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Chart types in a paginated report (Report Builder)

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Applies to: ✅ Microsoft Report Builder (SSRS) ✅ Power BI Report Builder ✅ Report Designer in SQL Server Data Tools

It is important to choose an appropriate chart type for the type of data that you are presenting in a paginated report. This will determine how well the data can be interpreted when put in chart form. For example, if your dataset contains a lot of data points relative to the size of the chart, it may be better presented using an area, line, or scatter chart. For discussion on how to prepare your data depending on the chart type selected, see Charts (Report Builder and SSRS).

Note

You can create and modify paginated report definition (.rdl) files in Microsoft Report Builder, Power BI Report Builder, and in Report Designer in SQL Server Data Tools.

Choosing a Chart Type

Each chart type has unique characteristics to help you visualize your dataset. You can use any chart type to display your data, but your data will be easier to read when you use a chart type that is suitable to your data, based on what you are trying to show in your report. The following table summarizes chart features that affect the suitability of a chart to your particular dataset.

You can change the chart type after you have created it. For more information, see Change a Chart Type (Report Builder and SSRS).

Examples of many of these types of charts are available as sample reports. For more information about downloading sample reports, see Report Builder and Report Designer sample reports.

Chart type Display ratio data Display stock data Display linear data Display multi-value data
Area Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available
Bar Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available
Data Bars Available
Column Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available
Line Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available
Pie Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available
Polar Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available
Range Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available Available
Scatter Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available Available
Shape Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available
Sparklines Available Available Available Available
Stock Charts (Report Builder and SSRS) Available Available

Next steps

Charts
Empty and Null Data Points in Charts
Add a Chart to a Report

More questions? Try asking the Reporting Services forum