• Home
  • Tools
    • PPC Signal
    • PPCexpo Keyword Planner
    • PPC Audit
    • ChartExpoTM PPC Charts
    • PPCexpo PPC Reports
    • Combinations Calculator
  • Pricing
  • Contact us
  • Resources
    • PPC Signal Dashboard
    • PPC Reports Templates
    • PPC Guide
    • Join Our Facebook Group
    • Charts
      • CSAT Score Survey Chart
      • Likert Scale Chart
      • Pareto Chart
      • Sankey Diagram
  • Blog
Categories
All Digital Marketing PPC SEO SMM Data Visualization
All Digital Marketing PPC SEO SMM Data Visualization

We use cookies

This website uses cookies to provide better user experience and user's session management.
By continuing visiting this website you consent the use of these cookies.

Ok
Home > Blog > Digital Marketing > Data Visualization >

Top 7 Types of Graphs and Charts for Data Visualization

Selecting the correct chart for your data is not an easy undertaking.

Or is it?

Well, selecting the suitable types of charts and graphs for your data story is daunting and can consume a lot of time. Over 70% of data visualization experts have reported experiencing this problem.

Types of charts and graphs
Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

It turns out there’s a smart data visualization tool that solves this problem quickly and easily.

Yes, you read that right. This tool (which will be mentioned in a moment) helps over 15,000+ Google Sheets professionals create compelling data stories. Yes, irresistible data stories that get instant buy-in from the target audience.

We’ve rounded up a guide you should steal to use, especially when selecting the suitable types of graphs for your data story. Keep reading if you intend to take your data storytelling skills to the next level by using an awesome library.

In this blog you will learn:

  • Types of Charts and Graphs Right For Your Data Story
  • Top 5 Key Differences Between Types of Charts and Graphs
  • Top 7 Types of Graphs and Charts
  • The Best Tool to Use to Visualize your Data
  • Types of Charts and Graphs Available in ChartExpo
  • How to Install ChartExpo Add-on in Google Sheets

Types of Charts and Graphs Right For Your Data Story

Before we delve right into the visualizations that are right for your data story, let’s explore the critical distinction between graphs and charts.

Why?

The words ‘chart’ and ‘graph’ are used interchangeably by a majority of us. However, these two words mean two different things. You’ll discover the differences are pretty blurry in some instances.

Remember, to know the types of charts and graphs that are right for your data: you’ve got to learn about the distinction between the two.

Top 5 Key Differences Between Types of Charts and Graphs

Both Graphs and Charts are popular among seasoned data visualization experts.

Let’s check out the differences.

  • Graphs are a subset of the charts.
  • Graphs display interrelations or connections of metrics and dimensions using distinctive lines, dots, bars, etc. In contrast, charts are a type of graphical representation of the data.

In other words, data is represented by symbols, such as the lines in a Line Chart or bars in the Bar Chart.

  • Graphs represent the statistical connections or interrelationships between the different sets of data. Conversely, charts are diagrams you can use to depict raw data.
  • All types of graphs are charts. But, not all charts are graphs.
  • Charts are a part of the wider methodology for depicting or representing the data or the information. On the other hand, graphs provide one of those methods (charts use) you can use to present the data in a visual format.

As a data storyteller, do you know the number of charts at your disposal?

Well, the list is quite long. But, we’ll highlight the charts that matter the most to you. Yes, we’ll highlight the types of graphs you can use to make your data story irresistible and compelling to the target audience.

Top 7 Types of Graphs and Charts

As we said earlier, there’re many charts you can use to make your data story persuasive to the target audience.

You don’t want to miss this section. Keep reading.

1. Bar Chart

A Bar Chart is a graph represented by spaced rectangular bars that describe the key metrics and dimensions in your data.

You can use this chart to visualize both discrete and categorical data. The horizontal axis of the chart represents categorical data. Conversely, the vertical axis of the chart defines discrete data.

Note: Although the rectangular bars in a Bar Chart are mostly placed vertically, they can also be horizontal. For horizontally placed rectangular bars, the categorical data is defined on the vertical axis. On the other hand, the horizontal axis defines the discrete data.

Take a look at the diagram below.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Bar Chart comes in different varieties to ensure you’re never short of options to visualize your data. Let’s take a look at these varieties.

  • Grouped Bar Chart

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Use Grouped Bar Chart if you have data with subgroups. Always remember to differentiate subgroups using high contrasting colors to make things easier for your audience.

