What is a line graph?
A line graph connects ordered values to show how a measurement changes. It is especially useful for time series because the slope and direction reveal acceleration, declines, seasonality, and turning points.
How to create a line graph
- Put dates or ordered labels in the first column and measurements in the remaining columns.
- Upload CSV or Excel data, or edit the example table manually.
- Name each series clearly and choose colors that remain distinct.
- Add a specific title and download the graph as PNG or SVG.
Make the trend easy to read
- Keep time intervals consistent. Irregular intervals can make the slope misleading.
- Avoid plotting unrelated measurements on the same scale.
- Use direct labels or a short legend when several lines are present.
- Limit decorative effects that compete with the data.
- If exact category comparison matters more than movement, use a bar chart.
When an area chart is better
An area chart uses the same connected shape but fills the space below the line. Choose it when accumulated magnitude is part of the message. Stay with a simple line chart when precise comparison or overlapping series is more important.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a multi-line graph?
Yes. Add multiple numeric columns to your data and Chart Maker will render each column as a separate line with its own legend entry.
Can I download the line graph?
Yes. You can download a high-resolution PNG or a scalable SVG without signing up.
What data works best in a line graph?
Line graphs work best when the horizontal axis has a meaningful order, especially dates, times, distances, or other continuous measurements.