Chart types

In Survalyzer NG, the following chart types can be used for analysis purposes:

Pie chart

It is a chart in the shape of a circle. This type is used to represent a distribution of certain data in a simple way. For this purpose, the circle is divided into sectors, whereby the size of a sector represents the quantity of a certain data item. The sectors of a pie chart are basically the different answer options that are provided for a question. For each answer option, the percentage of the total AND the number of times (in brackets) that a respondent selected that answer option are indicated.

  • The total of the percentages of all sectors is 100.
  • The Mathematics answer option, belonging to the blue segment, was selected by 3 out of a total of 21 respondents. This amounts to a percentage of 14%.
  • The German answer option, belonging to the green segment, was selected by 2 out of a total of 21 respondents. This amounts to a percentage of 10%, etc.

Column chart

This type of chart consists of vertical bars. Each vertical bar in the chart represents one of the answer options from the selected survey question. The value axis on the left represents the quantity percentage. This type is used to show the changes in the data over a period of time.

  • The total of the percentages of all vertical bars is 100.
  • The Mathematics answer option, belonging to the first vertical bar (from left to right) was selected by 3 out of a total of 21 respondents. This amounts to a percentage of 14%.
  • The German answer option, belonging to the second vertical bar (from left to right) was selected by 2 out of a total of 21 respondents. This amounts to a percentage of 10%, etc.

Stacked column chart

This type of chart is very useful for showing how different sub-groups contribute to the total value of a category. The total height of the column represents the sum of all its parts, allowing you to compare both the whole and its individual segments at once.

Horizontal bar chart

This type of chart consists of horizontal bars. Each horizontal bar in the chart represents one of the answer options from the selected survey question. The value axis at the bottom of the chart represents the quantity percentage (max. 100) of the answer options. This type is used to show the changes in the data over a period of time. This type of chart gives a good indication, when the survey question include many answer options.

  • The total of the percentages of all horizontal bars is 100.
  • The Mathematics answer option, belonging to the first horizontal bar (from top to bottom) was selected by 3 out of a total of 21 respondents. This amounts to a percentage of 14%.
  • The German answer option, belonging to the second horizontal bar (from top to bottom) was selected by 2 out of a total of 21 respondents. This amounts to a percentage of 10%, etc.

Stacked bar chart

This type of chart is very useful for comparing the proportional share of each answer option in the overall number of answer options of the corresponding survey question. The total of all proportional shares is always 100%.

Spider chart

This web-shaped chart can be used for the analysis of multiple response and matrix questions. It displays for each answer option (e.g. Joy) a percentage (how many times out of the total an answer option was selected) and an absolute value (number of times an answer option was selected by a participant). The values are plotted on scales radiating from a centre; these are connected to each other. The rays are equally distributed over the 360° of a circle; the order of these rays is irrelevant.

Below this chart, the answer options including the absolute totals and percentages are indicated in a table.

  • The answer option Joy was selected by 5 out of a total of 12 respondents. This represents a percentage of 42%.
  • The answer option Tension was selected by 3 out of a total of 12 respondents. This amounts to a percentage of 25%, etc.

Adjustments to improve readability [Dashboard]

Sometimes, depending on the length of words and category labels these labels can be cut due to limited space.

Therefore it might be needed to adjust the following settings:

  • Length of labels (shorter, descriptive labels reduce problems with labels)
    • If possible try to use only one word
  • Increase the margins on all sides where labels are cut.
    • the increased margins give the label more space before they are cut

These adjustments must be made according to the position you use the chart in. On mobile devices that chart type might not be suitable for longer category labels.

Gauge chart*

This chart shows a single value on a scale from a minimum to a maximum. It uses custom color ranges to visualize performance across different KPIs. For example, you can set the bar to turn green when a specific KPI target is met.

Solid gauge chart

This dial chart is mainly used in NPS questions. This chart visualises a value, based on a min and a max value. For a value of 22 (as in the screenshot) AND a gauge with a min of -100 and a max of +100, the gauge is filling up at 61% (50 + (22 / 2)). The value is determined by subtracting the percentage stated for the detractors from the percentage for the promoters, i.e. 48 – 26 = 22. The higher the value, the greater the number of positive ratings.

The horizontal bar below the chart shows the result of the company, product or service to be assessed from the NPS question. This involves the use of traffic light colours:

  • Red: These are the respondents who are considered to be detractors. They rate the company, product or service from the question with a score of 0 to 6. In short, the rating is negative.
  • Orange: These are the respondents who are considered to be neutrals. They rate the company, product or service from the question with a score of 7 or 8. In short, the rating is neither positive nor negative.
  • Green: These are the respondents who are considered to be promoters. They rate the company, product or service from the question with a score of 9 or 10. In short, the rating is positive.

Area chart*

An area chart is based on a line chart, but the space between the line and the horizontal axis is filled with color. This type is used to visualize trends over time and emphasizes the volume or magnitude of the data. It makes it easy to see the overall “weight” of the changes.

  • The top line of the colored area represents the data values.
  • It is often used to show cumulative totals over time, such as the total number of new subscribers gained each month.

Tree map*

A tree map shows data using nested rectangles. The size of each rectangle shows its value compared to the total. This chart is great for showing how parts make up a whole or comparing many categories at once in a small space.

  • Larger rectangles represent higher values or more frequent answers.
  • You can also use colors to show extra information, like growth or performance.

Google maps chart*

The Google Maps Chart visualizes location-based survey data as a heatmap, where color intensity reflects the density of responses. Based on the geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) selected by respondents, darker colors indicate a higher concentration of markers, while lighter shades represent areas with fewer responses.

Word cloud

This graph visualises the concepts entered by the participants in the corresponding open question. Concepts entered more frequently in a survey, are displayed in a larger size in a word cloud. When you hover the mouse pointer over a particular concept in the word cloud, the number of times it was entered by a participant in the survey will be displayed. Below the word cloud you will find a table that lists all the concepts entered by participants in chronological order of entry.

By default, the first colour from the selected colour scheme is used to display concepts.

* These charts are currently available only in Dashboard builder and require an Expert user account with the Dashboard Extension.

Updated on October 7, 2026
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