, the pie chart can be used for the representation of significance of a factor over the other. However, if you have multiple data sets, you should always resort to a column chart. 

If you want to measure the angle of a pie chart, you can find a detailed guide over here.

Doughnut Charts 

One of the popular types of charts with a food reference is the doughnut chart. Just like a doughnut, the doughnut chart also has a round cut out right in the middle. There is a number of elements within a doughnut chart, such as the division of segments, and also the meaning of arc of an individual segment. A doughnut chart can be extremely helpful, especially when it comes to understanding the differences between the proportions of different data groups. In such cases, you should focus on the proportional areas on the slices of the doughnut. Furthermore, unlike a pie chart, the doughnut chart has more space, which allows it to cover more details. 

Line Charts 

These charts are used for the purpose of explaining different trends over periods. The numeric figures are placed on the Y axis, while the X axis shows other related factors. Line charts can be used to show markers in the shapes of squares and circles and also some other formats. Unlike other types of charts, a line chart isn’t always the most colorful one. However, it can show trends in a particular period of time using a single data set. Alternatively, on a line chart, you can also compare trends for other groups of data as well. Financial leaders and managers also use these charts for analyzing long term trends in marketing statistics, financial data and sales. 

Area Charts 

The last candidate on our list of the types of charts is the area chart. An area chart resembles a lot to a line chart. The only difference is that a line chart has a much more solid plot line. An area chart is used for the purpose of showing trends over a period for a single category or multiple categories. They are also used to highlight changes between different data groups. Primarily, there are two different types of area charts. One is known as the stacked area chart, while the other one is known as a completed staked area chart. Both the types of area charts are used to understand the nature of your selected sets of data. 

These were just a handful of the most popular types of charts. However, before you select a particular one, make sure to consider your nature of business as well as the type of data you need to work on. If you aren’t well versed with the types of charts, and the functions they perform, Image-charts is the place for you. Just visit our website, and let the magic unfold.