Chart Types
There are multiple chart types you can use to visualize your data. To apply a chart type from either the Chart tab or the Analytics portlet, click the chart type dropdown and select an option from the popup window. Changing the chart type from the Analytics portlet does not affect the chart type selected for the corresponding workbook. Chart types let you compare values, and show trends. When you select a chart type, keep in mind the data included in the chart and the type of information you want to display. The following chart type options are available:
-
Column Chart – Enables you to compare values for different categories or compare value changes over a period of time for a single category. For example, sales by period of time (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly). You can also use column charts to display negative values and to show an overview of the highest and lowest categories.
-
Bar Chart – Enables you to compare values offering the same capabilities of the column chart. You can use this chart type when the data labels are long as it improves readability. For example, when using regions or sales representatives as dimensions.
-
Area Chart – Enables you to display trends and accumulative value changes over time, such as item stock, number of employees, or savings account.
-
Line Chart – Enables you to display trends for a higher number of data points. For example, when showing more than 20 data points.
-
Stacked Column Chart – Enables you to show the composition of the data, by displaying the proportion of each category to a whole. For example, you can use it to see the percentage of the base price and discount price by customer.
-
Stacked Bar Chart –Enables you to display data in a bar chart emphasizing the composition, instead of comparison.
-
Stacked Area Chart – Enables you to display data in an area chart showing how each category contributes to the total over a period of time.
To see some examples, see the following charts: