So you need to make a chart! For each type of chart we’ve discussed, we’ll lay out some questions. If you answer yes to all of them, then you should use that type of chart.
Bar graphs
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a bar graph to display your data:
- Is your data primarily numerical?
- Are you comparing categories?
- Is it okay that your chart doesn’t show a trend?
Line graphs
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a line graph to display your data:
- Is your data primarily numerical?
- Are you comparing categories?
- Do you need to show a trend?
Pie charts
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a pie chart to display your data:
- Is your data primarily numerical?
- Are you showing pieces of a whole?
Stacked bar graphs
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a stacked bar graph to display your data:
- Is your data primarily numerical?
- Are you comparing categories and showing pieces of a whole?
- Is it okay that your chart doesn’t show a trend?
Stacked line graphs
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a stacked line graph to display your data:
- Is your data primarily numerical?
- Are you comparing categories and showing pieces of a whole?
- Do you need to show a trend?
Venn diagrams
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a Venn diagram to display your data:
- Is your data primarily non-numerical (words)?
- Are you comparing categories?
Flow charts
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a flow chart to display your data:
- Is your data primarily non-numerical (words)?
- Are you showing a process?
- Is it okay that you aren’t showing the passage of time?
Gantt charts
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a Gantt chart to display your data:
- Is your data primarily non-numerical (words)?
- Are you showing a process?
- Do you need to show the passage of time?
Organizational charts
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use an organizational chart to display your data:
- Is your data primarily non-numerical (words)?
- Are you trying to show a hierarchy?
Pictographs
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use a pictograph to display your data:
- Is your data primarily non-numerical (words)?
- Are you trying to communicate a simple idea?
Infographics
If you answer yes to the following questions, then you should use an infographic to display your data:
- Is your data primarily non-numerical (words)?
- Are you trying to communicate a complex idea?
Tables
If you answer yes to the following question, then you should use a table to display your data:
- Do you have both numerical and non-numerical data?
