Bar chart

You can use this chart to compare the values of two or more categories with horizontal or vertical bars.

One chart axis displays the categories, while the other axis shows the value scale.

Usage guidelines

When to use

Questions you can answer with this visualization:

• To visualize how many are in each category.

When not to use

• If you want to visualize time-based data, consider a line chart instead.
• To compare the parts of a single entity, try a histogram or a pie chart.
• If you only have one category, better use a metric chart instead.

Usage recommendations

Use clear language for the chart title and category names.

A large number of categories makes bar labels hard to read.

Consider the top value as well. If you use several bar charts together and they are related, try to keep the top value consistent.

Horizontal bar charts are better suited for longer category labels.

Don't put the bars in random order. Unless there is an inherent category ordering, arrange the categories from longer to shorter bars to make the chart easier to read.

Include value annotations.

Don't use the legend to provide information that it's better communicated through axis labels.

Include value annotations.

In general, keep bar color consistent. But you can use color variations for storytelling, to highlight a specific category or group values above a threshold.

Related components

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