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6 Charts

Comparison Charts

Compare values across discrete categories or groups

Bar Chart

beginner

The most versatile chart for comparing discrete categories side by side.

Best for:

  • Comparing values across 2–15 discrete categories
  • Showing rankings or league tables
  • Displaying absolute values (not proportions)
View full guide →

Grouped Bar Chart

beginner

Compare multiple series across the same categories by grouping bars side by side.

Best for:

  • Comparing 2–4 data series across the same categories
  • Showing how two metrics differ for the same group
  • Side-by-side budget vs. actual comparisons
View full guide →

Horizontal Bar Chart

beginner

Bar chart rotated 90° — ideal for long category labels and many categories.

Best for:

  • Category labels are long and would overlap vertically
  • Showing rankings (sort by value, largest at top)
  • More than 10 categories
View full guide →

Radar Chart

intermediate

Compare multiple entities across several quantitative dimensions simultaneously.

Best for:

  • Comparing 2–3 entities across 5–8 dimensions
  • Showing a skill or attribute profile (spider diagram)
  • Performance benchmarking with multiple KPIs
View full guide →

Lollipop Chart

intermediate

A cleaner, less cluttered alternative to bar charts using stems and circles.

Best for:

  • Ranking 10–30 items where bar clutter is a concern
  • Showing deviation from a baseline or average
  • When a minimal, editorial aesthetic is desired
View full guide →

Bullet Chart

intermediate

Compare a primary measure against a target and qualitative ranges in a compact format.

Best for:

  • KPI dashboards showing actual vs. target
  • Performance tracking with multiple metrics in a small space
  • Replacing gauges or thermometer charts
View full guide →