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 help you 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 entering your text and having it automatically positioned and arranged for you in a SmartArt graphic layout.

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, radar, or pie chart.

• Create a combination chart, such as a bar and line 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.

Find links to more information about creating charts in the See Also section.