# Encoding

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

**Definition.** An encoding is the visual property that carries a value: length, position, angle, area or colour. Length and position read most exactly; angle, area and colour read roughly.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 034 · Scatter

- **01 Position.** Across and up carry two values per dot.
- **02 Colour.** A group, named in the legend.

## Where you see it

- [001 · Bars](https://usechartory.com/charts/bars): Compare items · Fintech data
- [034 · Scatter](https://usechartory.com/charts/scatter): Relationship · Crypto data
- [017 · Donut](https://usechartory.com/charts/donut): Part of a whole · SaaS data

## Common mistakes

- **Colour for exact values** Shades are hard to compare. Use length or position for the number that matters.
- **Two encodings for one value** Size and colour for the same number add noise, not meaning.

## Questions

### Which encoding is most exact?

Position on a shared axis, then length.

### Why do donut charts use angle?

Angle shows parts of one whole at a glance; for exact comparisons, bars are better.

## Related terms

- [Mark](https://usechartory.com/glossary/mark): One drawn shape that stands for one data point: a bar, a dot or a slice.
- [Bubble](https://usechartory.com/glossary/bubble): A circle whose area carries a value.
- [Legend](https://usechartory.com/glossary/legend): The key that names each colour or mark.
- [Axis](https://usechartory.com/glossary/axis): The scale along the edge of a plot that gives marks their value.

## Bars, scatter, donut and the other types.

In Figma and React, in four sizes, light and dark. Pay once, every update. [See plans](https://usechartory.com/pricing)

Every chart word, A to Z. [Open the glossary](https://usechartory.com/glossary)