# Time series

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

**Definition.** A time series is values recorded at regular moments, drawn left to right. Its shape shows trends, cycles and sudden changes.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 010 · Line

- **01 Time along the bottom.** Earliest on the left, now on the right.
- **02 The value over time.** One point per moment, joined into a line.

## Where you see it

- [010 · Line](https://usechartory.com/charts/line): Change over time · AI data
- [011 · Area](https://usechartory.com/charts/area): Change over time · Crypto data
- [036 · Candlestick](https://usechartory.com/charts/candlestick): Change over time · Crypto data

## Common mistakes

- **Uneven gaps drawn evenly** If moments are missing, the line should show the gap, not join across it.
- **Time running right to left** Readers expect the past on the left.

## Questions

### Which chart is best for a time series?

A line for one measure, an area for an amount, candlesticks for prices with a range.

### How long can a time series be?

Hundreds of points; the axis labels thin out, the data does not.

## Related terms

- [Series](https://usechartory.com/glossary/series): One set of values drawn together, such as one line or one colour of bars.
- [Area](https://usechartory.com/glossary/area): The filled space under a line, read for volume over time.
- [Axis](https://usechartory.com/glossary/axis): The scale along the edge of a plot that gives marks their value.
- [Cumulative](https://usechartory.com/glossary/cumulative): A running total: each point adds everything before it.

## Line, area, candlestick and the other types.

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