What is a time series graph?

A time series graph (also referred as time series plot) is a line graph used to visualize patterns and behaviors of one or more activities/elements (e.g., currency values, stock prices, ocean tides, temperature, etc.) over time.

One or more time series—sets of data points indexed in temporal/historical order—are plotted together along a chronologic x-axis, allowing the observation of shared or dissonant trends and patterns. Hence, also enabling the comparison of the performance of the different datasets.

A time series graph uses continuous data (rather than fixed categories, as in a bar chart) making it possible to create trend lines that give you an instant impression of the direction of change. Comparisons of performance of the different datasets are then simple to make.

Best uses for the time series graph

• Financial charts
• Historical visualization
• Scientific data like temperatures, tides and other sets across time periods

How to create a time series graph with Vizzlo?

Easily create a highly customizable and precise time series graph. Follow these steps:

• On the tab “DATA” of the sidebar, click on the button “SERIES” to name your time series. If necessary, add new rows
• Use the spreadsheet to enter your data quickly. But, before pasting your data into Vizzlo’s spreadsheet, make sure that date and number formats match your data source. Click on the “wheel” icons of the columns to set the number formatting
• Play with the customization settings of the tab “APPEARANCE.” Click on the X-axis and Y-axis options to set the intervals, define the scale and choose how to display of tick marks and labels
• Click on “EDIT SINGLE GRIDLINES” to manually choose which Y-axis labels and gridlines you want to display

Time series graph: pro tips

• If you would like to figure out trends over a category or value x-axis, try the other Vizzlo line and area graphs

Time series graph maker: key features

• Multiple series
• Adjustable per-series granularity
• Custom styles: lines, filled areas and bars
• Optional stacked and 100% stacked areas
• Straight line segments or smoothly interpolated curves
• Adjustable axes and ranges
• Linear and logarithmic scales
• Optional right y-axis
• Custom gridlines
• Custom labels and tick marks
• Custom date and number formats
• Optional labeling of closing/end values
• Custom colors and fonts
• Custom shades
• Analysis lines: growth rates, reference lines, trendlines, and benchmarks

Resources

• Line, area and time-series graphs. Choose the best visualization type for your data