# Bar chart styles

Bars charts are a classic. They make it easy to see differences and trends at a glance, as universally, people are pretty good at interpreting bigger and smaller blocks on an axis. Bars provide a simple way to communicate data, whether placed vertically, horizontally, or stacked upon each other.

[**Let’s look at the different styles available in Brilliant Assessments in more detail →**](/content/features/charts/bar-charts#seven-chart-types/index.html)

## Choose from seven different bar chart styles.

In Brilliant Assessments, you can choose from seven different bar-style charts to deliver your feedback.

### Vertical Bar Charts

### Horizontal Bar Charts

### Multi-Vertical Bar Charts

### Bar on Bar Charts

### Multi-Horizontal Bar Charts

### Stacked Bar Charts

### Histograms

## Popular use cases for each bar chart style

### Bar-on-bar charts
- Contrast a single response against a benchmark or a team's average.
- Provide a dual layer of data interpretation.

### Horizontal bar charts
- Enjoy more space for axis descriptors if needed.
- Create bars for each scored level of the assessment (sections, subsections, segmentations, questions)

### Vertical bar charts
- Create bars for each scored level of the assessment (sections, subsections, segmentations, questions)
- Illustrate comparative scores with rating colors

### Stacked bar charts
- Show the distribution of answers within a cohort report.
- Group answers that are associated with a set of questions.

### Multi bar charts
- Compare individual or group responses alongside benchmarks.
- Split bars by the classifier, role or any other grouping

### Histograms
- See the diversity of responses across classifiers.
- Map distribution patterns in a single glance.

## Build a **brilliant** bar chart with classifiers, benchmarks, and ratings

While bar charts may seem a bit plain, there are many ways to customize the appearance and add elements that make bars easy to read and interpret.

### Classifiers
Classifiers provide at-a-glance comparisons of the distribution of responses across categories. Quickly see patterns, trends, and the proportion of respondents in each classification.

### Benchmarks
Create reference points that compare individual or group assessment scores against predefined standards or average scores. Highlight areas that meet, exceed, or fall short of benchmarks.

### Ratings
Provide a measure of performance or proficiency with banded scores and ratings. Color code bar charts according to ratings and offer a clear representation of how scores vary across different areas.

## Customize the look of your bar charts

While bar charts may seem a bit plain on the surface, there are many different ways to customize them and add detail.

### Data labels
Add labels to the end of each bar to make data and scores easy to interpret. Choose to display as a percentage, likert score or actual score.

### Chart colors
You can override rating colors and set custom colors for each bar or in multi-bar charts. You can also set quick color themes at the advanced rating level.

### Rating Lines & Bands
Show rating thresholds as colored backgrounds of colored lines. This shows respondents how close they are to the next level

### Backgrounds
Make charts stand out against detailed backgrounds in your report, or add emphasis with background colors and border options.