# Diverging scale

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

**Definition.** A diverging scale has values that run in two directions from a midpoint, such as gains and losses. Each side takes its own colour, and the midpoint stays clear.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 004 · Diverging bars

- **01 The midpoint.** Zero, where the two directions meet.
- **02 Two directions.** Inflow up, outflow down, each in its own colour.

## Where you see it

- [004 · Diverging bars](https://usechartory.com/charts/diverging-bars): Compare items · Fintech data
- [063 · Likert](https://usechartory.com/charts/likert): Distribution · SaaS data

## Common mistakes

- **A midpoint that is not meaningful** Diverge from zero or from a target, not from the average by default.
- **One colour for both sides** Gains and losses blur together. Give each side its own colour.

## Questions

### When is a diverging scale the right choice?

When the sign matters: in and out, agree and disagree, above and below target.

### Does each side need the same length?

Yes, so the two directions compare fairly.

## Related terms

- [Baseline](https://usechartory.com/glossary/baseline): The zero or reference line that bars grow from.
- [Axis](https://usechartory.com/glossary/axis): The scale along the edge of a plot that gives marks their value.
- [Encoding](https://usechartory.com/glossary/encoding): The visual property that carries a value: length, position, angle, area or colour.

## Diverging bars, likert and the other types.

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