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Best Practices

While many charts technically work (the best kind of "work") for a given dataset, that doesn't mean all charts are a good fit.

Bar and Column Charts: Compare categories
Line Charts: Show change over time
Pie and Donut Charts: Show proportions and percentages
Maps: Visualize location-based data
Tables: Display precise values when needed

Don't worry, we'll cover pie, donut, map, and table charts later.

Here are some of my rules of thumb for choosing the right chart and organizing them into useful reports.

1. Simplicity

Use only the visuals you need to tell the story.
Avoid unnecessary effects like 3D charts or shadows (looking at you, WordArt).
Don't overload a single page with too many visuals – use multiple tabs if needed.
Focus on one key message per chart.
If your audience can't understand the chart in 10 seconds, it's probably too complicated.

2. Consistency

Keep font sizes, titles, and layouts uniform.
Use the same capitalization and terminology across charts.
Use consistent data formatting (e.g., all percentages or all currency).
Don't mix unrelated chart types on the same report page.

3. Readability

Ensure there's enough contrast between text and background.
Avoid overlapping labels or tiny fonts.
Keep spacing clean and even.