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200 LearnersLast updated on October 7, 2025
Line Chart
A line chart is a visual representation of data in the form of points connected together. 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. It is 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. 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 us about what information the graph gathers. Labels represent the data on both the x-axis and y-axis. Each axis has its own scale that shows the range and units of measurement used in the chart.
What are the Types of Line Charts?
There are different types of line charts based on the analytical needs. The different types are mentioned below:
- Simple Line Chart
- Multiple Line Chart
- Compound Line Chart
Simple Line Chart
This 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: Labeling the graph
Now, give the title and then label the axis; the title helps the readers 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 the axes and mention what they represent.
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?
We have already learned a lot about line graphs. Now, let’s look at their advantages and disadvantages.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Used for quick data analysis | Line charts are not suitable for representing very large data ranges |
| It is used to easily understand the change over a period | 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 chart is not ideal for non-continuous data |
Real-Life Applications of Line Chart
In real life, we use line charts 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 to Avoid Them in Line Chart
When learning about line charts, students tend to be confused and often make mistakes. 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, 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 tend to put them in the wrong place. So to avoid this, students should recheck the data points and verify if they are correctly marked.
Mistake 5
Using the same colors for multiple lines
When working on a line graph with two or more lines, students tend to use the same colors, which is wrong. So when students want to mark more than two lines in a graph, they should use different colors.
Solved Examples of 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 shows 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
A 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 shows 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!
