Bar Chart Styles

Bars charts are a classic. They make it easy to see differences and trends at a glance, as universally, people are pretty good at interpreting bigger and smaller blocks on an axis. Bars provide a simple way to communicate data, whether placed vertically, horizontally, or stacked upon each other. Let’s look at the different styles available in Brilliant Assessments in more detail →

Choose from seven different bar chart styles.

In Brilliant Assessments, you can choose from seven different bar-style charts to deliver your feedback.

Vertical Bar Charts

Horizontal Bar Charts

Multi-Vertical Bar Charts

Bar on Bar Charts

Multi-Horizontal Bar Charts

Stacked Bar Charts

Histograms

Popular use cases for each bar chart style

Bar-on-bar Charts

  • Contrast a single response against a benchmark or a team's average.

  • Provide a dual layer of data interpretation.

Horizontal Bar Charts

  • Enjoy more space for axis descriptors if needed.

  • Create bars for each scored level of the assessment (sections, subsections, segmentations, questions)

Vertical Bar Charts

  • Create bars for each scored level of the assessment (sections, subsections, segmentations, questions)

  • Illustrate comparative scores with rating colors

Stacked Bar Charts

  • Show the distribution of answers within a cohort report.

  • Group answers that are associated with a set of questions.

Multi Bar Charts

  • Compare individual or group responses alongside benchmarks.

  • Split bars by the classifier, role or any other grouping

Histograms

  • See the diversity of responses across classifiers.

  • Map distribution patterns in a single glance.

Build a brilliant bar chart with classifiers, benchmarks, and ratings

While bar charts may seem a bit plain, there are many ways to customize the appearance and add elements that make bars easy to read and interpret.

Classifiers

Classifiers provide at-a-glance comparisons of the distribution of responses across categories. Quickly see patterns, trends, and the proportion of respondents in each classification.

Benchmarks

Create reference points that compare individual or group assessment scores against predefined standards or average scores. Highlight areas that meet, exceed, or fall short of benchmarks.

Ratings

Provide a measure of performance or proficiency with banded scores and ratings. Color code bar charts according to ratings and offer a clear representation of how scores vary across different areas.

Customize the look of your bar charts

While bar charts may seem a bit plain on the surface, there are many different ways to customize them and add detail.

Data Labels

Add labels to the end of each bar to make data and scores easy to interpret. Choose to display as a percentage, likert score or actual score.

Colors

You can override rating colors and set custom colors for each bar or in multi-bar charts. You can also set quick color themes at the advanced rating level.

Rating Lines & Bands

Show rating thresholds as colored backgrounds of colored lines. This shows respondents how close they are to the next level

Backgrounds

Make charts stand out against detailed backgrounds in your report, or add emphasis with background colors and border options.