When should I use a SmartArt graphic and when should I use a chart?

A SmartArt graphic is a visual representation of information and ideas, and a chart is a visual illustration of numeric values or data. Basically, SmartArt graphics are designed for text and charts are designed for numbers.

Use the information below to decide when to use a SmartArt graphic and when to use a chart.

Use a SmartArt graphic if you want to do any of the following:

• Create an organization chart.

• Show hierarchy, such as a decision tree.

• Illustrate steps or stages in a process or workflow.

• Show the flow of a process, procedure, or other event.

• List information.

• Show cyclical or repetitive information.

• Show a relationship between parts, such as overlapping concepts.

• Create a matrix illustration.

• Show proportional or hierarchical information in a pyramid illustration.

• Create an illustration quickly by typing or pasting your text and having it automatically positioned and arranged for you.

To create a SmartArt graphic, see Create a SmartArt graphic. For help with deciding which SmartArt graphic layout to use, see Choose a SmartArt graphic.

Use a chart if you want to do any of the following:

• Create a bar chart or column chart.

• Create a line or XY scatter (data point) chart.

• Create a stock chart, used to graph various stock prices.

• Create a surface, donut, bubble, or radar chart.

• Link to live data in a Microsoft Excel workbook.

• Update your chart automatically when numbers in a Microsoft Excel workbook are updated.

• Use "what-if" calculations, and you want to be able to change numbers and see the changes automatically and immediately reflected in the chart.

• Automatically add legends or gridlines that are based on your data.

• Use chart-specific functionality, such as error bars or data labels.

To create a chart in Excel, see Create a chart from start to finish. To add a chart to your Word document, see Add a chart to your document. For help with deciding which type of chart to use, see Available chart types.