16 Different Visualization Types and How to Use Them


Visualizations help you understand and present data more clearly. In Qlik Sense, there are many types of charts and graphs to use. Here’s a simple guide to some of the most common ones and when to use them.

1. Bar Chart

A bar chart shows bars of different lengths to compare data. Each bar represents a category, and the longer the bar, the higher the value.

Use when: You want to compare things like sales across different regions or products.

2. Box Plot

A box plot shows the range and distribution of data in groups. It uses a box with lines (whiskers) to show how spread out the data is.

Use when: You want to compare data ranges, like exam scores across different classes.

3. Combo Chart

A combo chart uses both bars and lines to show two types of data together, like sums and percentages.

Use when: You need to compare different types of data, such as sales totals and profit percentages over time.

4. Container

A container allows you to show multiple visualizations in the same space. You can switch between them as needed.

Use when: You want to save space and show different charts in one area.

5. Distribution Plot

A distribution plot shows how data points are spread out across a range. It’s good for comparing how values vary within groups.

Use when: You want to see the spread of data, like employee salaries across departments.

6. Gauge

A gauge shows one number, like a speedometer. It’s often used to show progress toward a goal.

Use when: You want to highlight a single performance measure, like sales targets or conversion rates.

7. Histogram

A histogram shows how data is grouped over a range. It divides the data into bins, which are like categories for numbers.

Use when: You want to see how often certain values occur, like the number of sales within different price ranges.

8. KPI

A KPI (Key Performance Indicator) shows one key number, such as total revenue or customer count.

Use when: You want to show an important figure at a glance, like profit or website visitors.

9. Line Chart

A line chart shows data points connected by a line, often used to show trends over time.

Use when: You want to track changes over time, like monthly sales or website traffic.

10. List Box

A list box shows a list of values from your data. It’s mainly used to filter data by letting you pick what to see.

Use when: You want to give users an easy way to filter the data.

11. Pie Chart

A pie chart shows how a whole is divided into parts. Each slice represents a part of the total.

Use when: You want to show percentages or proportions, like how a budget is divided among different departments.

12. Pivot Table

A pivot table organizes data into rows and columns, letting you analyze data from different angles.

Use when: You want to look at multiple data dimensions, like sales by region and product type.

13. Scatter Plot

A scatter plot shows data points plotted across two measures, helping you find relationships between them.

Use when: You want to compare two factors, like sales and customer satisfaction.

14. Table

A table lists data in rows and columns, making it easy to read details.

Use when: You need to show detailed information, like a list of transactions or products.

15. Treemap

A treemap shows data in a series of rectangles. The size of each rectangle represents its value.

Use when: You want to compare values in a hierarchy, like sales by product and sub-product.

16. Waterfall Chart

A waterfall chart shows how an initial value is affected by positive and negative changes, ending with a total.

Use when: You want to explain how a starting value changes over time or through various factors, like profit growth.

Choosing the right type of chart helps you present data clearly. Whether you need to compare values, track trends, or show relationships, there’s a chart for every need in Qlik Sense. Select the right one to make your data easier to understand!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *