Gauge charts are a common way to visualize goal and target data. They are often used to show progress or performance but can also be used to show other information. You may still be wondering, “what is a gauge chart?” Keep reading to learn more about these useful charts and how to use them.
What is a gauge chart?
A gauge chart, also known as a speedometer chart, is a graphical representation of data that changes over time. The x-axis represents time (usually in minutes), and the y-axis represents some quantity that is changing (i.e., speed, temperature, etc.). Gauge charts are used to visualize how a value changes over time quickly. They are often used in dashboards and other real-time reporting applications. For example, many businesses use gauge charts to display the company’s sales completed versus their sales target.
What are the advantages of a gauge chart?
When it comes to gauging success, there is no better visual representation than a gauge chart. Gauge charts, also known as speedometers, are used to indicate the current value or status of a particular measure or goal. They come in a few different varieties, but all gauge charts have one thing in common: they are incredibly efficient visual aids for getting a quick overview of how well you are doing. Some of the advantages of gauge charts include:
- Easy to read: The bright colors and simple design make it easy to see the current status at a glance.
- Can be customized to fit your needs: You can choose the colors, size, and shape of your gauge chart to make it fit your data.
- Versatile: Gauge charts can be used to track anything from website traffic to product sales to employee performance.
- Interactive: You can use gauge charts to create clickable buttons that open up more detailed information.
- Visually appealing: Gauge charts are a great way to add some excitement to your data presentation.
What are the drawbacks of a gauge chart?
A few drawbacks of gauge charts should be considered when using them in data visualization. First, gauge charts can be difficult to read and inaccessible if they are not properly formatted. In particular, the scale on the gauge chart should be clearly labeled and easy to understand. If the scale is not labeled or is too small, it can be difficult to determine the values represented by the gauge chart. Gauge charts can be misleading if the data is not properly formatted. For example, if the data on the gauge chart is not evenly distributed, it can be difficult to interpret the data accurately. Gauge charts can sometimes be too simple for certain types of data. It’s best to use these charts to display anything with a goal or target in mind.
What are the best practices for using gauge charts?
Gauge charts are often used in business to track things like sales goals, manufacturing quotas, or other key performance indicators. You’ll want to use gauge charts to monitor progress towards specific goals—gauges should not be used as a general status indicator. For example, showing overall company revenue rather than progress towards a specific goal like increasing sales by 10 percent.
Also, make sure the scale on the gauge is appropriate for the data you are displaying. If your data ranges from 0-100, don’t use a gauge with a range of 0-200. This will just make the gauge harder to read and won’t provide any additional information. Be consistent with your units of measurement. Whether you’re measuring dollars, percentages, or some other unit, make sure all of your gauges use the same units so that it’s easy to compare them side-by-side. Be sure to label your gauges clearly so that viewers know what they’re looking at. Including titles or captions can help clarify which gauge corresponds to which metric.
A gauge chart is important because it provides a snapshot of a process’s performance at a specific time. This information can be used to decide whether a process, goal, or target needs to be adjusted.