List of the top 10 types of graphs for data Show
Top 10 Types of GraphsAny good financial analyst knows the importance of effectively communicating results, which largely comes down to knowing the different types of charts and graphs and when and how to use them. In this guide, we outline the top 10 types of graphs[1] in Excel and what situation each kind is best for. Learn how to deliver powerful presentations and clear takeaways with these effective chart types. Learn more in CFI’s Excel Dashboards Course! Download the Free TemplateEnter your name and email in the form below and download the free template now! Charts and Graphs TemplateDownload the free Excel template now to advance your finance knowledge! #1 Line GraphsThe most common, simplest, and classic type of chart graph is the line graph. This is the perfect solution for showing multiple series of closely related series of data. Since line graphs are very lightweight (they only consist of lines, as opposed to more complex chart types, as shown below), they are great for a minimalistic look. Tips:
#2 Bar GraphsBars (or columns) are the best types of graphs for presenting a single data series. Bar charts have a much heavier weight than line graphs do, so they really emphasize a point and stand out on the page. Source: Dashboards and Data Presentation course Tips
#3 Combo ChartThe above two types of graphs can be combined to create a combo chart with bars and lines. This is very useful when presenting two data series with a very different scale and might be expressed in different units. The most common example is dollars on one axis and percentage on the other axis. Source: Dashboard Course Tips
#4 ScatterplotThe scatterplot is excellent for showing the relationship between two data series and determining their correlation. The scatterplot is great for showing what a distribution of data points looks like and drawing a line of best fit for regression analysis. Source: Budgeting & Forecasting Course. Tips
#5 Waterfall ChartIn Excel 2016, Microsoft finally introduced a waterfall chart feature. In all older versions of Excel, analysts had to create a custom workaround using stacked column charts. If you are in a version of Excel before 2016, then please see our free guide and waterfall chart template. The waterfall chart is excellent for variance analysis and explaining how an “actual” result was different than a “budget” or how something has changed relative to an original data point. Tips
#6 Pie GraphPie charts have a bad reputation and are known for being messy and hard to read. However, if you’re trying to illustrate the percentage breakdown of a small number of data points, they can be very effective. For example, the percentage of people who prefer bananas, pineapples, and grapes. Tips
#7 HistogramHistograms are a type of graph that shows the distribution of a dataset. They graph the percentage or the number of instances of different categories. For example, to show the distribution of age categories (0-10, 11-20, 21-30, etc.), we can clearly see which categories are the biggest and how many people fall into each. Tips
#8 Gauge ChartThe gauge chart is perfect for graphing a single data point and showing where that result fits on a scale from “bad” to “good.” Gauges are an advanced type of graph, as Excel doesn’t have a standard template for making them. To build one you have to combine a pie and a doughnut. Learn how in our data visualization course. Source: Advanced Excel Course Tips
#9 Area GraphAn area chart is a solid area and can be effective when showing stacked, cumulative data series – for example, showing the cumulative sales revenue from different products. This allows the reader to easily visualize the “area” (or weight) of each series relative to each other. Tips
#10 Spider chart / radar graphA spider or radar graph is a very useful type of graph for showing qualitative data or the overall “score” or comparison of multiple series. For example, a spider/radar can be easily used to compare three different types of phones based on five criteria (speed, screen size, camera quality, memory, apps). Tips
Video Explanation of Types of GraphsWatch this short video to learn about different types of graphs commonly seen on financial models and dashboards! Additional ResourcesThank you for reading CFI’s guide on the Types of Graphs. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following CFI resources will be helpful:
Article Sources
What is the graph used to show the relationship of a part to the whole?a Pie Chart. Pie charts are best to use when you are trying to compare parts of a whole.
What kind of chart is used to show the relationship of each part to the whole in other words how each part contributes to the total process?Stacked column chart Shows the relationship of individual items to the whole, comparing the contribution of each value to a total across categories. A stacked column chart displays values in 2-D vertical stacked rectangles.
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