Radar Chart
A radar chart places several measures on axes that radiate from a center. A line connects one value on each axis, creating a profile for an item or group. It is also called a spider chart.
Read the axes before the shape
The example compares two teams on four review measures. Every axis runs from 0 to 5. Team A scores 4 for speed; Team B scores 3. Team B has the higher reliability score.
These are sample scores, not measured product performance. A larger outline is not a calculated overall score.
Use comparable scales
Radar charts are easiest to interpret when every axis uses the same scale and direction. If one axis shows cost and another shows satisfaction, farther from the center does not mean “better” on both.
Normalize values only with a stated method. Keep axis order fixed when comparing charts. Changing the order changes the polygon's shape and area even when the values stay the same.
When another chart is clearer
Use a radar chart for a small number of profiles where the pattern across measures matters. Too many profiles produce overlapping lines that are hard to trace.
For exact comparisons, use grouped bars or a table. For many numeric variables with different units, consider parallel coordinates. Neither chart removes the need to explain the scales.
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