Description

A slope chart looks like a line chart, but unlike the line chart it has only two data points for each line. The change of two data points can be easily identified with those connected lines (slope up means increase, slope down means decrease).

When to Use

Slope chart can be used to show change on a ‘before and after’ story by comparing their values at different points in time. It is a great way to show change or difference when there are only two data points. It works well with both continuous data and categorical data.

Dos

• Keep it simple
• Use consistent colors throughout the chart, using accent colors to highlight meaningful data points
• Use direct labelling instead of a separated legend

Don'ts

• Don’t plot too many series of data, especially if there are bunches of similar values and slopes

Tools available

Other chart types of comparison