Dot charts display the values of your data as a series of colored dots on two axes. Dimensions, such as time, display on the horizontal x-axis, and the dependent data displays on the vertical y-axis.

Dot charts show the exact values for your data points. Dot charts can be very effective as part of a combination chart.

To learn how to add a dot chart to a board or worksheet, see how to configure a chart card.

A dot chart displays year-over-year general and administrative expense performance

On a dot chart, data points are illustrated using different colors to make it easier to distinguish between different data categories.

Dot charts show pinpoint values for your data against a dimension, such as time. Use them when you want to place emphasis on the exact values of your data rather than its comparative size.

Dot charts enable you to compare a large number of data series, where other chart types are liable to become visually overcrowded. 

Dot charts work well as part of a combination chart. You can overlay a dot chart over another type of chart to highlight a target or benchmark, without the need to hide data.

Use a dot chart to answer:

  • What are the exact values of my data for different time periods?
  • How have sales differed across different locations and demographics?
  • Which product performed the best each month?

A dot chart may not be the best option when:

  • data points are close in value, as dots can overlap and be hard to read, unlike other charts.
  • visualizing total quantities or proportions.

Use a different type of chart if:

To learn about other types of chart, see Chart types in detail on the Charts page.