Line charts are a series of data points connected by straight lines, on two axes. Dimensions, such as time, display on the horizontal x-axis, and the dependent data displays on the vertical y-axis. One data set is always dependent on the other data set.

Line charts are especially useful when used as part of a combination chart, as they don't obstruct the view of other data on the chart.

To learn how to add a line chart to a board or worksheet, see Add cards to a board and Add cards to a worksheet.

A line chart showing Actual and Forecast numbers for the revenue for a product called Yellow Gloves within the USA for 2019. Revenue has been performing above forecast most of the year, but has dipped beneath the forecast prior to the last three months of the year, for which no Actuals data exists.

What can I use line charts for?

Line charts display one or more dependent variables against one independent variable, such as time. This enables you to easily see spikes and troughs in a continuous data set. 

Line charts are particularly useful for emphasizing trends, as they clearly show the rate of change over a fixed period of time or other dimension. When included in a combination chart, line charts can show the effect that a trend has on other values.

Use a line chart to answer:

  • What are the fluctuations in X?
  • How does A differ from Y?
  • Is X related to A?
  • How is X affecting Y?
  • Have sales increased over the last financial year?

Considerations

A line chart may not be the best option when:

  • Conveying proportions or quantitative data.
  • There are a large number of categories, as they can become hard to read.
  • Your X-axis dimension doesn't have data over a long time period, as this could give a false impression of ongoing trends.

Alternative chart types

Use a different type of chart if:

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