This topic describes different types of charts provided by Quick BI and typical use cases of these charts.

Chart types and use cases

Different types of data are suited to different types of charts. Currently, Quick BI provides more than 40 types of charts.

The following table describes the chart types supported by workspaces of different editions and the category of these chart types.

Category Quick BI Basic Quick BI Pro Quick BI Enterprise Standard
All charts Indicator Kanban, indicator trend chart, progress bar, gauge, and liquid fill chart Kanban, indicator trend chart, progress bar, gauge, liquid fill chart, and ticker board Kanban, indicator trend chart, progress bar, gauge, liquid fill chart, and ticker board
Table Cross table Cross table Cross table, cross table of new version, and pivot table
Trend Combination chart, line chart, area chart, stacked area chart, and 100% stacked area chart Combination chart, line chart, area chart, stacked area chart, and 100% stacked area chart Combination chart, line chart, area chart, stacked area chart, and 100% stacked area chart
Comparison Vertical bar chart, stacked vertical bar chart, 100% stacked vertical bar chart, horizontal bar chart, stacked horizontal bar chart, and 100% horizontal bar chart Vertical bar chart, stacked vertical bar chart, 100% stacked vertical bar chart, horizontal bar chart, stacked horizontal bar chart, 100% horizontal bar chart, circular bar, ranking board, and waterfall chart Vertical bar chart, stacked vertical bar chart, 100% stacked vertical bar chart, horizontal bar chart, stacked horizontal bar chart, 100% horizontal bar chart, circular bar, ranking board, and waterfall chart
Distribution Pie chart, radar chart, polar area chart, treemap, and word cloud Pie chart, radar chart, polar area chart, treemap, and word cloud Pie chart, radar chart, polar area chart, treemap, and word cloud
Relationship Funnel chart, butterfly chart, scatter chart, facet scatter chart, and flow analysis Funnel chart, butterfly chart, scatter chart, facet scatter chart, flow analysis, sankey diagram, and decomposition tree Funnel chart, butterfly chart, bubble chart, scatter chart, facet scatter chart, flow analysis, sankey diagram, and decomposition tree
Space Filled map and bubble map Filled map and bubble map Filled map, bubble chart, LBS heat map, and LBS flying line map
Time series - Dynamic bar chart and timeline Dynamic bar chart and timeline

Data chart design

Each chart has three tabs: Data, Style, and Advanced. The following figure shows the tabs. Chart design
  • On the Data tab, you can configure the data you want to display in a chart. For more information, see Chart elements.
  • On the Style tab, you can configure the chart layout and specify the chart details.

    Different charts have different style options. Configure your chart style based on your business requirements. For more information, see Configure line chart styles.

  • On the Advanced tab, you can configure the filter interaction feature to dynamically compare and display data.

    For more information, see Drilling, filter interaction, and hyperlink and Metric analysis.

Chart elements

Each chart has different core elements and are suited to different use cases, which distinguish the chart from one another. For example, in a map chart, you must specify the Geo Location element. Otherwise, no data is displayed in the map chart.

