Introduction:
Data visualization is one of the major tools used to make very complex data more understandable, hence more actionable. Having an array of chart types enables users of Microsoft Excel to use the best way to make their data presentable for a given purpose. At the same time, each chart is not suitable to every set of data or function. The right type of chart for your data may make a huge difference between clarity and insight. So, in this article, I will walk you through different types of charts within Excel and help you select the best one for your data.
1. Column and Bar Charts:
Column and bar charts are among the most frequently used chart types in Excel. They can be used to display and compare values across categories. Column charts use vertical bars, while the bar charts use horizontal bars. Both are useful when you have a small number of categories and you want to highlight trends or comparison. For example, use column chart to compare the sales of different regions or present survey results in the form of a bar chart.
2. Line Charts:
These are useful for plotting trends over time. They plot data points connected with lines, making them highly ideal for data that involve continuous or sequential intervals-for example, monthly sales, or yearly growth rates. You are easily able to track where your data is changing as well as where it displays a pattern with line graphs. They are best if you want to see exactly how your data behaves as it progresses over time as they can also display different data series for comparison with one another.
3. Pie Charts:
Pie charts are applicable for showing parts of a whole. In case you have categorical data that indicates percentages or proportions, the pie chart is applicable for showing the composition of various segments. But pie charts work best only when you have fewer categories and when their respective proportions are visibly distinguishable. Avoid detailed comparisons or numerous categories of data, as too many slices make it hard to read a pie chart.
4. Scatter Plots:
Scatter plots, or scatter charts, are very useful to use when describing the connection between two variables. Using a Cartesian plane to graph data points, scatter plots show correlations and patterns, including trends for height and weight, age and income, or price and demand. Such a chart is the best for the analysis of continuous data and is most commonly used in statistical analysis. They scatter plot is effective for visualization for how two datasets can have related data.
5. Area Charts:
These looks almost like a line charts; however, in them area below the lines would get filled up. Useful, when cumulative total based data over time and its huge magnitude change need drawing on attention for huge numbers based upon the size of that set. Area charts are very useful for comparing a number of data series, showing how each contributes to the whole, but it may not be as useful if the individual data values need to stand out.
6. Radar Charts:
These Radar charts are seldom used and are quite potent when many different variables need comparison. There is plotting on axes along a web from a centre point for all data points that fall into its category of consideration. These kinds of chart are mostly well suited with performance metrics, or when skill sets over categories of comparison need representation. Because they are simple to analyze differences across many other dimensions compared, like capabilities of all employees, product features compared, etcetera
Conclusion:
Selecting the proper chart type in Excel facilitates an effective transmission of a message. Column and bar charts are best suited for making categorical comparisons, line charts for trends, pie charts for parts-of-a-whole visualizations, and scatter plots for relationships among variables. Area and radar charts provide alternative views in data with cumulative and multidimensional dimensions. Now, you will be able to know how to make the best selections of charts according to different kinds of data for more impactful visualizations and clearer insights.