Bar Race Chart Tutorial

Bar Race Chart: Global GDP Over Time

We’ll be creating a Bar Race Chart to visualize how the GDP of different countries has changed over time.


Step 1: Create a Bar Chart Race

Step 1
- Open Flourish and under the template section, click on Bar Race Chart.


Step 2: Collect and Prepare Data

Step 2
- Download the dataset containing GDP (in Billion USD) over multiple years. - Upload your cleaned dataset.
- Ensure that it has columns for Country, Year, and GDP Value.
- Clean and format the data if necessary.


Step 3: Configure the Data

Step 3
- Set Country as the category.
- Set Year as the time variable.
- Set GDP Value as the numerical field.
- Adjust the speed and duration of the animation.


Step 4: Customize Appearance

Step 4
- Choose a color scheme to differentiate countries.
- Enable labels and tooltips for better clarity.
- Adjust the font size, title, and axis settings.


Step 5: Publish and Embed

Step 5
- Click Publish & Export in Flourish.
- Copy the Embed URL.


Final Bar Race Chart


Why Use a Bar Race Chart for GDP?

A Bar Race Chart is the best choice for this dataset because:

  • It shows dynamic changes in GDP rankings over time.
  • Highlights global economic trends in an engaging way.
  • Animation helps track how countries rise or fall in economic power.
  • Makes it easy to compare GDP values year by year.

You’re done! Your animated bar race chart is ready to be shared.