Nuts and Bolts of Chart & Graph Types [infographic]

Chart & Graph Types Infographic

The infographic below provides a quick list of the types of charts that are available for analysts/marketers out there. I do not intend to provide a comprehensive list, neither an accurate explanation of each (you will note!) But I do provide a 'tell me which graphs you use and I will tell you who you are' cheat sheet where I describe some of the personality types of people using different charts.

Disclosure: I am aware that any chart can be used in a responsible way, and that every graph has its advantages and disadvantages, but I think there is a rule of thumb of which are good charts and which are not-so-good.

The figure was written by me and designed by Daniel Bronfen, who has contributed another infographic to Online Behavior: Data Visualization: Social-Economical Differences in Brazil.

Chart & Graph Types Infographic

Charts and Graphs types

Additional Resources

For tips and tricks on Chart and Information design, I warmly recommend the books below (which I also quote in the infographic):

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angie | Thu, 12/01/2011 - 03:59

LOL, awesome infographic. Nice job, Daniel(s)!

Atniz | Thu, 12/01/2011 - 07:45

Nicely written about the best usage of each graph type. I have saved this infographic for my future reporting purpose. Hopefully, I can manage to get a raise from my clients...

Aman Singh | Tue, 12/06/2011 - 19:52

Also useful: http://www.juiceanalytics.com/chart-chooser/

Brian Clifton | Wed, 12/07/2011 - 18:36

Nice infographic Daniel - there are good an bad examples of using all of these. For example:

Good - I find the Radar Plot very useful for survey data
Bad - Pie charts are over used and tend to hide more information than they convey

The one exception is Tree Map - I have get to come across a good example of this in use...

gaby | Wed, 12/07/2011 - 19:05

This is priceless. Where can I get a poster size print to hang on my wall?

Anonymous | Sun, 12/11/2011 - 00:09

Ditto on the wall sized version.

Kent C | Sat, 01/28/2012 - 02:14

Fantastic post Daniel. I wish I had thought of this!

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