What are sparklines used for in a table?

Sparklines are used primarily as small graphical representations that fit within individual cells of a table. They provide a visual summary of data trends or variations over time without taking up the space that a traditional chart would require. This feature is particularly useful for embedding context into numerical data in a compact way, allowing users to quickly assess patterns at a glance directly next to the corresponding data values.

While summary statistics, larger charts, and data labels may serve important roles in data visualization, they do not encapsulate the unique function of sparklines. Sparklines are specifically designed to showcase trends and changes in a visually concise manner, making it easy to see patterns without the distraction of full-sized charts or extensive data labels.