Forum Discussion
What is the difference between Log and Linear when using a line chart
Hi emma313823,
From these two images, you can see the slope of lines are decided by the Y-axis scale. If you have data that is logarithmically proportional, you can consider using a log scale. This helps improve the appearance of the chart by making your data more manageable. For example, the field has data like this: 9, 102, 995, 1000. If not, it's better to use linear scale.
Best Regards,
Qiuyun Yu
Hi emma313823,
In addition to BhaveshPatel's suggestion, you can also take a look at this article: When Should I Use Logarithmic Scales in my Charts and Graphs?.
Best Regards,
Qiuyun Yu
Thanks for this info...I'm still having difficulty understanding which one to use. I have a dramatic difference in log to linear in this chart. I've attached the chart in question. Perhaps it is a scaling issue, which I'm having a great deal of trouble figuring out with the Y axis. I'd like to set the bottom number at $250K and the top seems ok at $400K, but I can't figure out how I'm supposed to enter my numbers in order to achieve the correct scaled look. We are using an outsourced web-service to do dashboards and they have indicated they are using a logarithmic option, which seems more in line with our forecast - being down against the forecasted numbers. The gaps in the linear chart seem to really skew the visual.
Emma
Hi emma313823,
From these two images, you can see the slope of lines are decided by the Y-axis scale. If you have data that is logarithmically proportional, you can consider using a log scale. This helps improve the appearance of the chart by making your data more manageable. For example, the field has data like this: 9, 102, 995, 1000. If not, it's better to use linear scale.
Best Regards,
Qiuyun Yu
