Chart Pattern · Reference

Bar + Target Line

Combo · actual (bar) vs target (line)

Monthly sales — actual vs target

Bars: actual revenue per month · Line: monthly target · Color: green if actual ≥ target, red if below

✓ When to use

  • Comparing actual against a plan or target month-by-month
  • You want one chart to answer "Did we hit our number this period?"
  • Few enough periods (≤24) that bars stay readable

✗ Avoid when

  • Tracking trend without a benchmark — use a plain line instead
  • You have many series — small multiples are clearer
  • Target changes wildly month to month — table works better

★ Best practice

  • Color the bars by achievement: green ≥ target, red below
  • Line on top of bars (not stacked); single dashed line for target
  • Show actual / target data labels above hard-misses