Line Charts

How line charts work

A line chart always connects data points into a continuous line. You define:

• Dimension (X-axis): what you measure across (e.g. months, years)

• Metric (Y-axis): the value you want to display (e.g. price, number of listings)

You can extend this in two ways:

• Add a breakdown dimension to split one metric into multiple lines

• Or use multiple metrics (up to 5) to compare different values

Configuration options

Dimensions

• Defines the X-axis (horizontal axis)

• Typically time-based (e.g. months, quarters, years)

Example:

• Dimension: Month

• Result: X-axis shows Jan, Feb, Mar, etc.

Metric

• Defines the values shown on the Y-axis (vertical axis)

Example:

• Metric: Average property price

• Result: Line shows how prices change over time

Breakdown dimension

Use a breakdown dimension to split one metric into multiple lines.

Example:

• Dimension: Month

• Metric: Average price

• Breakdown: Property type (apartment, house)

Result:

• One line per property type

Multiple metrics (up to 5)

Instead of a breakdown, you can compare different metrics in one chart.

Example:

• Dimension: Month

• Metrics:

  • Average price

  • Number of listings

  • Number of inquiries

Result:

• One line per metric

Note: When using multiple metrics, a Y-axis title is not available.

Display options

Display legend

Shows a legend explaining each line.

Use it when:

• You have multiple lines (breakdown or multiple metrics)

Avoid it when:

• Only one line is shown (not needed)

Show X-axis title

Displays a label for the X-axis.

Example:

• “Month”

• “Year”

Best practice:

• Always enable when the dimension is not obvious

Compact numbers (X-axis)

Shortens large numbers on the X-axis.

Example:

• 1,000 → 1K

Use only if:

• Your X-axis contains numeric values (not typical for time-based data)

Y-axis title

Displays a label for the Y-axis.

Important:

• Only available when using one metric

Example:

• “Average price (€)”

• “Number of listings”

Best practice:

• Always use clear units (€, %, count)

Compact numbers (Y-axis)

Shortens large numbers on the Y-axis.

Example:

• 1,500,000 → 1.5M

Recommended for:

• Property prices

• Large counts

Compact numbers (Y-axis)

Shortens large numbers on the Y-axis.

Example:

• 1,500,000 → 1.5M

Recommended for:

• Property prices

• Large counts

Footnote field

You can add additional context below the chart.

Formatting options:

• Bold

• Links

Use the footnote for:

• Data sources

• Definitions

• Methodology notes

Example:

• “Data based on internal Engel & Völkers listings (2020–2025).”

• “Average price refers to median listing price.”

Best practices

Do’s

• Use time-based dimensions (month, year) for clear trends

• Keep the number of lines manageable (max 3–4 for readability)

• Label axes clearly, including units

• Use a breakdown when comparing categories of the same metric

• Use multiple metrics only when values are comparable

Don’ts

• Do not mix unrelated metrics (e.g. price and website visits)

• Do not overload the chart with too many lines

• Do not skip axis titles when the meaning is unclear

• Do not use dots with dense datasets

• Do not rely on colors alone—always enable the legend when needed

Example setup

Scenario: Price development by property type

• Dimension: Month

• Metric: Average property price

• Breakdown: Property type

• Display legend: Enabled

• Show X-axis title: Enabled (“Month”)

• Y-axis title: Enabled (“Average price (€)”)

• Compact numbers Y-axis: Enabled

• Show dots: Disabled

This setup clearly shows how different property types evolve over time without clutter.