# Hierarchy

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

**Definition.** A hierarchy is parts that sit inside other parts, several levels deep. Hierarchy charts nest them, so both the parts and their groups read at once.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 030 · Treemap

- **01 The groups.** Each category is one colour block.
- **02 The parts inside.** Subcategories as tiles inside their group.

## Where you see it

- [022 · Sunburst](https://usechartory.com/charts/sunburst): Part of a whole · AI data
- [030 · Treemap](https://usechartory.com/charts/treemap): Part of a whole · E-commerce data
- [068 · Icicle](https://usechartory.com/charts/icicle): Part of a whole · AI data

## Common mistakes

- **Too many levels** Past three levels the smallest parts vanish. Show two, and let people drill in.
- **Flat data in a hierarchy chart** One level of parts reads better as a donut or bars.

## Questions

### Treemap, sunburst or icicle?

A treemap for many parts at once, a sunburst for a round view, an icicle when names need room.

### How deep can a hierarchy go?

Two or three levels read well on one card.

## Related terms

- [Share](https://usechartory.com/glossary/share): A part divided by its total, read as a percent.
- [Category](https://usechartory.com/glossary/category): A named group a mark belongs to, such as a plan or a region.
- [Stacked](https://usechartory.com/glossary/stacked): Parts placed on top of each other so the total stays visible.

## Treemap, sunburst, icicle and the other types.

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