  • Stacked Bar Chart

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Use Stacked Bar Graphs if your goal is to show subgroup insights in a dataset.

Advantages of a Bar Chart

  • Bar Charts are amazingly efficient, especially in summarizing humongous amounts of data into key insights.
  • Besides, these visualizations are familiar to a majority of people. And this means it’s one of the right types of charts and graphs for your data narrative.

2. Pie Chart

A Pie Chart is one of the multiple types of graphs you can use to illustrate proportion insights in a dataset. Besides, this graph is usually divided into various sectors, each representing a proportion of a whole.

Like a pizza slice, each sector in a Pie Chart represents the proportion of the key metric understudy in the data.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Uses of Pie a Chart

  • Use this visualization to summarize your data into insightful diagrams.
  • A Pie Diagram is one of the many types of charts and graphs that are incredibly easy to read and interpret.

3. Line Chart

A Line Chart is a type of graph that displays groups of data points joined together by a straight line.

Each of the data points describes the relationship between the horizontal and the vertical axes in the graph. A Line Chart can ascend, descend, or do both depending on the nature of your data.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

There are two types of Line Graphs, namely, Simple and Multiple Line Graphs. Let’s check them out.

  • Simple Line Graph

A Simple Line Graph has only a curve connecting data points. The x-axis defines the independent variables (metrics), while the y-axis contains dependent variables (dimensions).

  • Multiple Line Graph

Multiple Line Graphs contain two or more lines connecting different data points across a specified period.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Uses of a Line Graph

  • This chart can help you uncover hidden trends in your data over time.
  • A Line Diagram is one of the many types of charts and graphs that are incredibly easy to read and interpret. Use it to make your data story irresistible if your goal is to show trends or compare metrics.

4. Area Chart

Area Charts are one of the many types of graphs you can use to visualize trends over time.

This chart communicates trends and patterns using the colored areas between the line segment and the x-axis. In other words, an Area Chart is an extension of the Line chart.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

There’re two variants of an Area Chart, namely a Simple and Stacked Area Chart. Let’s check them out.

  • Stacked Area Chart

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

A Stacked Area chart has colored segments stacked on top of each other in a way they don’t intersect.

Uses of Area Chart

  • This chart can help you uncover hidden trends in your data over some time.
  • An Area Diagram is one of the many types of charts and graphs that are incredibly easy to read and interpret. Use it to make your data story irresistible if your goal is to show trends or compare key data points.

5. Scatter Plot

Scatter Plots are one of the many types of graphs you can use to visualize random data points using dot-like markers.

Notice how data points are scattered across the chart area in the screenshot below.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

There’re 3 types of Scatter Plots you can use to visualize your data. These variants are grouped based on the correlation of the data points.

Let’s check them out.

  • Positive Correlation

Data points are positively correlated if an increase in one metric results in an increase in the other.

  • Negative Correlation

Data points are negatively correlated if an increase in one metric results in a decrease in the other.

  • No Correlation

No correlation arises if there’s no clear relationship between data variables.

Uses of a Scatter Plot

  • This chart can help you uncover hidden relationships between metrics over time in your data.
  • A Scatter Plot is one of the many types of charts and graphs that are incredibly easy to interpret. Use it to make your data story irresistible if your goal is to uncover a correlation between key metrics in your data.

6. Radar Chart

A Radar Chart is one of the many types of graphs you can use to visualize complex data. Furthermore, it’s a two-dimensional chart you can use to visualize 2 or more metrics in your data for insights.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

7. Pareto

A Pareto Chart combines a Bar Graph with a Line Chart to illustrate both categories and cumulative total. Use this chart to uncover the 20% metrics contributing 80% success in your marketing campaigns.

The Pareto Chart is one of the many insightful types of charts and graphs you can deploy to make your story irresistible.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

The Best Tool to Use to Visualize your Data

Let’s talk about Google Sheets because it’s one of the most used tools for visualizing data besides Excel.

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet that comes with functions similar to Excel. This tool is easy to use and, most importantly, familiar to many.

Besides, it’s free.

You just need to open a Gmail account and you’re good to go.

It comes with limited types of charts and graphs. And this is a problem, especially if you want to create a compelling data narrative.

So you need a tool that provides you with an expansive library of visualization charts to use.

Secondly, Google Sheets grants you limited freedom to highlight the key insights you want your audience to take home. You need unlimited freedom to customize your favorite types of graphs to communicate the specifics.

So what’s the solution?

The solution is not to ditch your Google Sheets app. Supercharge it with an add-on, (which we’ll talk about in a moment).

