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Radar (Spider) Chart: Wikipedia

Radar charts can be used to compare multivariate data by displaying multiple quantitative variables arranged radially around a central point. For example, a radar chart could be used to rank and compare two beers based on eight aspects of taste and ingredients. The chart uses color coding to visually contrast the rankings of each beer to allow comparisons of which is preferred for different aspects like bitterness. Radar charts can also be used in business for applications like analyzing employee skills across multiple categories and comparing products based on various characteristics.

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61 views

Radar (Spider) Chart: Wikipedia

Radar charts can be used to compare multivariate data by displaying multiple quantitative variables arranged radially around a central point. For example, a radar chart could be used to rank and compare two beers based on eight aspects of taste and ingredients. The chart uses color coding to visually contrast the rankings of each beer to allow comparisons of which is preferred for different aspects like bitterness. Radar charts can also be used in business for applications like analyzing employee skills across multiple categories and comparing products based on various characteristics.

Uploaded by

Rome Empe Bal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Radar (Spider) Chart

Suppose you were asked to rank your favorite beer on 8 aspects (Sourness, Bitterness, Sweetness,
Saltiness, Yeast, Hop, Malt and Special Grain) and then show them graphically, you might use a
Column Chart for it.

But when there are a large number of variables (8 in this case), the Column Chart might look
cluttered. In such scenarios, try the Radar Chart instead!

A Radar Chart is a graphical method of displaying multivariate data in the form of a two-dimensional
chart of three or more quantitative variables represented on axes starting from the same point. 
(Source: Wikipedia)

Each of the 8 aspects of our beer example form individual axes which have been arranged radially
around a point. The value of each aspect is depicted by the node (anchor) on the spoke (axis). A line
is drawn connecting the data values for each spoke. And thus you get your Radar Chart showing all
your data values at one go!
So much for one beer—you may wonder! Now imagine you have 2 beers to compare.

Comparison between Brand A & B


The 2 beers are ranked on each of the 8 parameters. The color coding for each beer helps to
visually correlate and contrast the beers over its diverse aspects. If you like your beer bitter, the
chart gives you an indication that maybe it's time you switched to Beer B (as Beer B has a higher
rank in bitterness to Beer A).

Check out live examples of Radar Chart in our charts gallery and JSFiddle


gallery.
Where can Radar (Spider) charts be used?
Now that you have got a hang of the Radar chart, let’s keep our beer mugs aside for a while and see
some of its business applications.

Skill Analysis of Employees:


A Radar chart can come in handy during the appraisal and review process.

HR managers can visualize employee performance data, based on rankings given by their
respective seniors, on a single chart. This chart can also be used to plan employee training by
grouping employees who lack a particular skill set (low in rank) and then designing suitable remedial
procedures for the group.

Product Comparison:
Compare between two or more products over a range of characteristics using a Radar Chart.
Let's say
you want to compare between 2 mobile phones over features like Battery, Camera, Display, Memory
and Brand. Get to know which mobile is better when it comes to your most desired feature.

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