Choose the chart from the question

Do not start with the most impressive chart type. Start with what the reader needs to compare, notice, or understand.

Use bars for ranking and comparison

Horizontal bars work well for ranked categories and long labels. Columns work best when a small number of categories have short names.

Use lines for change over time

Line charts show direction, acceleration, and inflection. Keep the number of series low and emphasize the one that supports the lesson.

Use specialized charts deliberately

Dot plots are useful for compact comparisons. Waterfalls explain how gains and losses produce a total. Sankey diagrams show flow between stages. Each becomes harder to read when the data does not match its purpose.

Reduce the dataset before designing

A LinkedIn chart is not a dashboard. Select the rows and series that answer the question, then split additional findings into separate visuals when they deserve their own explanation.