The following table describes the chart elements.
Chart Element Chart configuration Use case
Dynamic bar chart Value Axis/Measure, Category/Dimension, and Playback Timeline/Time Dimension
  • You can specify only one measure for Value Axis/Measure.
  • You can specify only one dimension for Category/Dimension.
  • You can specify only one dimension for Playback Timeline/Time Dimension. The dimension must be a date field.
A dynamic bar chart shows the top N data records over a period of time.
Timeline chart Timeline/Time Dimension You can specify only one dimension for Timeline/Time Dimension. The dimension must be a date field. A timeline chart shows events that occur over a period of time.
Line chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be used when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
A line chart shows the overall trend of data at equal intervals.
Area chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be used when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
An area chart is similar to the Line chart. You can use the area chart to show the trend and proportions of data over a period of time.
Stacked area chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
A stacked area chart is similar to the Area chart, but the difference is that the starting points of the datasets in the stacked area chart are different. The starting point of a dataset is determined by the previous dataset, and it shows data changes in respect to time and distribution of multiple categories. A stacked area chart shows a part-to-whole relationship.
100% stacked area chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
A 100% stacked area is an enhancement of the stacked area chart. In the 100% stacked area chart, the dependent variables of each area are accumulated to obtain the grand total.
Vertical bar chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
A vertical bar chart compares data of different categories and visualizes the changes of data over a period of time.
Stacked vertical bar chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
In a stacked vertical bar chart, each bar represents a whole, and the segments in the bar represent different parts or categories of that whole.
100% stacked vertical bar chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
In a 100% stacked vertical bar chart, each segment in a bar shows the percentage of a specific type of data. Each bar represents a whole, and the segments in the bar represent different parts or categories of that whole.
Circular bar Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
A circular bar chart shows the differences between data of different categories and the overall trend of data.
Combination chart Primary Measures, Secondary Measures, Category Axis (Dim.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one measure for Primary Measures and at least one measure for Secondary Measures
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Primary Measures or Secondary Measures has only one measure.
A combination chart provides a dual y-axis and allows you to plot two different types of charts, such as line charts, vertical bar charts, area charts, and charts in stacked and 100% stacked modes.
Horizontal bar chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
A horizontal bar chart is similar to the Vertical bar chart. In a horizontal bar chart, the horizontal bars are used to compare data volumes and show differences between data of different categories.
Stacked horizontal bar chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
A stacked horizontal bar chart splits each data entry and shows the size of each entry of the same type. In the stacked horizontal bar chart, each bar represents a whole, and segments in the bar represent different parts or categories of that whole.
100% stacked horizontal bar chart Category Axis (Dim.), Value Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You must specify at least one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.).
    Note Color Legend (Dim.) can be enabled when Value Axis (Mea.) has only one measure.
In a 100% stacked horizontal bar chart, each segment in a bar is displayed as a percentage instead of an absolute value. Each bar represents a whole, and the segments in the bar represent different parts or categories of that whole.
Pie chart Central Angle (Mea.) and Labels (Dim.)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Labels (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one measure for Central Angle (Mea.).
A pie chart displays the size and proportion of each data category.
Bubble map Geo Location (Dim.), Bubble Size (Mea.), and Bubble Color/Measures
  • You can specify only one dimension for Geo Location (Dim.). The dimension must be geographical information data.
  • You can specify only one measure for Bubble Color/Measures.
  • You can specify one to five measures for Bubble Size (Mea.).
A bubble map displays the size and distribution of data indicators of a country or region.
Filled map Geo Location (Dim.) and Colorscale (Mea.)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Geo Location (Dim.). The dimension must be geographical information data.
  • You can specify one to five measures for Colorscale (Mea.).
A filled map displays data in hues with different saturation levels to show distribution of data across areas.
LBS heat map Geo Location and Heat Intensity (Mea.)
  • You must specify dimensions for Geo Location. The dimensions must be geographical information data.
  • You must specify at least one measure for Heat Intensity (Mea.).
An LBS heat map shows the size and distribution of data by using different shades of location dots.
LBS flying line map Geo Location (From), Geo Location (To), and Routes (Mea.)
  • You must specify dimensions for Geo Location. The dimensions must be geographical information data.
  • You can specify only one measure for Routes (Mea.).
An LBS flying line map uses flying lines to display the relationships between data across two or more locations. The map also shows the size and distribution of data indicators in a country or region.
Cross table Rows and Columns
  • The number of dimensions for Rows is not limited.
  • The number of measures for Columns is not limited.
A cross table shows the aggregate value of a field. The aggregate value can be sum, average, count, maximum, or minimum.
Gauge Pointer Angle (Mea.) You can specify only one measure for Pointer Angle (Mea.). A gauge shows the value range of an indicator.
Radar chart Labels (Dim.) and Length (Mea.) You can configure a radar chart in the following ways:
  • Dimension As Branch Label: Dimension values act as the branch nodes in the radar chart. This mode allows you to check the distribution of measure values.
    • Labels (Dim.): You can specify only one dimension for Labels (Dim.). Dimension values are the branch nodes in the radar chart.
    • Length (Mea.): You can specify 1 to 10 measures for Length (Mea.). Each measure acts as a separate plane in the radar chart.
  • Measure As Branch Label: Measure values act as the branch nodes in the radar chart. This mode allows you to check the distribution of dimension values.
    • Labels (Dim.): You can specify only one dimension for Labels (Dim.). The dimension acts as a separate plane in the radar chart.
    • Length (Mea.): You can specify 1 to 10 measures for Length (Mea.). Measure values are the branch nodes in the radar chart.
A radar chart shows the analysis results in the form of numbers or ratios.
Facet scatter chart Y Axis (Mea.), X Axis (Mea.), and Color Legend (Dim.)
  • You can specify only one measure for Y Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify one to three measures for X Axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Legend (Dim.). The dimension can have up to 1000 values.

    For example, if you add product_type to the Color Legend (Dim.) field, up to 1000 product types are displayed.

A facet scatter chart shows data correlation and distribution.
Scatter chart Y axis (Mea.), X axis (Dim. or Mea.), Category (Dim.), Color (Dim. or Mea.), and Playback Timeline/Time Dimension
  • You can specify only one measure for Y axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one measure or one dimension for X axis (Dim. or Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Category (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one measure or one dimension for Color (Dim. or Mea.).

    Color (Dim. or Mea.) can share the same dimension or measure with Y axis (Mea.), X axis (Dim. or Mea.), or Category (Dim.).

