Introduction to scales


Building a graph requires transforming a dimension (a numeric variable in your dataset) into a position in pixels. This is done using a fundamental dataviz concept called scale.

Before implementing it in the next lesson, let's explore what this crucial concept is all about.

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5 minutes read

Test your intuition

Let's test your intuition with the following exercise.

  • You have an SVG area with a width of 500px.
  • You can place circles anywhere along this area horizontally.
  • You have a dataset with 5 values: 0, 50, 60, 82, 100

How do you position your circles to represent this dataset? Drag the circles below following your intuition:

Note: the number in each circle represents its value in the dataset.

05060821000 px250 px500 px



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