The tool we recommend to our clients is ChartExpo because it’s amazingly easy to use.

ChartExpo comes as a Google Sheets add-on with a super user-friendly interface (UI) to ensure you don’t have to waste time visualizing complex data.

Types of Charts and Graphs Available in ChartExpo

Like we said earlier, ChartExpo comes pre-loaded with 50-plus different types of graphs and charts.

You can install Google Sheet ChartExpo Add-on from here. Once it is installed you will find this library under the menu of add-on sections.  How to install this add-on? You will find detail later in this blog. But before that let’s have an idea what you will have once you get this library in Google Sheets.

Once you open ChartExpo’s super-friendly user interface (UI), you’ll come across 6 major categories of charts and graphs, as shown.

Types of charts and graphs

Let’s get into the details of the categories above.  Ready? Let’s go.

  • Sankey

Types of charts and graphs

Sankey Charts (also known as Sankey Diagrams) visualize the flow of material, energy, cost, or any measurable resource. These diagrams draw the attention of the reader to the largest flows using different colors.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

As we said, Sankey Charts are among the types of charts and graphs you need to test, if you work with complex data.

  • Sentiment Analysis Charts

Types of charts and graphs

The Sentiment Analysis Charts category is mainly composed of common text classification graphs.

Use these types of charts and graphs to visualize textual data, such as incoming calls and messages for sentimental insights. For instance, you can use these charts to identify whether the market sentiments toward your brand are positive or negative.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

This category is made up of 6 charts.

Let’s check them out.

  • Sentiment Trend Chart
  • TreeMap Sentiment Chart
  • Sentiment Matrix Chart
  • Chord Diagram
  • SM Comparison Chart
  • Sentiment Sparkline Chart
  • Comparative Analysis Chart

Types of charts and graphs

The Comparison Analysis Charts category is made up of 3 main charts, namely:

  • Comparison Sentiment Chart
  • Comparison Non-Sentiment Chart
  • Double Bar Chart
Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Comparative Analysis Charts are amazingly easy to read and interpret, even for non-technical audiences (or readers).

  • Specialized Survey Charts

Types of charts and graphs

As the name suggests, this category primarily deals with survey data. Yes, you read that right. Besides, you’ll never find these chart templates in Google Sheets.

If Google Sheets is your go-to tool when visualizing data: how do you extract insights from surveys?

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Well, if you’ve been using other types of charts and graphs, such as a Donut, you’re doing it wrong. Chances are, you only scratch the surface of your valuable survey data with wrong charts.

Use the following types of graphs to visualize your survey data for in-depth data.

  • Likert Scale Chart
  • CSAT Score Survey (NPS Detail) Chart
  • CSAT Score Chart (NPS Chart)
  • Customer Satisfaction Chart
  • Credit Score Chart
  • Star Rating Chart

General Analysis Chart

The General Analysis Charts category is made of a whopping 31 different types of charts and graphs. Yes, you read that right.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Use these charts to compare the performance of metrics that matter to your business. Let’s check out the complete list of charts in this category.

  • Area Chart
  • Stacked Area Chart
  • Bar Chart Horizontal
  • Bar Chart Vertical
  • Stacked Bar Chart
  • Stacked Column Chart
  • Grouped Bar Chart
  • Grouped Column Chart
  • Line Chart
  • Multi Series Line Chart
  • Crosstab Chart
  • Pie Chart
  • Donut Chart
  • Radar Chart
  • Spider Chart
  • Polar Graph
  • TreeMap
  • USA Map Chart
  • Word Cloud Chart or Text Cloud
  • Partition Chart
  • Area Line Chart
  • Gauge Chart
  • Ordered Squares
  • Sparkline Chart
  • Sunburst Chart
  • Co-occurrence Chart
  • Tornado Chart
  • Dual Axis Grouped Bar Chart
  • Dual Axis Grouped Column Chart
  • Multi-Series Sparkline Chart
  • Dot Chart
  • Funnel Chart
  • Context Diagram

Note: a huge chunk of the types of charts and graphs above are unavailable in Google Sheets. Imagine the insights you miss by choosing the wrong chart due to Google Sheets’ limitations.

Take a second and let that sink in.

  • PPC Charts

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

PPC Charts lets you visually explore trends and patterns in your Google Ads data so you can optimize quickly. Use these charts to optimize your ad campaigns for higher profits and lower cost per click (CPC).

The list of types of charts and graphs in this category is pretty massive.

