Chart Types
There are lots of chart types you can use to visualize your data. To choose one from the Chart tab or Analytics portlet, click the chart type dropdown and pick from the popup window. Changing the chart type in the Analytics portlet doesn't change the chart type in the workbook. Chart types help you compare values and spot trends. When picking a chart type, think about the data you're showing and what you want to highlight. Here are your options:
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Column Chart – Lets you compare values across categories or over time. For example, sales by week, month, quarter, or year. You can also use them to show negative values and see the range between highest and lowest categories.
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Bar Chart – Lets you compare values like a column chart. Use this style when data labels are long, like regions or sales reps, since it's easier to read.
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Area Chart – Lets you show trends and changes over time, like item stock, employee count, or account balance.
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Line Chart – Great for showing trends when you have lots of data points (like more than 20).
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Stacked Column Chart – Shows how data breaks down, with each category's part of the whole. For example, use it to see the percent of base price vs. discount price per customer.
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Stacked Bar Chart – Shows data in a bar chart that highlights the breakdown, not only comparisons.
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Stacked Area Chart – Shows data in an area chart, so you can see how each item adds up to the total over time.
To see some examples, see the following charts: