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189 LearnersLast updated on September 9, 2025
Line Chart
The line chart is the visual representation of the data in the form of points connected in a straight line. A line chart can be either straight or curved. In this topic, we will learn about line charts, their types, how to create them, their advantages and disadvantages, and so on.
What is a Line Chart?
There are different types of charts to represent data, including a line chart, also known as a line plot, curve chart, or line graph. A line chart represents data by connecting data points using a line. The line chart is used to represent quantitative data between two variables.
The line can be either straight or curved. Line charts are used to represent trends, changes, and relationships in data over time. When you observe a line chart, you can see two axes: horizontal and vertical axis. The horizontal line is the x-axis, and the vertical line is the y-axis.
A line chart consists of different parts, such as titles, labels, scales, points, and lines. The title of the line chart tells about what information the graph gathers. Labels represent the data on both the x-axis and y-axis. Both axes have different scales to mention how much or how many is the scale.
What are the Types of Line Charts
There are different types of line charts based on the analytical needs. So, the types of line charts are:
- Simple Line Chart
- Multiple Line Chart
- Compound Line Chart
Simple Line Chart:
A simple line chart is the basic line chart used to represent data. It is used to show the relationship between two variables over time.
Multiple Line Chart:
In multiple line charts, there are several lines to represent data. It is mainly used to represent the data of two or more variables, where the data point varies based on the period. It is mainly used to compare the data.
Compound Line Chart:
It is used to represent data that are subdivided into different types, as it cannot be expressed in a simple line chart. It is used to analyze data that combines multiple factors affecting a single outcome.
How to create a Line Graph
To analyze the data using visual representation, we use a line graph. Now, let’s learn how to create a line graph. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Collecting and arranging the data
The data is collected and arranged in a table based on the category and frequency. In the line graph, the x-axis represents the categories and the y-axis represents the frequency.
Step 2: Labelling the graph
Now give the title and then label the axis, the title helps the readers to understand what the graphs represent. It can be a monthly sales graph, temperature variation graph, and so on, based on the data it represents. Now label both axes and mention what the axis represents.
Step 3: Marking the data point
Now, based on the table, mark the points, that is where the category meets the frequencies. Do it for all the categories.
Step 4: Connecting the data points
After marking the data points, connect them using a straight line.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Line Chart
As we learned a lot about line graphs, now, let’s see the advantages and disadvantages of line graphs.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Used for quick data analysis | Line charts are not suitable for representing very large data ranges. |
| It is used to understand the change over a period easily | Sometimes, it can be confusing as it has too many lines. |
| The lines can be both straight and curved, so it can represent both the growth and decline | A line graph cannot represent both a straight and curved line |
Real-life Applications of Line Chart
In real life, we use line graphs in different fields. Now let’s learn a few real life applications of line charts.
- In finance, we use line charts to analyze the stock price, company revenue over a period, market trends, and many more.
- To monitor a patient's vital signs, we use line graphs in health sectors.
- In business, line graphs are used to analyze the sales trends, website traffic, and many more.
- To track weight loss or exercise performance over time, we use line charts in personal fitness.
Common Mistakes and How Them in Line Chart
When learning about charts, students tend to be confused. Students often make mistakes while creating line charts. Let’s learn about a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Forgetting to label axes
When students don't label the axes of the graph it makes the readers confused. So, students must label the x-axis with the category and the y-axis with the frequency.
Mistake 2
Unequal spacing on axes
Uneven spacing on the axes can lead to errors as it can mislead the readers. So the spacing should be the same in the x-axis should have equal spacing, and the y-axis should be in equal intervals.
Mistake 3
Not mentioning the title
When working on a chart or a graph, it is important to mention the title, because without a title, people won't be able to know what this graph is about. So it is essential to add what the graph is about in the title.
Mistake 4
Incorrectly plotting points
When adding the points (data points), students place the data points in the wrong place. So to avoid this, students should recheck the data points and verify that they are correctly marked carefully.
Mistake 5
Using the same colors for multiple lines
When working on a line graph with two or more lines, students tend to use some colors that is wrong. So when students want to mark more than two lines in a graph, students should use different colors.
Solved Examples on Line Chart
Problem 1
The temperature in a city was recorded at different times of the day as follows: 6 AM: 15°C 9 AM: 18°C 12 PM: 24°C 3 PM: 28°C 6 PM: 22°C 9 PM: 18°C Draw a line chart to represent the temperature variations throughout the day.
NA
Explanation
The graph is of the temperature variation throughout the day
The x-axis represents the time in hours
The y-axis represents the temperature in °C
Problem 2
A store recorded the following monthly sales (in $1000s): January: 25 February: 30 March: 45 April: 40 May: 50 June: 60 Draw a line chart to show the trend of sales.
NA
Explanation
The graph is of the monthly sale
The x-axis represents the months
The y-axis represents the sales in $1000s
Problem 3
student’s math test scores out of 100 in five consecutive tests were: Test 1: 65 Test 2: 72 Test 3: 78 Test 4: 74 Test 5: 80 Draw a line chart to represent the student’s performance.
NA
Explanation
The graph is of the student's math test scores
The x-axis represents test numbers
The y-axis represents the marks
Problem 4
The population of a small town was recorded over five years as follows: 2018: 5000 2019: 5200 2020: 5400 2021: 5700 2022: 6000 Draw a line chart to show the population growth
NA
Explanation
The graph is of the population growth over the years
The x-axis represents the years
The y-axis represents the population
Problem 5
The water consumption (in liters) of a household over five days was recorded as follows: Monday: 150 liters Tuesday: 160 liters Wednesday: 140 liters Thursday: 155 liters Friday: 165 liters Draw a line chart to illustrate the trend.
NA
Explanation
The graph is of the water consumption in a household
The x-axis represents the days
The y-axis represents the water consumption
FAQs on Line Chart
1.What is a line chart?
2.What are the main components of a line chart?
3.What is the difference between a line chart and a bar chart?
4.Can a line chart have multiple lines?
5.What are some real-life examples of line charts?
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Jaipreet Kour Wazir
About the Author
Jaipreet Kour Wazir is a data wizard with over 5 years of expertise in simplifying complex data concepts. From crunching numbers to crafting insightful visualizations, she turns raw data into compelling stories. Her journey from analytics to education ref
Fun Fact
: She compares datasets to puzzle games—the more you play with them, the clearer the picture becomes!
