What is the Nightingale’s Rose chart?

Also referred to as “polar area chart” or “coxcomb chart,” the Nightingale’s Rose chart is a circular graph that combines elements of a radar chart and a column graph.

In this graph, the proportional areas are plotted in a polar coordinate system, divided into equal segments (with the same angle). Differences between categories and groups are made visually evident through the filled areas of these segments.

The invention of this diagram is attributed to Florence Nightingale—a British nurse and social reformer, who in 1858 developed this chart type to represent the causes of death of British soldiers during the Crimean War graphically. Her rose chart is especially appropriate (but not only) to visualize seasonal/periodic data. Check the examples to get inspired!

Curiosity: Meteorologists use this graph as a tool to visualize the distribution of wind speed and direction on a location. This meteorological chart is called “wind rose” and uses the compass rose as a reference to display the principal winds (cardinal and ordinal directions).

How to make a Nightingale’s Rose chart with Vizzlo?

Follow these easy steps to create your Nightingale’s Rose chart online:

• On the tab “DATA” of the sidebar, click on the button “CATEGORIES” to name them
• Then select a segment on the chart to edit it using the active cards on the sidebar. Alternatively, you can copy and paste your data directly into Vizzlo’s spreadsheet
• Try the options of the “APPEARANCE” tab to customize the look of the chart

Nightingale’s Rose chart maker: key features

• Multiple series
• Custom lines, grid and colors
• Adjustable start angle

Nightingale's Rose Chart: What's new?