What is the most appropriate combo chart for comparing multiple datasets side by side?

The line and clustered column chart is a highly effective choice for comparing multiple datasets side by side because it allows for the simultaneous display of both categorical data (in this case, the clustered columns) and trends over time or another continuous variable (represented by the line).

This combination enables viewers to easily identify relationships and differences between the datasets at each category while also observing trends. For example, if you have sales data for different products over multiple months, the clustered columns can represent each product's sales for those months, while the line can illustrate overall trends, such as seasonal variations.

While other options like the bar chart or area chart may facilitate comparisons, they typically do not provide the same level of clarity regarding trends when multiple datasets are involved. The stacked column chart also tends to obscure individual contributions to the whole by combining data into single bars, which can make it challenging to discern specific values for each category. Thus, the line and clustered column chart strikes an ideal balance for presenting and comparing diverse datasets effectively.