A bullet graph is a variation of a bar graph and serves as a light weight replacement for dashboard gauges and meters. Bullet graphs can be used in cases where space is a constraint and other gauges or widgets cannot be used.

In this section, you will be introduced to the:

• Basics of bullet graphs

• Types of bullet graphs

• Features of bullet graphs

Basics of Bullet Graphs

The bullet graph features a single, primary measure (for example, current year-to-date revenue), compares that measure to one or more other measures to enrich its meaning (for example, compared to a target) and displays it in the context of qualitative ranges of performance, such as poor, satisfactory, and good.

Types of Bullet Graphs

Bullet graphs may be oriented horizontally or vertically and multiple graphs may be stacked to allow comparisons of several measures at once.

A simple horizontal bullet graph looks like this:

A simple vertical bullet graph looks like this:

In the above charts, the filled bar represents the actual value and the line represents the target value.

Features of Bullet Graphs

Bullet graphs allow you to:

• Plot the value as a filled bar or as a dot

• Show/hide axis division values

• Show/hide the chart value

• Customize axis limits

• Customize tick marks and values

• Customize plot cosmetics

• Draw round color range bar

There! You have now seen and understood the basics of bullet graphs.