Step Lines are often useful when you want to show discrete change over time, as opposed to a standard line chart where angled lines might imply a gradual change. For example, the number of generators running at any given time is a discrete whole number and you may wish to emphasize this fact with a Step Lines chart.

In the following example, we've taken the build-up of profit that was previously demonstrated with a Waterfall Chart and used Step Lines to show each successive step of profit:

Overall, a Step Lines chart is very easy to create. Simply click the Path shelf and select the Step Lines from Line Type, as shown in the following screenshot. Note that you have options for linear and Jump Lines as well:

Linear is the default: angled lines that emphasize movement between values. Jump Lines are useful when you want to show values that indicate a certain state that may exist for a given period of time before jumping to another state. For example, you might wish to show how many products are on the showroom floor over time, or how many patient beds are filled day-to-day.