# Baseline

> A chart word, with the charts that use it.

**Definition.** The baseline is the zero or reference line that bars grow from. Bar length is read from it, so a bar chart whose baseline is not zero makes small differences look large.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 001 · Bars

- **01 Bar length.** Read from the baseline up, so the value is the whole bar.
- **02 The baseline.** Every bar starts here, at zero.

## Where you see it

- [001 · Bars](https://usechartory.com/charts/bars): Compare items · Fintech data
- [004 · Diverging bars](https://usechartory.com/charts/diverging-bars): Compare items · Fintech data
- [042 · Waterfall](https://usechartory.com/charts/waterfall): Flow between steps · Fintech data

## Common mistakes

- **A bar baseline above zero** Bars that start at 50 make 60 look twice as big as 55. Start bars at zero; use dots or a line when zero is far away.
- **No zero line on diverging bars** Gains and losses blur together. Draw the zero line stronger than the grid.
- **Waterfall totals that float** Totals stand on the baseline; only the steps between them float.

## Questions

### Does a bar chart need a zero baseline?

Yes. Bar length carries the value, so bars start at zero. Lines and dots can start elsewhere: they are read by position.

### Where is the baseline in a diverging bar chart?

In the middle. Bars run left or right from zero, so the zero line is drawn stronger than the grid.

## Related terms

- [Axis](https://usechartory.com/glossary/axis): The scale along the edge of a plot that gives marks their value.
- [Tick](https://usechartory.com/glossary/tick): A small mark on an axis at a round value, with its label.
- [Gridline](https://usechartory.com/glossary/gridline): A faint line across the plot at each tick, so values read without a ruler.
- [Domain](https://usechartory.com/glossary/domain): The range of values an axis covers, from its lowest to its highest tick.
- [Diverging scale](https://usechartory.com/glossary/diverging-scale): Values that run in two directions from a midpoint, such as gains and losses.
- [Stacked](https://usechartory.com/glossary/stacked): Parts placed on top of each other so the total stays visible.
- [Range](https://usechartory.com/glossary/range): The span between a low and a high value, drawn as one bar or one line.

## Bars, diverging bars, waterfall and the other 129 types.

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