PRACTICAL GUIDE
How to choose a chart
Choose a chart from the question your data needs to answer: comparison, trend, relationship, contribution or geography.
Start with the question
Choose the view after deciding what a reader should compare. A table preserves exact values; a chart reveals a pattern. You can use both without forcing every detail into one figure.
Compare categories or show a trend
Use bars for categories and lines for observations in order. Horizontal bars keep long names readable. Lines are useful when the distances between observations have meaning, especially time.
Explore relationships
Use a scatter plot for paired numeric measures. Inspect its shape before computing correlation or fitting a line. A strong association is a starting point for investigation, not evidence of causation.
Explain contributions and flows
Use a waterfall to reconcile opening and closing totals. Use a Sankey to follow quantities across stages. Use a geographic flow map when the locations are part of the question.
Show regional patterns
Use a choropleth for regional values, especially rates or densities. Use proportional symbols for quantities attached to locations. Check unmatched regions, denominators and missing data before interpreting colors.
Check the result at its final size
Review the title, units, legends and source. Ensure labels remain readable on a phone and in the exported figure. Datamon lets you set axis and text sizes independently and inspect narrower canvas layouts.