Charts / Glossary
Mark
A chart word, with the charts that use it.
Definition
A mark is one drawn shape that stands for one data point: a bar, a dot or a slice. Every chart is made of marks placed by its encodings.
Updated Nov 2, 2026
- 01One markOne dot is one token.
- 02Its positionReturn and volatility place the dot.
Where you see it
001 · BarsCompare items · Fintech data
034 · ScatterRelationship · Crypto data
017 · DonutPart of a whole · SaaS data
Common mistakes
Marks that hide each other
Overlapping dots hide data. Use see-through dots or a hex grid.
Decoration as marks
Shapes that carry no data read as if they did.
Questions
Is a line one mark?
Yes: a line joins many points into one mark for one series.
What makes a mark readable?
A clear shape, enough contrast and, where it matters, a label.
Every chart word, A to Z.
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