Microsoft Excel 
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT CHART 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Column, Bar 
 
 
These chart types, either in 2D or 3D, are used to 
compare values across categories. For example, 
they could compare the populations of different 
countries. 
Line, Area 
 
 
Lines in 2D or 3D are useful for showing trends 
such as sales or employment figures. An area 
chart is a line chart with the area below the line 
filled in. 
Surface 
 
The surface chart plots trends in two dimensions. 
You could use this to plot departmental sales 
figures over time. The chart then shows you the 
trends between departments, as well as the sales 
trends over time. 
Pie, Doughnut 
 
If you want to show proportion, such as the sales 
figures from different departments that make up a 
total, then the pie and doughnut charts are for 
you. The only variation between the doughnut 
chart and the pie chart is that the doughnut chart 
can display more than one series of values. 
Stock 
 
The stock chart type has been designed to show 
the stock figures for a day, and the trend over 
time. At its simplest, you can plot the high, low 
and close figures, and at its most complex, the 
volume, open, high, low, and close. It can be 
adapted to show the relationships between any 
five sets of values. 
XY (Scatter) 
 
Scatter diagrams are used to display the 
relationship between two variables. For example, 
you could research the age and price of a series 
of cars, and plot the values you find. You could 
also investigate the height and weight 
relationship of a group of people. 
Radar 
 
A radar diagram is designed to show the change 
in values from a central point. For example, it can 
be used to show mobile telephone coverage, 
including multiple networks and multiple 
measurements. 
 
A chart is far more effective at communicating 
results, outcomes or trends than a table of figures 
displaying the same information. Different chart 
types have been created to  
communicate different types of information. Some 
charts show simple relationships between values, 
while others are designed for quite technical 
purposes. Here is a summary of the use of different 
chart types.