sparklines
Word-sized data charts
Sparklines are tiny, word-sized charts embedded within text or tables to show trends at a glance.
Typically appearing as a small line graph or bar chart in a spreadsheet cell, they convey patterns—rising, falling, fluctuating—without the overhead of a full-sized chart: Each row shows quarterly revenue with a sparkline showing the trend.
The term was coined by data visualization expert Edward Tufte.
Data shown visually
- graphVisual data display
- infographicVisual data presentation
- trendlineStatistical direction indicator
- plotStoryline or land parcel
dashboard · Excel · Google Sheets · axis · stroke · column · bar · bullet
Toward a higher position
- downwardToward a lower position
- growthIncrease in size
- declineDecrease or refuse
- momentumProduct of mass, velocity
surge · plunge · recovery · volatility · peak · trough · fluctuation · uptick
Reduced preview image
- inlineArranged in sequence
- miniatureReduced-scale representation
- embeddedSet firmly within something
- tinyExtremely small in size
condensed · micro · bite-sized · glanceable · unobtrusive · integrated · dense · succinct
Standards for assessment
- KPIMeasurable performance target
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- salesRevenue from goods moved
- valuesPrinciples held worthwhile
measurements · statistics · quantitative · performance · analytics · indicators · numbers · figures
chart
Data shown visually
- graphVisual data display
- infographicVisual data presentation
- trendlineStatistical direction indicator
plot · dashboard · Excel · Google Sheets · axis · stroke · column · bar · bullet · bandwidth
upward
Toward a higher position
momentum · surge · plunge · recovery · volatility · peak · trough · fluctuation · uptick · downtick
thumbnail
Reduced preview image
tiny · condensed · micro · bite-sized · glanceable · unobtrusive · integrated · dense · succinct · streamlined
metrics
Standards for assessment
- KPIMeasurable performance target
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- salesRevenue from goods moved
values · measurements · statistics · quantitative · performance · analytics · indicators · numbers · figures · tracking
- sparkling waterCarbonated, unflavored drink
- sparkling wineCarbonated fermented grape beverage
- sparkling ciderCarbonated apple juice