Data-Ink Ratio.
Maximize ink devoted to data. Erase decoration, within reason.
Maximize the share of ink devoted to data. Minimize gridlines, borders, backgrounds, and decoration. Ask of every element: does this help the reader understand the data? If not, remove it or reduce it.
Erase non-data-ink, within reason.
Edward Tufte, 1983 · The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
Charts that apply this principle
Bar Chart
Compare quantities across categories using vertical bars positioned on a common baseline.
Bullet Chart
A compact bar with reference markers that replaces gauges and meters for KPI dashboards.
Dumbbell Chart
Two dots connected by a line showing the gap between two values per category.
Range Plot
Horizontal min-max range bars per category — Tufte's range-frame style for compact range comparisons.
Treemap
Nested rectangles sized by value, showing hierarchical part-to-whole for many categories.
Histogram
Shows frequency distribution of a numeric variable by grouping values into bins.
Stem-and-Leaf Plot
Hybrid of table and histogram that preserves individual data values while showing distribution shape.
Strip / Jitter Plot
Individual data points with random horizontal jitter to prevent overlap.
Dot Map
One dot per occurrence, showing density and distribution of point events.
Bullet Sparkline
Compact inline bullet chart for tables and dense dashboards.
Data Table
A structured tabular display with sortable columns, ideal when users need exact values rather than visual patterns.
Infographic Stat Block
Bold, large-format number cards arranged in a grid, designed for presentations and infographic-style layouts.