How do I create a line chart in R with ggplot2?

Use geom_line() from the ggplot2 package. Variables needed: 1 temporal + 1-7 numerical series.

What data types work with a line chart?

A line chart works best with time series, numerical data. It requires 1 temporal + 1-7 numerical series.

Trend Time SeriesNumerical

Line Chart

ggplot2: geom_line() · Package: ggplot2 · Variables: 1 temporal + 1-7 numerical series

WHAT IS A LINE CHART?

A line chart connects data points with straight lines to show how values change over a continuous dimension, most commonly time. It is the default chart for time-series data — answering "how has this metric changed over time?" Line charts can show multiple series on the same axes for comparison (e.g., revenue by product over months). They work best with at least 5-7 data points and an ordered x-axis. In ggplot2, use geom_line() and optionally geom_point() to mark individual data points.

BEST FOR

· Trends over time
· Comparing multiple series
· Continuous data patterns
· Forecasting context

AVOID WHEN

· Categorical/unordered x-axis
· Fewer than 4 data points
· Unconnected discrete categories

R + GGPLOT2 CODE EXAMPLE

ggplot2

ggplot(economics, aes(x = date, y = unemploy)) +
  geom_line(color = "#ff6a00", linewidth = 0.8) +
  labs(title = "US Unemployment Over Time", x = "Date", y = "Unemployed (thousands)")