Chart Type Guide
📊 Bar Charts - BEST FOR:
- Comparing categories
- Discrete/distinct groups
- Non-time-based data
- Example: Sales by product
📈 Line Charts - BEST FOR:
- Trends over time
- Continuous data
- Showing change/growth
- Example: Stock prices
🥧 Pie Charts - BEST FOR:
- Parts of a whole
- Percentages/proportions
- Limited categories (3-6)
- Example: Budget breakdown
⚫ Scatter Plots - BEST FOR:
- Relationships between variables
- Correlations/patterns
- Outlier detection
- Example: Height vs Weight
Good vs Bad Chart Choices
✅ GOOD: Time Series Data → Line Chart
When showing temperature over 12 months, a line chart clearly shows the seasonal pattern and trends. You can see rising and falling temperatures at a glance.
❌ BAD: Time Series Data → Pie Chart
Using a pie chart for monthly temperatures makes no sense! Pie charts show parts of a whole, but each month's temperature is independent. The trend is lost.
✅ GOOD: Budget Breakdown → Pie Chart
For showing what percentage of your budget goes to rent, food, and entertainment, a pie chart instantly shows the proportions. You see the whole budget at once.
❌ BAD: Budget Breakdown → Scatter Plot
A scatter plot for budget categories makes no sense! Scatter plots show relationships between two variables, not parts of a whole. Wrong tool for the job!
💡 Pro Tips for Reading Graphs
- Always check the axes: Make sure you understand what's being measured and the scale
- Look for trends: Is the data going up, down, or staying flat?
- Check for outliers: Are there any unusual data points?
- Read the title and labels: Context is everything!
- Be skeptical: Can the chart be misleading? (truncated axes, cherry-picked data, etc.)
🎮 Ready to Practice?
Test your skills with the Chart Switcher game! You'll see different datasets and need to choose the best chart type for each one. Can you get a perfect score?
Play Chart Switcher Game →