Time Series
Step Chart
Line chart with horizontal steps between points. No interpolation between values.
Subscription Price Changes
Monthly pricing tier updates
View data (12 rows)
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| Jan | 9.99 |
| Feb | 9.99 |
| Mar | 12.99 |
| Apr | 12.99 |
| May | 12.99 |
| Jun | 12.99 |
| Jul | 14.99 |
| Aug | 14.99 |
| Sep | 14.99 |
| Oct | 11.99 |
| Nov | 11.99 |
| Dec | 15.99 |
Use a step chart when…
- Discrete state changes (pricing tiers, status)
- When values hold until next change
Avoid when…
- Continuous data where interpolation is valid
Data it needs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Min Rows | 5 |
| Min Columns | 2 |
| Column Types | datenumber |
Visual anatomy
Marks
step-linedot (optional, at each vertex)
Channels
position-xposition-y
Axes
x-timey-quantitative
Guiding principles
Consider instead
Common mistakes
Using step when interpolation is valid
Missing the final step
History
Standard in control systems and utility-tariff schedules since the mid-20th century, where values genuinely hold constant until the next discrete change.
Accessibility notes
Describe each step change with its timing and new value.
Related reading
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