Chart guide
How to Avoid Misleading Charts
Review scales, proportions, labels, and context before publishing.
- Explain truncated axes.
- Avoid 3D area distortion.
- Do not use color as the only encoding.
- Add notes when data is filtered.
Decision use
What this guide helps you decide
Review scales, proportions, labels, and context before publishing. Use it before choosing a chart type, writing a title, checking accessibility, or exporting a chart for a report.
Apply the idea
- Explain truncated axes.
- Avoid 3D area distortion.
- Do not use color as the only encoding.
- Add notes when data is filtered.
Check before publishing
- Confirm the chart matches the reader task.
- Add units, source, and period when needed.
- Use a working tool to test the recommendation.
Common limit
- This guide explains a decision pattern, not a full data analysis workflow.
- Use the linked tools when you need preview, audit, or export.