Visualization Types in Power BI
Below are just some of the many different types of visualizations that can be added to Power BI reports, specified in Q&A, and pinned to dashboards.
Area charts: Basic (Layered) and Stacked
The Basic Area chart is based on the line chart with the area between the axis and line filled in.
Bar and column charts
Bar charts are the standard for looking at a specific value across different categories.
Cards: Multi row
Cards: Single number
Donut charts
Donut charts are similar to pie charts. They show the relationship of parts to a whole.
Gauge charts
Displays current status in the context of a goal.
KPIs
Displays progress toward a measurable goal.
Line charts
Emphasize the overall shape of an entire series of values, usually over time.
Maps: Basic maps
Used to associate both categorical and quantitative information with spatial locations.
Matrix
A table supports two dimensions, but a matrix makes it easier to display data meaningfully across multiple dimensions -- it supports a stepped layout. The matrix automatically aggregates the data and enables drill down.
Pie charts
Pie charts show the relationship of parts to a whole.
Q&A visual
The Q&A visual lets you ask questions about your data using natural language.
Tables
Work well with quantitative comparisons among items where there are many categories.
Treemaps
Are charts of colored rectangles, with size representing value. They can be hierarchical, with rectangles nested within the main rectangles.
Waterfall charts
Waterfall charts show a running total as values are added or subtracted.
These are some of the out-of-the-box Power BI visuals available from the visualization pane in Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service. However, sometimes you need a more custom visual and these can be found in AppSource for Power BI.