  • You can specify only one dimension for Playback Timeline/Time Dimension. The dimension must be a date field.
    Note Playback Timeline/Time Dimension can be used only when you specify measures for both Y axis (Mea.) and X axis (Dim. or Mea.).
A scatter chart shows the correlation and distribution of data and consists of x-axis and y-axis variables. In the scatter chart, the y-axis variable changes in relation to the x-axis variable. The scatter chart shows the overall trend of your data. You can configure the color dimension and category dimension to visualize data distribution.
Bubble chart Y axis (Mea.), X axis (Dim. or Mea.), Category (Dim.), Color (Dim. or Mea.), Size (Mea.), and Playback Timeline/Time Dimension
  • You can specify only one measure for Y axis (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one measure or one dimension for X axis (Dim. or Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Category (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one measure or one dimension for Color (Dim. or Mea.). Color (Dim. or Mea.) can share the same dimension or measure with X axis (Dim. or Mea.), Y axis (Mea.), or Category (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one measure for Size (Mea.). Size (Mea.) can share the same measure with Y axis (Mea.).

    If you specify a measure for X axis (Dim. or Mea.), you can also specify this measure for Size (Mea.)

  • You can specify only one dimension for Playback Timeline/Time Dimension. The dimension must be a date field.
    Note Playback Timeline/Time Dimension can be used only when you specify measures for both Y axis (Mea.) and X axis (Dim. or Mea.).
A bubble chart visualizes the distribution and aggregation of data based on bubble locations and sizes.
Funnel chart Tier Area (Mea.) and Funnel Layering/Dimension
  • You can specify only one dimension for Funnel Layering/Dimension.
  • You can specify 1 to 10 measures for Tier Area (Mea.).
A funnel chart shows the progress at each stage.
Kanban Metrics (Mea.) and Labels (Dim.)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Labels (Dim.).
  • You can specify 1 to 10 measures for Metrics (Mea.).
A Kanban shows data changes over a period of time.
Treemap chart Color Block Label and Color Block Size
  • You can specify only one dimension for Color Block Label.
  • You can specify only one measure for Color Block Label.
A treemap compares the proportions of indicators of an object.
Polar area chart Central Angle (Mea.) and Labels (Dim.)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Labels (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one measure for Central Angle (Mea.).
A polar area chart compares data of different categories.
Word cloud chart Word Size (Mea.) and Word (Dim.)
  • You can specify only one measure for Word Size (Mea.).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Word (Dim.).
A word cloud chart can be used to generate user portraits and user labels.
Butterfly chart Tier Area (Mea.) and Comparison Metrics (Dim.)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Comparison Metrics (Dim.).
  • You can specify 1 to 10 measures for Tier Area (Mea.).
A butterfly chart compares two types of data based on different indicators. You can use a butterfly chart to analyze processes in complicated business scenarios.
Flow analysis chart Central Node (Dimensions), Node Type (Dimensions), Node Name (Dimensions), and Node Indicator (Measures)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Central Node (Dimensions).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Node Type (Dimensions).
  • You can specify only one dimension for Node Name (Dimensions).
  • You can specify only one measure for Node Indicator (Measures).
A flow analysis chart illustrates the conversion rate of a web page by comparing the source, center, and destination traffic for a web page.
Liquid fill chart Pointer (Mea.) You can specify one to five measures for Pointer (Mea.). A liquid fill chart is similar to the Progress bar, and it shows the proportion of an indicator in relation to the total.
Progress bar Pointer (Mea.) You can specify one to five measures for Pointer (Mea.). A progress bar shows the progress of an indicator.
Pivot table Rows and Values
  • The number of dimensions for Rows is not limited.
  • The number of measures for Values is not limited.
Similar to the cross table, a pivot table shows the aggregate value of a field, including sum, average, count, maximum, and minimum.
Waterfall chart Category Axis (Dim.) and Value Axis (Mea.)
  • You must specify at least one dimension for Category Axis (Dim.).
  • You can specify only one measure for Value Axis (Mea.).
A waterfall chart uses the starting and relative values to visualize data of different periods of time or under the influence of different factors.
Indicator trend chart Indicator (Measures) and Date (Dimensions)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Date (Dimensions).
  • You must specify at least one measure for Indicator (Measures).
An indicator trend chart shows the changes of multiple indicators over a period of time.
Sankey diagram Node Type (Dimensions) and Node Height (Measures)
  • You can specify 2 to 20 dimensions for Node Type (Dimensions).
  • You can specify no more than one measure for Node Height (Measures).
A sankey diagram is a special type of flow chart. You can use a sankey diagram to show the data flow distribution and compare data flow structures.
Ranking board Category (Dimensions) and Indicator (Measures)
  • You can specify only one dimension for Category (Dimensions).
  • You can specify only one measure for Indicator (Measures).
A ranking board shows the top N data.
Ticker board Indicator (Measures) You can specify only one measure for Indicator (Measures). A ticker board monitors or shows the changes of real-time business data.
Decomposition tree chart Analysis Object (Measure) and Decomposition Basis (Dimension)
  • You can specify one to five dimensions for Decomposition Basis (Dimension).
  • You can specify only one measure for Analysis Object (Measure).
A decomposition tree can be used to split dimensions and measures. You can check the contribution of each member in a group by splitting dimensions. You can also check the performance of each type of data by splitting a measure into one or more groups.