Line Chart
A line chart is a fundamental data visualization that displays data points connected by straight line segments, primarily used to show trends, patterns, and relationships over a continuous interval like time. The chart plots data points on a coordinate system where typically the x-axis represents the independent variable (often time) and the y-axis represents the dependent variable, with points connected in sequence to form a continuous line. Line charts excel at showing rate of change, direction, and patterns in continuous data.
Definition
A line chart is a fundamental data visualization that displays data points connected by straight line segments, primarily used to show trends, patterns, and relationships over a continuous interval like time. The chart plots data points on a coordinate system where typically the x-axis represents the independent variable (often time) and the y-axis represents the dependent variable, with points connected in sequence to form a continuous line. Line charts excel at showing rate of change, direction, and patterns in continuous data.
Examples
Monthly revenue performance against target, showing both actual results and goals over a six-month period with clear trend visualization
Chart Visualization
This example includes an interactive chart visualization with 6 data points.
Chart type: line
Daily temperature and humidity fluctuations showing inverse relationship between the two metrics throughout the day
Chart Visualization
This example includes an interactive chart visualization with 7 data points.
Chart type: line
Usage
Best Used For
- Visualizing trends and patterns over continuous intervals like time
- Comparing multiple data series and their relative performance
- Showing rate of change, acceleration, and direction of trends
- Identifying correlations, seasonality, and cyclical patterns
- Forecasting and predictive analysis with trend lines
- Tracking KPIs and metrics that change continuously
Data Requirements
[Object]
Limitations
Important Considerations
- ⚠Can become cluttered and difficult to interpret with too many lines (>5-7)
- ⚠May obscure individual data points and their exact values
- ⚠Less effective for categorical comparisons than bar charts
- ⚠Can be misleading with improper axis scaling or truncation
- ⚠Not ideal for showing composition or part-to-whole relationships
Best Used For
- Visualizing trends and patterns over continuous intervals like time
- Comparing multiple data series and their relative performance
- Showing rate of change, acceleration, and direction of trends
- Identifying correlations, seasonality, and cyclical patterns
- Forecasting and predictive analysis with trend lines
- Tracking KPIs and metrics that change continuously
