Radial Plot

This radial plot uses both angular and radial extent to convey multiple dimensions of data. However, this approach is not perceptually effective, as viewers will most likely be drawn to the total area of the shape, conflating the two dimensions. This example also demonstrates a way to add labels to circular plots.

View this example in the online editor

Vega-Lite JSON Specification

{
  "$schema": "https://vega.github.io/schema/vega-lite/v5.json",
  "description": "A simple radial chart with embedded data.",
  "data": {
    "values": [12, 23, 47, 6, 52, 19]
  },
  "layer": [{
    "mark": {"type": "arc", "innerRadius": 20, "stroke": "#fff"}
  },{
    "mark": {"type": "text", "radiusOffset": 10},
    "encoding": {
      "text": {"field": "data", "type": "quantitative"}
    }
  }],
  "encoding": {
    "theta": {"field": "data", "type": "quantitative", "stack": true},
    "radius": {"field": "data", "scale": {"type": "sqrt", "zero": true, "rangeMin": 20}},
    "color": {"field": "data", "type": "nominal", "legend": null}
  }
}