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

There’re are more than 20 chart templates in this category. ChartExpo has every chart tailored to ensure you optimize your ad campaigns for positive ROIs.

Let’s go through few in the list.

  • Slope Chart
  • Grouped Bar Chart
  • Grouped Column Chart
  • Donut Chart
  • Radar Chart
  • Dual Axis Radar Chart
  • Matrix Chart
  • Dayparting Chart
  • Bid Chart
  • Tag Cloud Chart
  • Progress Chart
  • Performance Bar Chart
  • Vertical Axis Line Chart
  • Radial Bar Chart
  • Pareto Bar Chart
  • Pareto Column Chart
  • Quality Score Chart
  • Scatter Plot
  • Parallel Bar Chart
  • Text Relationship Chart
  • Components Trend Chart
  • IS Graph

So how can you get started with the ChartExpo add-on for Google Sheets?

How to Install ChartExpo Add-on in Google Sheets

There’re 2 methods you can use to install the ChartExpo add-on into your Google Sheets.

Method #:1

  • Start by installing ChartExpo (a cloud-hosted add-on) in your Google Sheets.
  • Visit the Google Workspace Marketplace and enter “ChartExpo” into the search bar.
Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs
  • Click the blue Install bar to continue.
Types of charts and graphs
  • After installing, login to your Google account and give the add-on permissions.

Method #:2

  • Alternatively, download ChartExpo directly from the Google Sheets App.
  • To get started, click the Add-ons tab in the top toolbar, as shown.
Types of charts and graphs
  • Click Get add-ons option in the drop-down menu, as shown.
Types of charts and graphs
  • Search for ChartExpo in the search toolbar. Click the ChartExpo option to install.
Types of charts and graphs
  • Click the blue Install button, as shown above.
  • After installing, login to your Google account and accept the add-on access permissions.
  • To get started with your ChartExpo, open your worksheet and click the Add-ons
  • You’ll see the ‘ChartExpo – Best Data Visualization Tool’ option in the drop-down menu.
Types of charts and graphs
  • Click the Create New Chart button to access 6 different chart categories.
  • Then, click the Specialized Survey Chart category to access multiple types of charts and graphs.
  • You can also access the expansive list of all charts and graphs (50-plus) by clicking the List option, as shown.
Types of charts and graphs

Let’s take a look at an example.

Keep reading to see ChartExpo in action. You don’t want to miss this.

Imagine you want to know the number of medals each country received in the just-concluded Olympics (Japan 2020 Olympics). Assume you have data for analysis.

Let’s use the table below for our scenario.

Countries Medals Period Measures
United States Silver Current 41
United States Gold Current 39
United States Bronze Current 33
China Silver Current 32
China Gold Current 38
China Bronze Current 18
Japan Silver Current 14
Japan Gold Current 27
Japan Bronze Current 17
England Silver Current 21
England Gold Current 22
England Bronze Current 22
Australia Silver Current 7
Australia Gold Current 17
Australia Bronze Current 22
France Silver Current 12
France Gold Current 10
France Bronze Current 11
  • Start by pasting the table in Google Sheets.
Types of charts and graphs
  • Click Add-ons > ChartExpo > Open.
Types of charts and graphs
  • Click the PPC Charts category to access the Matrix Chart.
Types of charts and graphs

(We’ll use a Matrix Chart because we’re dealing with multiple variables, namely, country, period, medals, and measure).

  • Select Sheet Name. Click Add new metric tab and select the column with numerical value: Measures.
  • Click Add new dimension and select column with Countries, Medals, & Period.
  • Click the Create Chart button.

Take a look at the insightful chart below. Do you find it easy to read?

Types of charts and graphs

Visualization Source: ChartExpo

Types of charts and graphsTypes of charts and graphs

Insights

  • The United States has the highest number of medals in all categories (bronze, silver, and gold).
  • France has the fewest medals in the top six table.

FAQs:

What are the 4 types of charts and graphs?

The 4 most popular types of charts and graphs used to visualize data are the Line, Bar, Pie and Cartesian Graphs. This is because these charts are ‘feel and look’ familiar.

Simplicity in communicating insights is one of the significant issues you should always factor in when selecting a chart.

What’s the meaning of a chart?

A chart is a graphical representation of raw data. Essentially, data is represented by symbols, such as bars in a Bar Chart or lines in a Line Chart.

In other words, a chart is a diagram that organizes and represents numerical or qualitative data.

What is the difference between charts and graphs?

