# Ranking

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

**Definition.** A ranking is order by value; a bump chart follows how the order changes. It tells you who leads, not by how much.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 045 · Bump

- **01 The rank.** Each row is one place, first at the top.
- **02 A swap.** Where two lines cross, two items changed places.

## Where you see it

- [045 · Bump](https://usechartory.com/charts/bump): Compare items · Crypto data
- [007 · Horizontal bars](https://usechartory.com/charts/horizontal-bars): Compare items · Logistics data

## Common mistakes

- **A ranking that hides the gap** Rank 1 and 2 may be far apart. Show the values when the gap matters.
- **Ties broken by chance** Break them by a rule, such as the value behind the rank or the name.

## Questions

### Bump chart or bars?

Bars for one ranking now, a bump chart for how the order changes over time.

### How many items can a ranking show?

Five to ten lines in a bump chart, many more as sorted bars.

## Related terms

- [Category](https://usechartory.com/glossary/category): A named group a mark belongs to, such as a plan or a region.
- [Series](https://usechartory.com/glossary/series): One set of values drawn together, such as one line or one colour of bars.
- [Time series](https://usechartory.com/glossary/time-series): Values recorded at regular moments, drawn left to right.

## Bump, horizontal bars and the other types.

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