data series

A data series is a set of related values that are plotted on a chart.

In Numbers, data series are represented differently in different kinds of charts:

  • Column charts and bar charts: A data series is represented by a series of bars with the same fill (colour or texture).

  • Stacked charts: A data series is represented by the portions of bars with the same fill (colour or texture).

  • Line charts (also called graphs): A data series is represented by a single line.

  • Area charts: A data series is represented by an area shape.

  • Pie charts and doughnut charts: Only a single data set (the first data point in each series) is represented on the chart.

  • Scatter charts: Two columns of data are used to plot values for a single data series. Each pair of values determines the position of one data point.

  • Bubble charts: Three columns of data are used to plot values for a single data series. Each triplet of values determines the position and size of one data point (bubble) — the first two values (x and y) determine the position (or coordinates) of the bubble, and the third value (z) determines the size of the bubble.