A line chart plots a series of data points on a graph and connects them with lines. A line
chart is useful for showing trend lines with subtle differences, or with data lines that cross one
another. You can use a line chart to summarize categorical variables, in which case it is similar to
a bar chart (see Bar charts
). Line charts are also useful for time-series data.
Creating a simple time-series line chart
Copy link to section
In the Chart Type section, click the Line
icon.
The canvas updates to display a line chart template.
Select a date variable as the X-axis variable.
Select a scale variable as the Y-axis variable (the variable whose values
were recorded over time).
Click the Save visualization in the
project control. Select Create a new asset or Append
to existing asset. Provide a Visualization asset name, an optional description, and a
chart name.
Click Apply to save the visualization to
the project. The new visualization asset is now available on the Assets
tab.
Options
Copy link to section
X-axis
Lists variables that are available for the chart's X-axis.
Y-axis
Lists variables that are available for the chart's Y-axis.
Split by
Select a categorical variable that creates a table of charts, with a cell for each category in
the Split by variable. Like grouping, split by variables essentially add more dimensions to your
chart by displaying information for each variable category.
Area
When enabled, the area beneath the line is shown in a different color.
Smooth
When enabled, the chart shows a smooth curve.
Show data points
When enabled, the data point is shown in the chart.
Reorder
The toggle control reorders data based on X and Y-axis values.
Fit line
In a fit line, the data points are fitted to a line that usually does not pass through all of
the data points. The fit line represents the trend of the data. Some fits lines are
regression-based. Others are based on iterative weighted least squares. Select a fit line option
from the drop-down list.
Show reference line
When enabled, the option shows a reference line on the chart that is based
on the specified xAxis and yAxis values.
Enter a reference line value on xAxis
When Show reference line is enabled, this setting
provides the option of specifying a specific reference line value for the X-axis. Click
Add another column to specify more reference line values.
Enter a reference line value on yAxis
When Show reference line is enabled, this setting
provides the option of specifying a specific reference line value for the Y-axis. Click
Add another column to specify more reference line values.
About cookies on this siteOur websites require some cookies to function properly (required). In addition, other cookies may be used with your consent to analyze site usage, improve the user experience and for advertising.For more information, please review your cookie preferences options. By visiting our website, you agree to our processing of information as described in IBM’sprivacy statement. To provide a smooth navigation, your cookie preferences will be shared across the IBM web domains listed here.