Sparkline
A sparkline is a small, high-density line chart designed to be embedded within text, tables, or dashboards, showing trends and patterns at a glance without the formal elements of conventional charts like axes or coordinates. These minimalist visualizations, popularized by Edward Tufte, are ideal for displaying variation in measurements over time in a compact, information-rich format that can be read in context with surrounding data or text.
Definition
A sparkline is a small, high-density line chart designed to be embedded within text, tables, or dashboards, showing trends and patterns at a glance without the formal elements of conventional charts like axes or coordinates. These minimalist visualizations, popularized by Edward Tufte, are ideal for displaying variation in measurements over time in a compact, information-rich format that can be read in context with surrounding data or text.
Examples
Inline trend visualization showing fluctuating values over eight time periods, designed for embedding alongside tabular data
Chart Visualization
This example includes an interactive chart visualization with 8 data points.
Chart type: sparkline
Usage
Best Used For
- Showing trends within text, tables, or dashboard elements
- Quick visual summaries of data patterns where space is limited
- Dashboard key performance indicators with historical context
- Comparative analysis of multiple metrics in small spaces
- Providing trend context alongside current values
- Dense information displays requiring many trend visualizations
Data Requirements
[Object]
Limitations
Important Considerations
- ⚠Cannot show precise values or scales without additional elements
- ⚠Limited context without axes or reference points
- ⚠May be too small for complex patterns or detailed analysis
- ⚠Not suitable for primary analysis or when exact values matter
- ⚠Can be difficult to interpret without surrounding context
Best Used For
- Showing trends within text, tables, or dashboard elements
- Quick visual summaries of data patterns where space is limited
- Dashboard key performance indicators with historical context
- Comparative analysis of multiple metrics in small spaces
- Providing trend context alongside current values
- Dense information displays requiring many trend visualizations