There’re many types of charts and graphs you can use for your data stories. However, this does not mean these two words, namely “charts and graphs” are similar.

Charts are used primarily to compare groups of data or discrete categories. Graphs display interrelations or connections of metrics and dimensions using distinctive lines, dots, bars, etc.

Wrap Up

Like we said earlier, the number of types of charts and graphs you can use for your data story is incredibly massive.

You need a tool that provides a broader library of charts to test and select the best one. However, most tools come with a basic library that can barely satisfy your data visualization needs.

Avoid selling your data story short. Use tools that can provide you with a library with multiple types of graphs.

Let’s talk about Google Sheets because it’s one of the popular spreadsheet apps. Visualizing your data in Google Sheets does not have to be time-consuming or constrained by the limited number of charts available.

There’s an add-on that supercharges Google Sheets to produce charts that are easy to read and understand. And this tool is called ChartExpo.

So why do over 15,000-plus professionals love ChartExpo?

  • ChartExpo creates easy to read diagrams for your data story
  • This tool comes loaded with over 50 chart templates, all for just $10 a month.
  • ChartExpo has a complete set of tools (highlighted below) to ensure you have everything under a single view.
  • A graph maker
  • Chart templates
  • Data widget library

Sign up for ChartExpo today to create graphs that are easy to read and interpret.

How much did you enjoy this article?

We will help your ad reach the right person, at the right time

PPC Signal

Your Data. Your Insights.

Actionable insights discovered for you. Now you can do more in less time.

PPCexpo Keyword Planner

Find the Perfect Keyword. Surprise Yourself.

PPCexpo Keyword Planner will help you align your keywords with the customers’ intent.

PPC Audit

Free Google Ads Audit Report.

Frequent audits will help you optimize your PPC campaign for success.

ChartExpo PPC Charts

Picture a Thousand Numbers. See the Big Picture.

Visualizations give you the ability to instantly grasp the insights hidden in your numbers.

PPCexpo PPC Reports

Simple and Easy PPC Reporting. For Everyone.

Experience the new revolution in reporting … click your way to insights, don’t scroll.

Combinations Calculator

Do the Math.

Calculate the number of combinations in your PPC campaign. It may surprise you.

Insightful pay-per-click tips and tricks, delivered to your inbox weekly.

CTR Survey

ppc signal ad
chartexpo ad
ppc audit ad
keyword planner ad
118874

Related articles

next previous
Data Visualization9 min read

Discover 5 Engaging Examples of Rating Scales in Excel

Click to learn 5 engaging examples of Rating Scales. Also, we’ll show you how to analyze Rating Scale data.

Data Visualization8 min read

Top 10 Survey Design Best Practices for Actionable Feedback

Click to learn the top 10 survey design best practices to maximize insights. Also, we’ll show you how to create a survey design.

Data Visualization8 min read

How to Get Customer Feedback: A Quick Guide

Click to learn how to get customer feedback innovatively and faster. Also, we’ll show you how to analyze your customer feedback data.

Data Visualization8 min read

Analyze Survey data with Best NPS Survey Tool in Excel

Discover the best NPS survey tool and learn how to conduct an NPS survey. Click here to learn how to use ChartExpo to visualize your results.

Data Visualization8 min read

How to Analyze NPS Rating Data in Excel?

Learn everything you need to know about NPS rating; how to calculate NPS score and the best tools to analyze NPS survey data.

PPCexpo

  • Home
  • Tools
  • Pricing
  • Contact us
  • PPC Guide
  • Blog
  • Sitemap
  • © 2023 PPCexpo, all rights reserved.

Company

  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy
  • Security
  • Patent

Tools

  • PPC Signal
  • PPCexpo Keyword Planner
  • PPC Audit
  • ChartExpo™ PPC Charts
  • PPCexpo PPC Reports
  • Combinations Calculator

Quick Links

  • PPC Guide
  • PPC Signal Dashboard
  • PPC Reports Templates
  • ChartExpo™ for Google Sheets
  • ChartExpo™ for Microsoft Excel
  • PPCexpo Keyword Planner Google Chrome Extension

Charts

  • CSAT Score Survey Chart
  • Likert Scale Chart
  • Pareto Chart
  • Sankey Diagram

Category

  • PPC
  • SEM
  • SEO
  • SMM
  • Data Visualization
  • Others
Join our group

Benefits

  • Q&A on PPC advertising
  • Get expert advice
  • Great PPC discussions
  • Stay updated with PPC news
  • Quick support on tools
  • Discounts and special offers