Elements
A chart can take a large variety of forms. However, there are common elements that provide the chart with its ability to extract meaning from data.
Typically the data in a chart is represented graphically since humans can infer meaning from pictures more quickly than from text. Thus, the text is generally used only to annotate the data.
One of the most important uses of text in a graph is the title. A graph's title usually appears above the main graphic and provides a succinct description of what the data in the graph refers to.
Dimensions in the data are often displayed on axes. If a horizontal and a vertical axis are used, they are usually referred to as the x-axis and y-axis. Each axis will have a scale, denoted by periodic graduations and usually accompanied by numerical or categorical indications. Each axis will typically also have a label displayed outside or beside it, briefly describing the dimension represented. If the scale is numerical, the label will often be suffixed with the unit of that scale in parentheses. For example, "Distance traveled (m)" is a typical x-axis label and would mean that the distance traveled, in units of meters, is related to the horizontal position of the data within the chart.
Within the graph, a grid of lines may appear to aid in the visual alignment of data. The grid can be enhanced by visually emphasizing the lines at regular or significant graduations. The emphasized lines are then called major gridlines, and the remainder is minor grid lines.
A chart's data can appear in all manner of formats and may include individual textual labels describing the datum associated with the indicated position in the chart. The data may appear as dots or shapes, connected or unconnected, and in any combination of colors and patterns. In addition, inferences or points of interest can be overlaid directly on the graph to further aid information extraction.
When the data appearing in a chart contains multiple variables, the chart may include a legend (also known as a key). A legend contains a list of the variables appearing in the chart and an example of their appearance. This information allows the data from each variable to be identified in the chart.
Types
Common charts
Some of the most common charts are:
This gallery shows:
- A histogram consists of tabular frequencies, shown as adjacent rectangles, erected over discrete intervals (bins), with an area equal to the frequency of the observations in the interval; first introduced by Karl Pearson.3
- A bar chart is a chart with rectangular bars with lengths proportional to the values that they represent. The bars can be plotted vertically or horizontally. The first known bar charts are usually attributed to Nicole Oresme, Joseph Priestley, and William Playfair.4
- A pie chart shows percentage values as a slice of a pie; first introduced by William Playfair.5
- A line chart is a two-dimensional scatterplot of ordered observations where the observations are connected following their order. The first known line charts are usually credited to Francis Hauksbee, Nicolaus Samuel Cruquius, Johann Heinrich Lambert and William Playfair.6
- A scatter plot shows a relationship of two variables with dots or other symbols that are not connected by lines as in line charts. Sometimes, a trendline may be added to a scatter plot to show trends that may not be obvious from the symbols alone.
- A radar chart shows how a dependent variable, represented by distances from the center of a circle, varies with respect to an independent variable that is the radial location around the circle. Radar charts are essentially line charts twisted around a circle.
Other common charts are:
Less-common charts
Examples of less common charts are:
This gallery shows:
- A bubble chart is a two-dimensional scatterplot where a third variable is represented by the size of the points.
- A polar area diagram, sometimes called a Coxcomb chart, is an enhanced form of pie chart developed by Florence Nightingale.
- A radar chart or "spider chart" or "doi" is a two-dimensional chart of three or more quantitative variables represented on axes starting from the same point.
- A waterfall chart also known as a "Walk" chart, is a special type of floating-column chart.
- A tree map where the areas of the rectangles correspond to values. Other dimensions can be represented with color or hue. Smaller areas go to the bottom right corner.
- A streamgraph, a stacked, curvilinear area graph displaced around a central axis
- A GapChart, a time series chart showing evolving gaps and equalities between series. Other dimensions can be represented with color or hue.
Field-specific charts
Some types of charts have specific uses in a certain field
This gallery shows:
- Stock market prices are often depicted with an open-high-low-close chart with a traditional bar chart of volume at the bottom.
- Candlestick charts are another type of bar chart used to describe price movements of an equity over time.
- A Kagi chart is a time-independent stock tracking chart that attempts to minimise noise.
- Alternatively, where less detail is required, and chart size is paramount, a Sparkline may be used.
Other examples:
- Interest rates, temperatures, etc., at the close of the period are plotted with a line chart.
- Project planners use a Gantt chart to show the timing of tasks as they occur over time.
Well-known named charts
Some of the better-known named charts are:
Some specific charts have become well known by effectively explaining a phenomenon or idea.
Other charts
There are dozens of other types of charts. Here are some of them:
One more example: Bernal chart
Common plots
Main article: Plot (graphics)
